Encore 30-06 Pistol for hunting?!?!

[teddy12b]

I recently bought a TC Encore in 30-06 with a 26" barrel.  I'm thinking about getting a pistol barrel for it and seeing what kind of accuracy I can get.  I'd like to get a 30-06 pistol barrel because I'll have that ammo laying around anyway.  I'm probably not going to mess with a scope on this, just iron sights.

What do you all think?  What kind of accuracy can someone reasonable expect?

[Redhawk1]

I had a 15 inch 30-06 barrel for my Encore. I took several deer with it. I used the same rounds as I did for my rifle in 30-06. I however had a scope on mine. My accuracy was every bit as accurate as my rifle with a rest.  

[Mikey]

teddy - I'll second the Redhawk1 on this one.  My brother has one of yours in 308 and does with it just as you want to do.  The pistol barrel will give you added versatility.  Go for it and you will have a ball.  Mikey.

[Tom W.]

I have one that I'm working up loads for. The first time I took it to the range, after a slight sight adjustment, it shot well at 50 yards with a good rest and a firm grip. I was shooting up some reloads that my rifle didn't care for. That said, when I find a load that it likes, I suspect I won't be upset with the accuracy with the iron sights.

[teddy12b]

I shot mine for the first time this weekend.  I only fired a few rounds just to get the feel of the recoil and to slowly break in the barrel.  This pistol really jumps, but what else should somebody expect from a 30-06 handgun?  I honestly didn't get to fire enough rounds to really get a feel for the accuracy.  I think it'll be good enough, but I'll know more next time.

[Possum]

I shoot an Encore w/30.06 15" barrel and if my loads have been put together right I get 1" groups at 100yds.  Some bullets shoot better than others, but that is reloading, right?   Even my cast lead loads shot in the 3" range.   I have a 4-12x Burris on top of the barrel.  I will say the lower recoiling loads have better accuracy just due to the managebility of the pistol. 

[rickyp]

A few things to consider
1) the two barrels may not like the same loads so you will have to have loads for the rifle and loads for the handgun.you May get lucky and find a load you like and works OK in both barrels

2) unless you are shooing real heavy bullets out of the handgun barrel you will see performance in the same range as a 308 handgun you will get nothing  over a 308
and you will burn more powder and have more recoil

I Can see why you want the pistol barrel and it is not a bad idea but just don't expect things to be equal with the two