I have looked at Virgin Valley and Bullberry.

If I go with an Encore, this is what I want. At least for now.

Caliber .260 Rem, 6.5x55, or maybe a 6.5-06.
Leaning towards the .260 Rem.

Stock- I like the VV thumbhole and the VV Green laminate and the Desert Camo laminate.

26 inch, blue, barrel

No open sights. Scope only.

Are there any other decent shops for Encore rifles than these two?

Thanks

Jim B.

JimB- My .02 cents worth, go with VV, I have both VV and BB. VV quality and service is tops. Fred at Bullberry on my last order quoted 3 months for a barrel it ended up 5 and a half months then my credit card was billed two weeks before it was delivered. Whereas Dave at VV was up front about delivery time. My last order with VV was for a benchrest style forearm for the Encore rifle, I ordered a low quality un-finished forearm but got a finished best quality one. I called Dave and told him that he sent a much better quality forearm than I ordered and he said as long as I was satisified with it every thing was OK with them.
Albert

I would recomend VVCG for an encore barrel. Customer service is excellent. I have ordered a contender barrel from BB they are very accurate as well. Of the two VVCG is my choice.
Rich Jake

Al may be right about the dilivery time on the barrels. I have order my first custom barrel and I ordered from bullberry. I ordered it on Feb.11,03 and I still don't have it. Although I called this past monday about it and I was told by I guess freds daughter that I should have it by the end of this month. The reason I didn't go with VV is they cost more.

It so happens I do have a 24" blued Encore barrel in .260 Remington. Got it in a trade so I don't know if it has been fired or not. Barrel and a new set of Redding dies for $250 plus $10 shipping.