Contemplating a 25-06 /300WM combo. I've seen lots of happy posts but a fair amount of disgruntled comments too. Wondering about AR experiences? Thanks

I have been an Encore guy for several years. It's not my only single shot platform but is one I rely on often.

We've got an SS Encore Pro-Hunter .223 Remington in shipment and can't wait for it to arrive. Already discussed have been 25-06 Remington & 300 WM options .....

We found alot of information here:

http://www.bellmtcs.com

Mine has 3 barrels 280/7mm EXP - 338WM .50Cal muzzle loader . Fine rifle !

Some people like them and some don't but that's true of most things. I think they are a great field/hunting rifle with a lot of flexibility. There are cheaper single shot rifles and prettier single shot rifles but none that have the parts availability and parts swapping capability like the Encore (and Contender). I think the main attraction for me is the "tinkertoy" approach to rifle building as well as the thriving custom/collector/swap market in new and used TC parts. I'm a light weight TC collector but I have managed to try out more than 100 different barrels over the years. I have only ever had trouble with one particular barrel (and I tried three different ones that all had the same problem).

This was shot with an Encore with a heavy 26 inch barrel.



This was shot with a 28 inch Pro Hunter barrel. Almost all of the several dozen Encore barrels I've had have been good but this one is especially good; a real long range hammer.



The handgun version does pretty well as well. This was shot with a Match Grade Machine barrel.

There is a lot of advice out there on what to do to make an Encore perfect. Some things I would not do is get an oversized hinge pin; better to go with an expanding pin sold by EABCO and others. I also wouldn't angst too much about alleged headspace problems. Some like to free float the forend with a hanger bar; I've done that and didn't see any difference but it didn't hurt. In my opinion, the best investment is in a trigger job. Mike Bellm's kit worked well for me but you need a little mechanical aptitude and the ability to read directions.

Another thing I do with my Encore and Contender barrels is to install Warne steel Weaver style bases and use their quick detach scope rings. This way, when I'm done using one of my many barrels for awhile, I can easily switch scopes around. I wouldn't use QD rings on a real heavy hitter like a 375 H&H Magnum or a handgun with heavy recoil as I think holding zero would be a bit iffy.

Thank You Gerry !!

Concho,



Almost too much info to digest at one reading. Very informative and like Grum & Mike Scott say - you can take or leave as much as you desire.

We're probably gonna fix the trigger first (after examination) see what the barrels do, then maybe move to a Hinge Pin fix.

I like Mike's "tinkertoy" approach, just gotta have fun "tinkering" with stuff.

I have a Encore in 358 Winchester that I can get 1"groups with at a hundred yards. I also have a 243 Winchester barrel that will shoot .5" groups at a hundred yards. Then I also have a Contender with a MGM 223 barrel that is just to good. It will give up less than .5" groups at one hundred yards. The 30-30 barrel I have for it will do the same thing. I think they are great rifles. You can change so much on them and make them yours as well as make them shoot great.