Advice on lightening up a barrel

[Harp98]

I am building an encore in 243 for my son.  I need to get the gun light since he is just 10.  My question is would a fluted barrel or shortened barrel be the best?  I am looking to use the gun primarily for hunting whitetail.

Thanks

Brian Harper

[IntrepidWizard]

Advice on lightening up a barrel-----stand in a pond and hold the barrel straight up during a Thunder storm----------I could not help my self

[smoky]

My advice would be to go with a 20 to 22 inch sporter barrel and forget the flutes.

Go with synthetic stocks as well and add a limb saver pre fit recoil pad.  They work!!

Remember that in comparison to a bolt gun, you are eliminating the weight of the bolt action since there is none in the Encore.

Also, depending on caliber limitations, a contender is lighter than an encore.

Smoky

[Harp98]

He is convince he wants a 243 and they do not do that in a contender do they.  I currently have the frame and synthetic stock and forarm.  They are in realtree and he likes the look.  I am just lacking the barrel.

Thanks, your input is helpful and I think I will opt for a shorter barrel.  Can you suggest where to get that done?  Probably in 20".

Harp

[smoky]

You can order one from T/C's Custom Shop for about $275  and wait about 8 weeks for it or you can just buy one off ebay or from Ed's TC in a 24 inch version and have a local gunsmith cut and crown at 20", usually for about $50-75 bucks.  Ed is in the business and a great guy, so he may be alot more help than me.

Good Luck!!!!

Smoky

[Thebear_78]

You could also get a EABCO factory barrel and have them do the cut and recrown.  I had them cut/crown and french gray a 24" 45/70 barrel down to 18".  They did an outstanding job for a very good price.  I was able to send them the barrel and have it cut/crowned and french grayed for the price that the local smiths wanted to just cut/crown it.  They will cut/crown a t/c barrel for $40.  They can also do muzzle breaks and have discounts for package deals.

[Harp98]

I appreciate it.

Harp

[Frank_Symptoms]

Don't forget that while you are lightening the gun for carry by a 10-year-old, you are also taking away the weight that will help absorb the recoil!

[adirondacker]

i have a freind who does a little gunsmithing work,he thinks everything should be a carbine! i had a brand new ss gp-100 ruger with a 5" barrel that he wanted to cut into a stubby.his nickname is "HACKSAW RICK" ,LOL.if you want his # here in upstate ny i'll gladly give it to you.he charges like $10 bucks and you need to supply the new saw blade.
  i was thinkin about an encore or a g2 for my 10 yr old,they can't hunt deer here till they're 16 small game at 12.last yr he got the 22 mag handi rifle,then he saved his allowance and did some yard work and stuff till he had almost enough for a 22 semi.well dad kicked in a little and we picked up a marlin m.60 at a local shop.for CHRISTmas i ordered another nef.its a youth 20 gauge comes with camo stocks,sling.whole gun cost me half of what a frame would have.

don't get me wrong i love my encore's i have two frames and 5 barrels so far,and i imagine eventually he will get one but for now he's going to have to settle for the nef.just remember that the lighter and shorter you make his rifle the more recoil and muzzle blast it will have.just puttin' in my 2 cents,merry christmas,shoot straight,shawn