Author Topic: Encore questions from a new guy... (Read 701 times)

benny · « **on:** September 28, 2004, 02:02:54 PM »

Hello, I am brand new to the world of Thompson guns and I had a few questions. I handled an encore rifle for the first time the other day and was really impresses. I would like to get either a G2 or encore rifle in 17hmr but the encore is not a rimfire gun like the G2. Is the rimfire conversion from Bullberry just as good? Which gun feels, points better as a rifle (I've heard the encore does)? What kind of accuracy can one expect from this gun? I was thinking of adding one barrel for large game, and was leaning toward the 375 H&H. I know this is "overkill" for most large game on this continent, but I'd rather spend money once on a large caliber that can handle anyhthing. Is the recoil managable in the 375? How will the action/frame hold up? I will be shooting factory ammo since I do not handload and the ease of finding H&H ammo has also swayed my decision over some other "neat" cal's like the JDJ. Most of my shooting will be done with the 17hmr. Am I better off just sticking to that in the encore and getting a larger / heavier 375 like a Ruger No 1? Sorry if my questions are basic, but as I said this is all totally new to me. Thanks!

KN · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2004, 02:27:05 PM »

Welcome to the forum. It is my opinion that the Contender/G2 is much better suited for the 17HMR than the Encore. Its lighter and better as a "stomping around" gun than the Encore. Don't get me wrong I love my Encores but I think the smaller calibers are just better in the contender. I don't have any experience with the 375 so I cant help you there. I would imagine it would be a real kicker though. I have a couple of Encore rifles, A 22-250 that is a real tack driver, A 45/70 and a 450 marlin that kick like a mule. Why not get one of each? If you are thinking of a #1 you could buy both for about the same cost. And if you are like the rest of us here you'll end up with several eventually anyway. KN

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 28, 2004, 04:57:44 PM »

If you are just going to use it as a rifle I would stick with the encore. The Contender is a great pistol but not as versitile in a rifle form. Honestly I would probably get a different 17 hmr and just use the encore as a centerfire rifle. You can get several really nice quality 17hmr rifles for very reasonable prices. I have no expereince with the bullberry conversion for 17 hmr, I have also heard that OTT will make a rimfire barrel that doesn't need a adapter. I don't exactly know how they make it work, maybe offest barrel or something like that. Its worth checking out though.

mtnman1 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 28, 2004, 05:54:08 PM »

I have both, and I think I'd recommend the encore for most rifle applications. Don't get me wrong, I have a contender carbine in 22 rf that's great, but I rarely shoot it anymore and I primarily shoot my contender as a pistol.

I think the encore would be a dramatically better choice for a large game caliber, although I don't see the need for a 375 on the North American Continent. Consider that the 260 should be good all the way up thru Elk. Are you really planning on ever hunting anything larger? It's even probably adequate for Moose, at least all them 1000's that have been killed over the years with the 6.5x55 never knowed they wasn't supposed to die. I'm sure some will argue, but unless you're looking to go up against the big bears, I don't think you really need that much gun, and I'm not sure I'd want to take a single shot up against a big bear.

When I was younger I had a huge desire to get a 338 and had one in hand at a gun show when I happened to run into a older friend who was pretty sharp when it comes ta guns. He told me to buy a 300 Win. Mag and he'd ship me a 338 to borrow whenever I decided to go hunting for those big brownies. 25 years later I've still got the 300 and I've never taken him up on the offer for the 338. Really a 300 is just about the largest thing I can see anyone using and I certainly wouldn't be afraid to take it up against Elk or Moose, or even a bear if called upon. Took down my first bull Elk last fall without any trouble with it in fact...

If ya just gots ta have the 375, do yourself a favor and shoot one before you buy. Not saying you won't fall in love, but that's a pretty major gun to shoot deer or smaller with.

Consider starting with an Encore in the .17 and talk to Fred about his conversion, he's never steered me wrong and makes a great barrel. Once you've got that under your belt consider looking into something in a 260, 7mm-08 or even a 300 win. mag. Then if those don't get 'er done, look to the 375. That's the beauty of the Thompson's, you can always buy another barrel if the need or desire arises... :grin:

onesonek · « **Reply #4 on:** September 29, 2004, 03:14:56 AM »

Hi Benny,
EABCO, also have the rimfire conversions. Don't know how their prices compare.
The Encore is perhaps the most flexible hunting firearm on the market. I'm sure you will enjoy it. And I will bet also, that you get more than 2 barrels :wink: . By nature of the Encore's stock design, it does have more felt recoil than a "classic " straight stock, on a rifle of the same weight. But, it is not unmanagable, or to be feared.

If a 375 HH is what you want, by all means get one. It's recoil in the Encore will be stout, but nothing to be afraid of. Just remeber, on "bench" sessions, too "rock back" with the recoil, otherwise the scope will bite ya :shock: . I have custom 9.3x74R, which has proved not to lag very far behind the 375, only 100-150 fps or so. and it's not punishing by any means.
The 338 was mentioned. I feel the 338 Win Mag is one great "all-around " cartridge. A very flexible round indeed.
It is your money, so enjoy it however it pleases you.
Dave

Bob C · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2004, 01:03:26 AM »

I have both Encore and Contender frames, and agree that the Encore is more versatile. My experience is very limited, but it seems that getting the Encores to shoot well is more of a challenge.

I have a .17 HMR carbine set up for a Contender that is one of my all-time favorite guns. It's a LOT of fun to shoot, and is very accurate with Hornady ammo.

TomD · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2004, 05:05:42 AM »

I just bought an Encore this summer in 209x50 (also bought the 25 ACP conversion) I can't wait to hunt with it.

I'm already eyeing my Savage 111 in 7mm-08 as replaceable with an Encore Barrel of the like...here we go :-D

I also wanted a .17 HMR but didn't want to spend a lot for it, so last summer I bought an NEF Sportster in 17 HMR Bull Barrel. Its a real tack driver and only $135.