Buying one soon . . . got some questions first

[Ranger413]

I’m pondering the idea, o.k. I’ll be honest – I’m going to buy one soon.  The Encore is filling all of my daydreams.  I’d like the Encore to fill the bill, initially, as a muzzle loader and varmint rifle.  So, I’m intending to get the 209X50 barrel and .223 Rem. Barrel.  I know there are other varmint calibers that other folks think are better, but I have a good supply of loaded ammo and brass so I’m set on this round.  In the future I’ll most likely get a 7mm-08 or 308 barrel for deer sized game.  I’ve also got on my short list a 338-06 barrel to cover the larger beasts.

Now I just have some questions before I really start looking.  I’m not set on which finish to get – blued or stainless.  Does one offer any advantages over the other?  I know from checking prices that the stainless barrels tend to run about $25 to $50 bucks more than the blued.  Also, I’m not set on the stocks either.  I’m not real crazy about the black composite stocks.  Wood on stainless looks cool but I’ve also seen some laminated stocks offered by EABCO that have caught my eye.  For the .223 barrel should I look at the standard profile or heavy barrel?  Is the heavy any more accurate?  T/C says that their barrels are MOA capable.  If that holds true with the barrels I would buy I would be more than happy.  If anyone has struggled with these decisions and has some insight for me please give me your ideas.  All replies are welcome.  Thanks!

I can’t wait to get my hands on one.  I think I’m already bit with the encore bug!

Ranger413

[axel_g]

I've got the .223 heavy barrel and now wish I would have gotten the standard size for the simple reason that it would balance more like the other standard barrels I use.  A heavy barrel is no more accurate, but it does heat up slower than a standard barrel, so theoretically it could affect accuracy with repeated shooting (prairie dogs.)  Also, the extra weight results in less muzzle jump, so on lower scope magnification, it is easier to keep the site picture on target during the shot.  Note:  the heavy barrel in .223 caliber is HEAVY.  Not a rifle you'll want to pack around back country all day.

[KN]

Also a heavy barrel is 26" compared to a std barrel at 24". Don't know if this makes any differance to you or not. If I were buying a carry around gun in 223 I would opt for a contender with a 20-22" bull barrel. Lighter than an Encore and plenty accurate. The composite stocks will also make it even lighter.  You could do the same thing with an Encore also (without the bull barrel) if you didn't want both an Encore and a Contender. But if the bug has already bit you, you may as well jump in with both feet and get them both.  KN

[prusch]

I went through this last week-
Ended up ordering a 7mm Mag in stainless from EABCO
Got to start somewhere-
You might want to read the comments on mine that are listed-
I bought the TC custom barrel only because I could get a tapered barrel and being the old f--- i am I was concerned about the weight-
I must say the customer service from EABCO was great-
Time will tell if they deliver-
One comment that EABCO did make was that some standard barrels have a long delivery- for whatever that's worth
I sent an email complimenting them on it and got a reply thanking me for my comments-
I sent 2 emails to Bullberry over a week ago and still no reply-
The only comment I've heard ref SS is you have to be careful cleaning with brush as it may scratch inside of the barrel-
The comments I recieved here were great-
No question was too dumb-
Be sure to see the comments to me ref. where to go to get use of a FFL to have the frame shipped to-
I paid too much-
I'll keep in touch seeing as we're both newbies-
Good luck

[animal]

I have had mine for two years. I first picked up the completely stainless with walnut stock 209x50 M.L. = 2 deer, then acquired a factory .260, blued = 2 more deer. The blued barrel is beautiful with the stainless action and black scope. With the Leupold QD mounts I use the same scope for both barrels. Am planning on picking up a .270 barrel for it shortlly cause a friend gave me some dies in that caliber.