Recently picked up a stainless action and synth stock. Found a stainless 22-250 barrel that appeared to be new. Put and old B&L 3-9x50 scope on it and headed to the range today. I couldn't believe how this thing shot. I had a mix of loads that were originally loaded for a 22-250 that has long since found a new owner.Just wanted to fire-form the brass. This rifle shot 2 different bullets and either 2 or 3 types of powder into about 3/4 in groups @ 100 yds. Think I might have to get serious with this thing....maybe even buy another barrel or two.

Yes, they can be extremely accurate -- not to mention addictive.

Soon you'll want a frame for each barrel and after-market stocks, too. Don't ask how I know.

I went with Contenders, too easy to get what I want.. Now starting with Encores and larger cartridges. No end to this tunnel.
M

quote:

....maybe even buy another barrel or two.

I have an Encore,

so far I have six barrels...

I had a Blued action and two barrels and thought I was done with the them.....but wish I had kept the stock set and action even though I didn't want those two barrels. Oh well! I don't often have sellers remorse but I do pine for the Encore.

With TC plus several after market manufacturers there are a ton of calibers available. I would lo9ve to get a barrel in 35 Winchester.... Yes the old rimmed case. I could use 30-40 brass (not that easy to find) or 7x65 brass. Maybe a 9.3x74 would make more sense ???

I have a SS Encore originally in 22-250...on the 3rd barrel...the first two had different defects and I returned the rifle for repair...Last time was the charmer...AFTER I worked over the forearm...installed pillars, free floated, dovetailed mounts into the barrel and a couple other Dennis Bellm improvements...it is a bugholer as long as I don't gorilla the forearm, I have to hold and trigger just like my air rifles.

I swear it has a 1-12 twist barrel as that's what kept coming up when I measured but I couldn't find any definitive "official" information.

I rechambered it to 22-243 and it likes the heavier, 60+ gr, longish bullets, at top end loads, seated to about plus 0.005" into the lands so I measure the ogives of all the bullets I shoot to make sure they are uniform...a few grains variation in weight doesn't seem to matter, but ogive points do.

I just ordered a 20" 500 S&W barrel for it...should be here by the first of the year...a walnut stock set, dies, cases and bullets...I'm REALLY looking forward to playing with that toy.

I also have a 10" 256 Win Contender that has always shot very well with 75 gr V-Max and 85 Noslers. Encores and Contenders are like any other break action or falling block single shots...some shot well right out of the box, some don't, but they ALL respond to a bit of massaging just like any other system.

The Contender/Encores and NEF's are TOTALLY ADDICTIVE...as far as I'm concerned. I only have the two T/C barrels right now but have shot many others in various calibers and just have to lock myself in to keep from buying more barrels. Having T/C's AND NEF's plus doing stub barrel swaps can keep a guy busy doing barrels and banging away.

LUCK

Can I chime in with a little question here Gentlemen?

I just got hold of a Thompson Center TCR 83 with two original barrels in 243Win and 30-06.
The 30-06 has open sights as well.

The rifle is well used, but seems to be tight and sound with no visible wear other than what is normal on a hunting rifle.

What is your opinion of this model, is it a keeper or does the design has flaws that make it a more suspect piece?

Here in Norway they are a rare find, but I`m not sure of the value on the open marked...

All I can say is I sure wish I could find one, been looking for years. GW

I have two Encore frames and about ten barrels, I at one time had a 22.250 barrel and the only 22-250 I ever had that could out shoot it was a Tikka and sadly it too was traded several years ago.

Arild Iversen

I had a TCR 87 many moons ago in 30-06 and it was a very accurate rifle, it's another one of those "why did I ever sell it" guns. A guy offered way much more money that I had in it and I thought I liked the money better, the misadventures of youth.

Steve.......

Goatwhiskers and Steve; Thank you guys, looks like a keeper then