I am about to purchase my first T/C Encore rifle . I plan on buying a stainless model in 22-250 heavy barrel. I will shoot factory ammo. From everything I have read, it sounds like 1/2 inch groups are a struggle. Aside from a new trigger spring, is there anything else I have to have to achieve good groups? Is a custom barrel a must?

Some rifles come out of the factory needing little,
if anything at all. I hope you can get so lucky.

First got mine in the 209x50 model. After working
up a few loads, was able to get some one inch groups
which is pretty darned good for a smoke pole.

Then I got a T/C heavy 25-06 barrel and the night
mares began. Would you believe 3" groups? After much
research & testing (and absolutely no help from T/C,
even after sending it to them -- which was returned,
very dirty), I discovered the chamber was too deep
(.008) and the barrel needed to be lapped -- I chose
hand-lapping before proceeding to the more drastic
fire-lapping. Now, .270 cases have to be wildcatted
with a false shoulder and fireformed so the cases
fit the chamber. The forearm was also floated away
from the barrel. Now it will get 3/4" groups.
Nothing to really brag about because the 25-06
round is more capable than that, but it surely
beats 3"!!!

On the other hand, I ordered a Tactical 20 barrel
from VVCG and 1/4" groups are the norm. Guess who
who is getting my barrel business from now on?

I've owned and shot two Encore's. A 243 pistol and a 30-06 rifle. Neither were very accurate. I hope you have better luck than I have had.
I want a 25 something for the encore frame I have left, but it won't be a T/C factory barrel.
T.D.

Scott,

My first Encore barrel was a 22-250 26" heavy. I made all the mistakes. Maybe I can help you avoid a few.

1. Get Mike Bellm's trigger spring and do a trigger job using his CD or the info on his site.
2. It would be a good idea to put some washers between the forearm and the barrel. I think aluminum might work better than rubber, but I still use rubber.
3. Full length resize your brass if you reload.
4. Place the front rest against the trigger guard and it's not a bad idea to move the rear bag fairly close to the rear of the trigger guard.

You should expect groups around.5". If you can't get MOA you may have other issues, but most people don't have a problem with it.

Rick