Encore .308 - ProHunter cut down to 23" w/ pics

[Ranger413]

I've had my Encore for a number of years now.  It started out as a ML with synthetic stocks and I quickly replaced those with the Boyd's pepper laminate.  I added a 26" .223 barrel not too long after purchasing the ML set-up.  About a month ago I purchased another barrel.  I grew up with the .308 and its been on the list of barrels to buy for the Encore for awhile.  I found an article that talked about cutting down a ProHunter barrel from 28" to 23" to improve accuracy.  That further sparked my interest in the .308 and I quickly purchased a barrel off of Gunbroker at a fair price.  I invested $60 in the cut and re-crown. 

Last night I put the barrel on the frame and topped it off with a new scope that I had bought for it, a Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9X40mm.  All of my other Encore barrels wear Elites in Warne Maxima bases and rings.  I used the same set-up for this rifle.  Range report to follow . . .

[wallypedal]

Gorgeous rifle, and the cut & crown job looks great to me! Those flutes included. If it rains, it will run right off instead of filling up like rain gutters I've been thinking about doing the same thing, specially after stuffing snow in mine twice last fall. Please post those reports when you get them!

[Anonym]

Nice rifle!  Looks like we've been traveling the same path.  I've got the 209x50 with the same stock set and have been considering another barrel for it.  I've got the .223 covered with my Contender, but would love to have the .308 for my encore.

Looking forward to the range report!  If she shoots as well as she looks, you're in for a nice ride!

[hilbily]

Do you have any pre cut/crown shooting results? Would like to see a before and after comparison.

[Ranger413]

Yesterday I had a chance to take the rig to the range.  There was a bit of a headwind (about 10 mph constant).  Using Federal Gold Medal Match 168 gr. ammo I got it on paper and began to get it toward the bull.  My first group was about 1 1/2" and high left.  I made some adjustments and fired two more.  Both of the next two shots were at about 1".  My final group after some more adjustments was in the black and that three shot group was right at 1" again. 

I'm planning on another trip to the range when conditions are a bit better.  I think this set-up will easily do better than 1" on a calm day and there's no telling what it will do with handloads.  I've had good luck with Varget and Hornady 150 gr. SST bullets for deer and would like to see what I can work up with those.

As far as a before and after, no I don't have any stats for comparison myself.  I got the idea from an article I read online from an T/C gunsmith/supplier.  PM me and I'll give you the detalis.  I bought the barrel on Gunbroker and had it sent directly to a gunsmith.  So far, I'm extremely pleased.

[hilbily]

I would love to hear what it will do with hand loads. 308 is still one of my favorite calibers.

[nomosendero]

Looks good!

[yooper77]

Very nice that's a true Handy rifle. I feel that's a perfect length for a 308 Winchester cartridge in Pro Hunter barrel.

yooper77

[Ranger413]

I'm going to head back out to the range soon with the .308 and some match ammo.  It might be awhile before I can put together some handloads.  I think on a calm day and with me doing my part I should be able to keep it under 1".  I'm also going to open up the barrel channel a bit and install some o-rings or washers.  Also, I can see that the forend is binding on one side of the frame so I'll also work on removing some material there as well.  I'm strongly considering installing pillars in my forends but I'll use the o-ring/washer trick for now.

[Four Fingers of Death]

My 308 Bbl is a T/C original and is 24" long. I was thinking to shorten mine to 20-22" Most 308s &30-06s, etc that I own/have owned have been in 22" and worked fine. I think I would like to go to 20" but it may end up balancing a bit butt heavy.

Mine will be used as a platform for my cast boolits (oodles of moulds in 30cal) and for both cast and jacketed hunting when I travel on my motorcycle. I will use my Rem 700s in 270, 300WM and 375H&H for most conventional hunting.

Always fond of the 308 as I carried an FN/FAL (we call it the SLR here) in the Aussie Army.

[pl270]

Looks good. Really like the stocks.

[james]

I had the TC custom shop make me a 24" heavy ss in 7mm 08.  It shoots good although a little heavy.    I wish it was 22" but its not worth cutting off.   I was always afraid a fluted barrel would look funny if it was cut but I think yours looks good.