Safeties on Encore Rifle---Help! Confused

[max]

I have tried to get this question answered from Thompson Center, but they have stopped accepting emails due to high volume.  I have also received conflicting information from other sources.  

Here it is:
Does the Encore rifle have any built-in safety feature(s) that prevent accidental discharge if a round is in the chamber and the hammer is down.  I am thinking of buying one (I am left-handed and don't want to keep buying lefty rifles), but I anticipate that I will want to carry it with a round in the chamber while hunting...I dropped my bolt action last year, but since it is has a safety that locks the bolt, no problems.  I don't want a "legalese" opinion...I just want to know what the features of the rifle are...please respond!

Thanks :?  :?

[hardwood]

when in the uncocked position.  This is a safety feature that's built into the Encore design to prevent it from firing if the hammer is struck.  You can cock the hammer (make sure to restrain it from falling), then pull the trigger and ease the hammer down until it makes contact.  When you release the trigger the hammer will move away from contacting the firing pin.  Other than not being able to fire if the breech is open (due to the catch on the inside of the frame), the hammer relief is about the only safety feature offered on the Encore.

[Ullr]

The trigger mechanism is designed with an integrated hammer block.  When the trigger is not pulled the hammer is blocked can not be forced into the firing pin by a striking the hammer.  Of course all mechanical devices have the possibility of failing so there is no guaranty with any system that the gun will absolutely not go off.

I found that it is a bit safer when letting the hammer down to not hold the trigger for the full process.  Instead firmly grasp the hammer and pull the trigger just long enough to release the hammer.  Then let go of the trigger before continuing to let the hammer down.  After the trigger is released the hammer should be blocked from reaching the firing pin, but still let the hammer down slowly to be safe.  As I said all mechanical devices have the chance to fail.

The trigger / hammer mechanism is clearly illustrated in the Encore manual.  I’m sure any gun dealer would be willing to let you look at the manual prior to purchase of any firearm.

Don't take my comments about the chance of the safety failing wrong.  I'm not implying that there is anything wrong with the Encore's safety mechanism.  I have no reason to belive that it is not as good as any hammer block out there.  Just trying to state that no safety should be counted on to save your life.

Remember the best safety is yourself.

[DannoBoone]

max - T/C probably did everything possible to make the
safety mechanism built into the Encore litigation-proof. The
safety CAN be bypassed temporarily, but must be done
with the action open, and immediately springs back to
engage.

Many of us have done trigger jobs, and there is a possibility
of overdoing it which will cause the safety mechanism to
fail, but not as it comes from the factory.

Mine has fallen from a rest twice without going off.

[Mike45]

Also if you have a scope on the Encore and no hammer extension, the possibility of having a blow unto the hammer is going to be quite slim.  Your scope will likely be smashed but the hammer will receive no blow.

[thomas]

In every new encore and contender purchased with the original box comes a warning not to keep a loaded round chambered unless ready to fire  because gun could fire if droped.

thomas

[jamie]

Hot sweaty day at the range, shooting 45-70 pistol barrel and just as the hammer was about catch the lock to hold it back my thumb slipped off.  All I heard was the click of it hitting the hammer block, scared me, but I just recocked it and went to shooting.

[huntnnut]

Since I didn't see it mentioned anywhere else, I just thought I would mention it in case someone reads this and is not aware of the ten commandments of handling a weapon.

Always keep the business end of your weapon pointed in a safe direction until ready to shoot regardless of whether it's loaded or not and/or whether the safety is on or off.   :-)

huntnnut