Out-of-the-box accuracy.....

[Runs with Scissors]

My .270 barrel printed consistant quarter-size groups at 50 yards right out of the box. It had been bore-sighted with the installation of my scope.
All groups were 4" above the bullseye and on the axis.
I was impressed.
Then, during the second box of factory ammo, my groups really opened up with flyers hitting sometimes 1 1/2" away :?
At the same time, my action loosened up considerably (the barrel would drop open instead of open with modest resistance).
At first I thought my new barrel was suffering from copper build-up.
When I took the rifle apart later that evening for cleaning, the hinge pin dropped out.
It turns out that TC has some milling inconsistancies and some actions are way too loose.
I have a 1X as well as a 2X oversize pin on the way from Bellm. This guy has established an independant service industry for TC's and has been making oversize hinge pins for 15 years.
The good is he's there to help us remedy/improve our guns.
The bad is that the situation exists in manufacturing whereby he is necessary.
I hope the oversize pins solve my problem.
If not, my new rifle with only 40 rounds fired through it is headed to TC for warranty consideration.
At this point, I agree with you that the older Contenders are better.
Mine has well over 5000 rounds of 30-30 fired through it and it's lockup is like a swiss safe.

Bill

[Bullseye]

I have hinge pins that will fall out by theirself but I do not have accuracy problems like that.

[longshot]

Same here.  I can push the hinge pin out of my encore easily with my fingers.  My 209x50 and my .223 barrel will both shoot in the MOA range.  I used to have a .308 barrel that would shoot just as well.

--Longshot--

[Runs with Scissors]

I'll have the Bellm oversize pins installed and tested in the next couple of weeks. If my rifle doesn't open up groups after 20 rounds I'll consider it fixed.
My bore looks fine.
But you can put the butt of the stock on the floor and wiggle the end of the barrel and feel movement as it now stands.
I do not have a "TC" quality lock-up.

Bill

[Bullseye]

I have had the buttstock come loose twice and caused accuracy problems like that.  Check and see if that wiggle is coming from a loose buttstock.

[Leon Garfield]

Well the hinge pins will help your accuracy for sure. I have them in all my guns and they make a big difference. Another thing that you may want to look at is the forend. Sounds like if it was getting hot the forend was pushing your barrel around. THis is a more common problem with the encore. Just a suggestion....Happy shooting

[Runs with Scissors]

Chris.

The first items I checked were the stock and forend. They both are tight
I do think I'll take your advice and send my rifle back to TC for warranty work. The idea of installing aftermarket hinge pins on a brand new rifle bothered me from the start.
The problem here is the dealer removed my iron sights when he installed the scope and misplaced them. I have yet to receive their replacement.
TC may balk at replacing my barrel because of this.
In any event, I'll remove the scope tonight and ship my rifle tomorrow.
I'll report back as to the outcome.

Thanks.

Bill

[Runs with Scissors]

Glad to hear that, Chris.

The gun is packed. I understand that I need to go directly to UPS to ship it. Apparently, they have some paperwork for me to do first.
The TC Service lady said to expect a 4-6 week turnaround    
She said they were really busy with the conclusion of hunting season. When pressed, she responded that my complaint was better than 50% of the work they are doing now.
Apparently my problem is pretty widespread.
I own well over 35 quality firearms. This is the first one I've returned to the manufacturer for warranty....bummer!

Bill