encore 12 gauge smooth barrel

[Mike357mag]

thought of getting a smooth bore 12 ga for the encore, but you can get a new england shotgun and have a lot of money left over.  is there any advantage of getting the encore barrel?  I would use it for deer, turkey, and small game.

[SLAVAGE]

take a look at most of the nef barrels
ther all built in tubes, you have to get a hole other barrel to go from ic to mod to full were tc's are interchangeable tubes, all so i bleave i might be wrong but i swear i seen some were that tc's choke tubes can be swaped with mossberg tubes that in turn gives you 70%  of all the tubes out ther use that tube

[TnEncore]

The best reason I can come up with, you would hunting with a Encore. That is worth the extra money. :grin:

[oneshotonekill]

Some of the NEF's have interchangable tubes now.  They even have a delux model that uses real walnut wood and has a vent rib barrel.  The price of the whole gun would be about the same as the encore barrel.

[Gitzit]

A NEF will never be an Encore IMHO.  One of the big advantages I find with the Encore system is the fact that stock, grip, and trigger are always the same.  It doesn't matter whether I'm chasing gobblers in the spring or whitetails in the fall the Encore always feels like quality.

[oneshotonekill]

A NEF will never be an Encore IMHO.  One of the big advantages I find with the Encore system is the fact that stock, grip, and trigger are always the same.  

the Encore always feels like quality.

Its true the Encore is much better quality but the NEF will maintain the same stock, grip, and trigger with barrel changes just like the T/C.  The encore has polished metal surfaces that hold a deep blue finish, all parts are machined using CNC technology and the wood is usually pretty good.  The NEF uses some polishing, a crude finish, hand fitting of parts (including each barrel you buy since there is no CNC equipment tolerances are loose enough that each barrel has to be hand fitted/headspaced on your action), and beech or birch wood either stained or painted.  Both will get the job done the T/C will have much better fit/finish but both guns will work for you.  The NEF's are ulility weapons no frills, leave behind the truck seat, not afraid to scratch, guns.  I shoot T/C's and NEF/H&R's and for quality the encore gets the nod but for getting dirty or just knocking around I would prefer to carry a NEF.  The cost difference is a big consideration as well.  A new pardner 12 ga will cost about $80, additional barrels are available at $36 + $15 fitting and s/h.  The encore barrel will set you back $200.

[Mike357mag]

Were can i purchase a 12 gauge barrel for 200.00?  I have the 280, 50 cal and 12 gauge slug barrels already, best price i found on smooth bore is 260.00.  I have not decided if the rifle sights on a shotgun is good or bad yet, i would most likely prefer just a bead sight changeable chokes not a big deal since i usually just use full choke all the time.

[Jim B.]

I have the 20ga smooth barrel and I must say I went through some of the same debate - $260 would buy a pretty nice little single shot or even an 870 express.  In the end I went with the Encore barrel and have been very pleased.  The gun points very well and handles more like a nice trap gun than an economy single shot.  I have several shotguns but this one has become my favorite.  I am considering selling my 12 ga 870 and using the money to get a 12 ga barrel for the Encore.  My $0.02 worth...
Jim B.