I have been reading this forum for months, getting all the information I could about the Encore. The only Encores I had seen were at the Shot Show and that was only briefly, but I knew I wanted one. Until January 1st of this year I couldn't purchase an Encore legally in California. When the law changed I purchased a blued Encore frame, and the other day my kids gave me a SS 300 Win. Mag. barrel for it. It's put together now and I have some questions. I did search the forum first, but couldn't find the answers I'm looking for. Hope you all don't mind.
*Why cross-slot screws in the forend? Aren't there stronger types (hex, torx, even phillips)?
*The screws seem awfully small compared to the NEF single, large screw. I assume they work?
*Also, do I assume I'm going to muck up the forend screws and keep a supply of them on hand?
*Is there a danger of stripping the screw holes in the barrel, and then what?
*I've seen a hanger bar system mentioned. Is that a good system and can I purchase it and intstall it myself (Bulberry)?
Sorry if the questions seem dumb, but I'm new to the Encore and thought I'd go to an unbiased source for some answers and guidance. Thanks