Author Topic: T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH IS BETTER  (Read 1467 times)

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Offline DavOh

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T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH IS BETTER
« on: October 17, 2005, 03:49:28 PM »
I know I'm opening a can of worms, but I'm wondering what opinions are out there regarding both the TC Encore and the H&R Handi Rifle.

There are three main factors for me to consider.

Accuracy.
Form/Function.
Shootability Value for Cost.

I nearly had my mind made up to get an Encore, but then I heard about this relatively cheap and accurate rifle called the Handi-Rilfe.
-Davoh

Offline Thebear_78

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T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH I
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2005, 04:15:00 PM »
I would have to go with the encore.  Its a little more expensive but I really like it better.  It just looks and feels better.  The handi's can be very accurate but they just look and feel cheap to me.  Maybe I'm stuck up.

I have 4 barrels a 24" 22-250, 24" 30/06, 24" 209x50, and 18" 45/70 barrels.  They all shoot very well.   The 18" 45/70 is an awesome short little package for heavy cover work, best thing there is for cornfield hunting.

All of my encore barrels are very accurate.


Offline azmike

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T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH I
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2005, 04:33:03 PM »
My hunting partner had a Handi in .270 winchester.  It was very reasonably priced, plenty accurate, fun to shoot, and UGLY!  He then went on a Marlin binge and sold it.  I think the Handi is a great choice for a back-up camp rifle, a loaner, or when you want a rifle that you aren't going to worry about dinging up a bit.  

That said, my Christmas present to myself this year is definitey going to be an Encore.  The Handi would do what I want, but I'd like to hunt with a prettier rifle than that, at least for the next year or two.

Making the decision is half the fun, at least for me.

Good luck.

Offline coyote 2

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T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH I
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2005, 06:38:24 PM »
I also will go for the Encore. They look good - are a quality weapon and have so many add ons - plus they are a very accurate rifle...



I love this one...and she is a shooter (20 rounds at 100 yards).
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Offline Sourdough

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T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH I
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2005, 10:14:23 AM »
I own both a Handi and an Encore, in 30-06.  Neither one compares to my TCR in 30-06.  I shoot Speer 125grTNTs, Sierria 165gr boattails, and Nosler 180gr Partition bullets.  I shoot Foxes, coyotes, Wolves, Caribou, and Black Bears with my 06s.
    As for the Handi:  For feel, shootability, accuracy, and shooter confidence, I'll take the Handi.  I bought it as a spare gun for Moose camp.  One that I would not get upset if someone else scratched it,  or  dinged up the stock.  Then I discovered it's accuracy.  I changed to a 6X18 Shepard scope, and it is the gun I take all winter.  I use it to shoot predators at ranges from 50 to 600 yards.  For winter Caribou hunts I will not hesitate to shoot a Caribou out to 500 yards.  
    As for the Encore:  I have a 4X12 scope on it and it shoots well.  I shoot it out to 300 yards, after that the groups start opening up too much.  The Encore just does not feel good to me.  I don't like the feel of the stock.  The action is extremely noisy when opening and closing.  And it seems heavy.  I've never weighed it, to make a real comparison with my Handi.  But after carrying it for a three or four hour walk, it seems to weigh a lot more than the Handi.  And the Encore is extremely uncomfortable on a sling.
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Offline Thebear_78

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T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH I
« Reply #5 on: October 18, 2005, 11:21:42 AM »
With the sporter weight barrels and synthetic stock its hard to imagine a lighter gun, I would wager it to be lighter than the handy.  Some people don't like the pistol grip style stock and would perfer the more traditional stock style of the handi.  The encore can be fairly uncomfortable when using the standard sling swivels, I moved the bottom one on mine to the side so that it sits flat across my back when slung across my back for use on snow machine or 4 wheeler.  It carries just as well as any when slung over one shoulder.  I also carry it upside down quite often.

Offline New Hampshire

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T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH I
« Reply #6 on: October 18, 2005, 11:50:27 AM »
If budget is the main concern then hands down you could not go wrong with the NEF.  Ive heared many good things about them.  Unfortunately the prices recently went up on them.  They are still much cheaper than the Encore, though.  But hands down I would pick the Encore (or even the G2.)  Its so much easier to change calibers (adding calibers to your NEF would require sending your frame and forend to the company.)  The caliber selection, when counting the custom makers, is almost endless.  Being a handloader I like the Encores extraction over the NEFs mortar like ejector (or just dont point the breech end in your general direction and wear eye protection  :-D  :wink: .)  And overall I like the way the Encore sits and handles in my hands over the NEFs.

But like I said, you couldnt go wrong either way.
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Offline Robert

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T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH I
« Reply #7 on: October 18, 2005, 12:00:57 PM »
Well....considering that you can get a Handi and pretty close to 3 x-tra barrels for the price of just one Encore....I would have to consider that.  I seriously doubt if there is much difference in accuracy, reliability, or performance.
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Offline Encore28

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T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH I
« Reply #8 on: October 18, 2005, 02:39:22 PM »
I own both and feel............................."You get what you pay for"
Encore28
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Offline Redhawk1

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T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH I
« Reply #9 on: October 20, 2005, 06:48:10 AM »
Quote from: Encore28
I own both and feel............................."You get what you pay for"
Encore28


I could not agree more.  :D   (ENCORE)
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