I finally got back out and sighted in my new .338 RUM barrel for my Encore yesterday after having a slight problem with it being alittle stiff upon opening with factory rounds. Anyways yesterday I went out with some handloads and was TOTALLY amazed at the accuracy with my first handload. I sighted it for 2" high at 100 and I was able to print a .975 three shot group using H4831SC and a 225 Nos. Accubond. WOW!!!!!!! Way better than I had expected for my first outing. And recoil wasnt as bad as I expected either. Thanks VVCG and have your order pad ready for when the tax return gets here, I feel the need for a Tact.20 and maybe a 6.5-284.

You must have iron shoulders. 338RUM in a light singleshot? Ouch!

I don't think the Encores are all that light?!? I have a 6lb .45-70 Contender carbine (with scope, loaded ). Now that's approaching "light".

Hey Hobie, What is your total setup with the 45-70 to get 6lbs? I have a 308 AI 15" encore barrel that I will be having DW add a brake to for a carbine. A light scope and a hand made stock/forend and Im down to 5lb-9oz. The aluminum brake and sling will add a few more oz's But well on my way to the 6lb pack rifle for bear hunting this summer.
PW

Im a bigger guy and seem to absorb recoil very reasonable. Dont get me wrong I diffenetly feel it everytime I touch it off but it doesnt seem much heavier in recoil than my Dads Weatherby in .338 Win. I just got my Encore this past fall for Muzzleloading and love the feel of it so much that I decieded to go with it for my main shooter from now on. Id just as soon buy barrels for it than to buy a new rifle. The feel and the way they handle is incrediable too me. Every person that hold and shoulders my Encore says " that is a really good feelin gun and come up real nice." I have a 22-250 Ackley Improved coming from Bullberry within the next month or two and I wanted to compair their barrels with VVCGs. So far I have NO complaints with my VV barrel.

Just ordered my second barrel from Steve Stratton today. Contender carbine barrel in .357 max SS full bull 22". They ain't cheap but they do shoot.......
haven't weighed my 6mm 30-30 yet but I think it goes about 61/2 lbs. maybe alittle more.
I also have a Bullberry carbine barrel in .221 that is an excellent one as well.