I'm considering booking a Spainish Ibex hunt and I think I might like to use an Encore to do it with.

What recomendations would you make? Cal., Barrel, sites, etc.etc. The shot might need to be out around 100yrds.

BTW - The hunt would be in '07 so there is plenty of time to get a good comfort level.

Ibex are not particular hardy but live in such terrain that it may be necessary to drop it on the spot, lest it take a long tumble down a mountainside or fall into an area that's almost inaccessible. However, I will add that goats can be quite tenacious if you don't hit them well and can soak up lots of lead after an inadequate hit, so it's paramount to do things right the first go-round.

Also, shots generally tend to be on the longer side for ibex (175-250 yards), so I'd talk more with the guide/agent about that as well.

Nevertheless, an Encore chambered in anything such as 25-06, .260, .270 WCF, 7mm-08, .308 Win or 30-06 would be sufficient. As to scopes, a 3-9x40 would would do quite well (I'd recommend a Nikon Monarch).

Bobby - I was thinking 30-06 W/ maybe an 8" barrel?

A 30-06 with an 8" barrel -- well, to be honest, that would be a poor, poor choice. There's way too much capacity for such a short tube. If you want to go with a short tube, a 12" version in something like .300 Whisper or .30 Herrett will do the trick out to 100 yards or so. With a 15" barrel and a cartridge such as the .260 Rem., you'll get much better performance and an effective range of well over 200 yards. Ditto for the 7mm-08.

An 8" barrel in 30-06 would be brutal and wouldn't provide anything more than a much lesser (read that "manageable")cartridge could do.

Let us know what you decide on and how the hunt goes...

8" barrel in 06 ?????????would be fun to watch the flash in the dark. In a short barrel I would think one of the large pistol caliibers would be best. Made to burn all the powder fast.

Bobby - Thanks, I'm a bowhunter 1st and foremost. I do shoot big bore handguns. Here in Illinois we don't have rifle hunting oppertunitys. It's bows, shotgun and some handgun here.

I haven't much experience with rifle hunting or a good knowledge base with rifle cal rounds so I do appreciate the help.

I completely agree with Bobby, a 8" barrel in '06' would be a very poor choice....not enough barrel length for the cartridge.

I'd go with the 6.5x55, 260 or 7mm08.


Ike

O.k. - So what 12 0r 15" barrel for .30-06? or .7mm?

My interest about a rifle cal. is spurred by my concern ove the longer shot oppertunity. While handgun legands can & have made 100+ yard shots with mins, of acuratcy with my preffered .44 mag...I remain a mere moral.

Let me rephrase this question. IF you were going to hunt Ibex in Spain...a once in a lifetime hunt....with shots out to 100 yrds +....mindful that a one shot kill is needed...What cal., barrel & scope would you choose?

.308 Win loaded with your favorite 165 gr. bullet.........in that short of barrel there would be absolutely no gains in using a larger case.

If it were me, given the game you hope to harvest and the fact it's your first Encore barrel purchase, I'd go with a 15" 7mm08 topped with the highest quality variable scope I could afford.

Ike

Ike thanks that's the type of input I'm looking for. I've been on GunsAmerica and there seems to be plenty of Encores available.