Author Topic: New to Graybeard Outdoors (Read 670 times)

terryfcampbell · « **on:** August 17, 2003, 04:02:32 AM »

Hi Guys

I was reading some of the messages about the Thompson Encore, I was given a Encore 209x50 rifle in Stainless Steel for CHRISTmas this past year. So far I love the gun. This spring I bought a 308 barrel for it, also impressed with this barrel. Has anyone had any problems with any of the Encore barrels, or Encores period? :sniper:

Gregory · « **Reply #1 on:** August 17, 2003, 05:19:00 AM »

Welcome to the forum. I've been a Contender owner since the mid 80's and I'm very pleased with them. I bought a used Encore in 1998 and over the last five years I've owned barrels in 260 Remington 15", 250 Savage 15", a custom 30 Bellm 13", 223 24", 30/06 24", and 20 ga. slug. I have been disappointed with the accuracy of all these barrels and currently only own the slug barrel. I've had a trigger job done on the Encore and I'm using an oversize hinge pin. I don't think I'll be investing in anymore Encore barrels.
Hope you have better luck with yours.

DesertRam · « **Reply #2 on:** August 17, 2003, 08:32:12 AM »

I bought a new Encore a couple years ago and have played with two 15" barrels - a .223 and a .308. Both barrels shoot better than I can. I parted with the .223 barrel when I acquired a Contender with a S14 .223 barrel, but still shoot the .308, which will happily churn out sub-MOA groups with 150 grain SSTs or BSTs. I've got a 209X50 barrel to play with now, but haven't made it out to shoot yet. I suppose there are good and bad of everything - and I've just gotten some of the good. Even the Contender with factory .223 barrel (which are supposed to be pretty sub-par) is a shooter, with ~3/4" groups using my handloaded 40 grain V-maxes and Benchmark.

Don't let the naysayers stop you from trying out the factory barrels - if you don't like them, you can always sell them here on GB.

KYODE · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2003, 09:34:41 AM »

:eek: i ain't seen one yet that wouldn't shoot as good or better than most rifles. especially with reloaded ammo tailored to the particular barrel. :roll:

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2003, 01:51:14 PM »

Terry, since you say yours is a rifle you might want to note that we also have TC Contender and Encore Rifle Forum down further in the list in the Rifle Section. Not as much activity on it as on this one but a fair amount and some different folks who use them as rifles only in some cases. Just a heads up in case ya wanna look in on it also.

Welcome aboard.

GB

PJ · « **Reply #5 on:** August 17, 2003, 02:43:12 PM »

Welcome to the maddness....I'm with KYODE, I have all factory or T/C Custom Shop barrel's and all shoot very good!!!! I for one just can't see paying over 400+ buck :eek: for a barrel...That is just NUT's I'll out shoot anyone's custom barrel with my 6mmBR

PJ · « **Reply #6 on:** August 17, 2003, 02:49:08 PM »

Just a Reminder of my 3 shot group @ 100yard......

Javelina · « **Reply #7 on:** August 17, 2003, 07:46:08 PM »

Hello TerryFCampbell,

I'm on the side of the folks who say that you can generally make T/C factory barrels shoot well. Some barrels are always going to be better than others, but I have always had very good luck with factory barrels - and I own several different types of custom barrels to compare them to.

Here's a picture of one of my Encores with a 15" SS T/C factory barrel (sights removed and holes plugged) that does pretty well even though I'm a terrible shot - it produced the target shown. If you index your cases when reloading and use good reloading techniques along with proper forend bedding and isolation from the barrel, you can usually come out with fairly good results in my experience.

Don't give up on factory barrels until you've really given them a chance! They're often much better than we give them credit for.

Safe and good shooting to you!

Javelina