New Pro Hunter had issues

[mostlyaccurate]

Always wanted an Encore (I thought).....  I recently purchased a new Pro Hunter in 35 Whelen and found that it would shoot 5 inch groups at best!!!  Had the retailer send it back to TC and finally got it back after about 6 weeks.  The retailer had trouble getting info from TC exactly they did to fix it, but the first report after they fired it was that it had excessive slack in the hingepin.  The receiver and barrel are the same, not sure about the hinge pin.  Not sure what they did but hope to find out.  It now shoots 3 shot groups of 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 and the best 2 shots in every group are about 1/2 inch.  My benchrest conditions were less than optimum and the trigger pull heavy, so I figure I was pulling some shots.  Now I'm reluctant to buy another barrel, scared to touch anything....  Also needs trigger work.  I've read the Mike Bellm info.  Any advise from you guys?  I've fallen in love with the gun and caliber (now that it's shooting good) but should I expect to do more to it to keep it shooting tight? 

[pozoutdoors]

With my old frame I had to use a oversized hinge pin. With my new frame I didn't need one. But, i did have Steve Stratton do a 3lb. trigger job, I put in a heavier hammer spring and heavier locking springs too. I get alot with all my barrels except my .223 barrel. I'm going to work on different loads for it to see what I can do!!! My encore is my favorite gun!!!!

[gunrac]

Lighten up your trigger for nothing. I took the homemade way out an never looked back. So simple a caveman can do it. Look for were {cwop} starts posting.


http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,134767.0.html

[Grumulkin]

The censored guy does excellent trigger work in a reasonable length of time (my experience on 2 frames).  He is also generous with his knowledge and has posted how to do your own trigger job if you're so inclined.  I also use his oversized hinge pins with some barrels.  I don't, however, buy his "wisdom" on quite a number of other issues and don't share his enthusiasm for Bergara barrels.

Out of at least 3 dozen Encore and Contender barrels I've had to send one back for an accuracy problem that was corrected by T/C.  If you wish to play around with loads a bit, I suspect you'll be able to find a load that will consistently do better than 1.5 inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards and maybe a lot better.

Go ahead, buy more barrels like the rest of us.

[One Eye]

Do you guys "mix and match" or swap barrels back and forth from ML to centerfire?  I bought an Encore a couple of years ago with the ML barrel, but I was wondering if it is best left just as a ML?
Thanks.
Dan

[Hopalong7]

    I have one Encore...an early 4 digit number.  It matches up perfectly and shoots good with 2 muzzle loader barrels, 1 shotgun barrel, 3 rifle barrels and 4 pistol barrels.  As a long time Contender(several different frames and barrels) shooter, I have been most impressed with the consistent lock-up of my one Encore frame with so far every barrel I tried.