Rootbeer,

You are now hooked! First shoot the thing to see
how accurate it is. Then when you decide it COULD be a little more accurate check out Mike Bellm's site. link

Here you will find the answers to any & all
questions about T/C's. From rechambering existing
barrels to oversize hinge pins that tighten up
the barrel frame connection.

Enjoy your new rifle & shoot safe, Bruce

I think you got a good deal, Cap'n. I'm sure an ML barrel has got to be less pricey than a rifle or pistol barrel, but you got the frame and that's the heart of it all, anyway. Blue or stainless? I like stainless; I'm a lazy shooter (never clean my guns after vigorous and rigorous use). I guess my barrel requires a break-in procedure just like any other stainless barrel??? Does anybody know the rifling rate of the 26" .223 barrel? It is not given in the catalog. And what would be a good bullet to start with for 600-yard target work? Thanks.

Rootbeer, if you got the composite stocks, one of the best things you can do is to free float the barrel. I have an Encore in .223, and out of the box it had a bad problem with vertical stringing. I agree the Bellm site is a must for any one wanting to tune up an Encore. My son can now print a .4" group with my Encore every time at 100 yrds., (he does not have the high blood pressure and terrible heart rate that I do). I can usually keep all my shots in a .8-.9" group. With some tweaking of your loads, and making sure that headspace is correct, the Encore is a shooter. Have my 7mm Rem. Mag. down to 1.25" group, still working on the load. Problem with them is, you always want another caliber. Good luck, and check out the Bellm site.