Author Topic: Forgive my insanity but I need help! (Read 683 times)

DaddyPaul · « **on:** May 19, 2004, 02:47:16 AM »

I currently have an Encore with 209x50, 12 guage turkey and 24" .270 Win barrels. I love the way my rifle handle with the 24" barrel but I am about to purchase a .223 Rem barrel for yotes and such. Do I "need" to get the heavy contour barrel for any particular reason? I won't do much "sustained" fire shooting so I don't know that barrel heat is a big issue. The standard taper barrels are already pretty beefy when compared to the spouts on bolt guns. Should I opt for the 24" barrel and hang on to the handling characteristics of my Encore? How unwieldy does the 26" heavy barrel really make the Encore? Is there a noticeable difference in weight and handling? Any input or guidance is appreciated.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #1 on:** May 19, 2004, 03:00:03 AM »

Paul,

I have my 25/06 in a 26" heavy barrel and a shortened 24" 209x50 that are used with the synthetic stock and forearm. I really don't notice any significant difference in handling. Perhaps with the smaller bore diameter of the .223 there may be a little bit more weight, but I can't imagine it being that much.

Buford · « **Reply #2 on:** May 19, 2004, 03:15:30 AM »

I have both the heavy 26" and the standard 24" - the 26" goes to the range more often, and the 24" seems to go to the field more often. As a hunting barrel, I would go with the 24" - it just seems to fit better. Good hunting.

DaddyPaul · « **Reply #3 on:** May 19, 2004, 03:24:47 AM »

I have served as a scoped rifle operator in the past on our SWAT here at the prison in Florida. I understand the benefits of a heavier barrel but for my purposes (plinking and shooting yotes and such) I really don't see why I would need it? I wish I could hold an Encore w/26" barrel and see how it handle for myself and then it would be easier to make a decision. 99% of my deer hunting is from elevated perches so it's not like I am hiking up and down mountains in Colorado. It's kinda funny that I can't make up my dang mind on this. It just seems to me that one of the great attributes of the Encore is how great it handle and points and I feel a lot of that is due to its overall length and weight. Thanks for the replies fellas, I know y'all are getting tired of my mindless rambling.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2004, 03:58:55 AM »

Well Paul, if you are happen to be traveling through Phoenix anytime soon, you are welcome to stop by and try mine.

But here is another suggest that borders on my excessive traits. Contact Ed Kirpatrick or Ron Sable and see if they will sell you both with the understanding that they will buy back the one that you like the least.

securitysix · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2004, 05:18:23 AM »

Quote from: Thomas Krupinski

Well Paul, if you are happen to be traveling through Phoenix anytime soon, you are welcome to stop by and try mine.

But here is another suggest that borders on my excessive traits. Contact Ed Kirpatrick or Ron Sable and see if they will sell you both with the understanding that they will buy back the one that you like the least.

Y'know, there's a better than fair chance that Ed will take that deal. I've dealt with Ed's Contenders at the gunshows in Tulsa a few times and can say that Ed's always been better than fair to me.

Questor · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2004, 07:44:12 AM »

Our Encore is a 26" 223 and it has really nice balance. I like it much better than the rifles with the standard barrels. It's not unwieldy at all, and is significantly shorter than our bolt action 24" barrelled rifle (because of the break action).

james · « **Reply #7 on:** May 19, 2004, 10:39:53 AM »

I had the same problem so I split the difference and got a 24" heavy barrel from Foxridge. It is short enough to handle in a tree stand but the extra weight makes it stable and lessens recoil. The balance point is just in front of the hinge pin with a 3 x 9 scope. Mine is in a 7mm08 and I am happy with it.
Good Luck
James

DaddyPaul · « **Reply #8 on:** May 20, 2004, 02:41:48 AM »

James that is exactly what I have considered doing. I thought about calling the fellas at Fox Ridge and having a barrel built to the same specs as you mentioned.

RipOne · « **Reply #9 on:** May 20, 2004, 04:23:46 AM »

24 inch or less in heavy gets my vote - just ordered 7mm-08 22 inch heavy, and I'm going to like that one. It will balance well, handle well, shoot well and wont kick my teeth out.

I'm going to order a 223 20 inch Bull soon. I like the shorter barrels - a personal choice thing. Balance is important and weight lessens recoil - more comfortable to shoot. For one shot hunting, recoil doesn't matter as much as range shooting ( Many shots ).

Good balance, a little weight and managable recoil helps make a good shooter ( My thoughts ).