Encore for varmint?

09 August 2002, 09:18

Ben_Wazzu

Encore for varmint?

Just wondering if anyone here shoots a T/C Encore? I am considering getting an Encore in .223 for fun at the range and maybe some varmint hunting. I have heard they are accurate. My biggest questions are how easily are they loaded compared to a bolt gun and can they be loaded comfortably from a bench? Thanks in advance.

Ben

09 August 2002, 10:01

Bill M

Hello Ben,

I went PD shooting with a 223 Encore last fall, and it worked quite well....

On to your question. You can't really load it "from the bench" like you can a bolt (leaving the gun in the bags). The best way that I have found is to remove the gun completely from the bags, load it, and put it back in the bags. With a little practice, you can do that plenty fast (almost as fast as a bolt), so don't let that discourage you from using an Encore!

Good luck and let us know what you decide,

Bill

09 August 2002, 12:02

born ready

Guys, Is there much difference in performance between an Encore and a Contender?

BR

10 August 2002, 01:49

Tweesdad

I have an Encore rifle in .223. The only problem I have encountered is that when the barrel gets hot, the gun tends to string the shots vertically. From a hot barrel, this has been as much as 4" at 100 yds. But, if I don't let the barrel get too hot, it is a real tack driver. Allowing 5 minutes between shots, it will shoot sub-MOA. Actually the best group was less than 3/8" at 100.
Hope this helps.

10 August 2002, 04:47

Bill M

quote:
Originally posted by born ready:
Guys, Is there much difference in performance between an Encore and a Contender?

BR

BR,

The main differences between the Encore and Contender are weight and strength. I think that the Encore weighs about a pound more, and can handle more powerful cartridges. While the Contender is basically limited to cartridges with rim diameter/pressure of a 30-30 Winchester, the Encore can handle Belted Magnum cartridges. The Contender barrel diameter is around .8", while Encore barrels are around 1" diameter at the frame.

J.D.Jones has a good write-up on the Encore posted on his website:
http://www.sskindustries.com/encore.html

Given suitable cartridges, the "performance" (accuracy) should be about the same?

Hope this helps, Bill

18 August 2002, 05:40

LoneEagle

quote:
Originally posted by born ready:
Guys, Is there much difference in performance between an Encore and a Contender?

BR

One other difference is that you can lower the hammer on an Encore and recock with out having to open the action. May not be as important for P-Dogs but for deer or coyotes the less movement the better. BTW, I have an Encore with a .250 Sav Barrel that shoots absolutley tiny groups with 75 gr V-Max's. Hopefully this year I will have more time for Coyote hunting than I did last year. Sean

20 August 2002, 13:58

deadeyedick

One advantage of the Contender is the trigger. On a contender it can be set so the wind will set it off. [Big Grin]

On the Encore 1 1/2# is about as good as it gets.
Rich [Cool]

20 August 2002, 14:33

DannoBoone

"My biggest questions are how easily are they loaded compared to a bolt gun and can they
be loaded comfortably from a bench?

From personal experience, it is comfortably possible to eject and reload from the bench
using either a bipod or the Outer's Varminter Rest. Just break it, pull out the shell,
replace it, and lock it shut -- no problem whatsoever.

My biggest problem was with a 25-06 barrel which was woefully inaccurate due to
horrible craftsmanship. It took quite a bit of doing, but it went from 3"+ groups to
MOA. Later got a custom Tactical 20 barrel from VVCG and that little wonder is a
real tack driver. Best group to date is just over 1/8", and I really love it.

You do have to let her cool awhile between shots or you will experience stringing,
but I've also had that problem on a couple of bolts. One should have a little
patience (or a second varmint rifle if p-dog hunting) between shots to save on
the rifling & throat, anyway.

They are fun rifles, but money for any more barrels will go to VVCG or Bullberry
(probably VVCG -- just 'cuz I KNOW their wonderful work, but I understand that
Bullberry or PacNor also make great, accurate barrels).

21 August 2002, 04:28

deadeyedick

Just a thought on hot barrels and verticle stringing. If you are using the VV or bullberry hanger bar systems you might want to put a little lock tite on one of the screws that hold the hanger bar to the barrel and not tighten it all the way. That will allow the barrel to "give a little" as it heats up. With both screws tight it could cause the barrel to "bend" as it heats up.
Rich [Cool]

21 August 2002, 04:58

Ben_Wazzu

Thanks for all the great information! I will definitely list T/C highly when I decide which rifle to buy next. I am left handed, so the encore has the appeal of an ambidextrous gun. Short action, left-handed guns are hard to come by (Tikka and Savage are the only two manufactures that I know of).

Ben