Encore or NEF???

[redneckd1]

Ok guys, I donÂ’t want anyone to get sick of answering very similar questions, but IÂ’ve been bouncing around on this site and it is so full of valuable information and expert knowledge I cannot help but ask to following question(s):
Alabama deer season will be over in 3 weeks and IÂ’ll be looking to replace my current deer rifle (Ruger MKII SS/Syn in .270 with Leupold 3x9x40) my son has a .243 NEF Handi rifle and I really like it, IÂ’ve been tinkering with it wanting to get MOA accuracy out of it, not there yet, but I think I can get there. Anyway I digress; here are the two guns IÂ’ve been considering:

Encore frame – French grayed or other low shine durable finish
20” heavy sporter or med/light varmit bbl in .270 – floated – same finish as frame
Boyd gray laminate stock or lefty thumbhole (would rather keep it ambi, resale value)
Trigger job – looking for 3lbs maybe a little less
Scope? Something like a Burris 4.5x12x50 or similar ($300-350 range)

OR

NEF Ultimate Hunter .270 – action finished similar to above (durable, low shine)  
{maybe the Suvivor in .308 to get the 22” bull bbl, but not sure if I want a .308}
22” barrel – floated – same finish as above (thought about cut and recrown to 20”, but don’t think it is worth the money, I can order the TC bbl from eabco that length)
Trigger job – same as above
If gunstocksinc.com makes an ambi thumbhole like the 10/22 smart stock, that would be perfect or maybe their thumbhole in a lefty model
Same scope as above

Obviously the Encore would easily go over $1000, depending on a few things like optics.
The NEF could be done for at least $300-400 less and cheaper for new barrels, like a .223 or .204 ruger for coyotes

I could fund the base NEF with the sell of my Ruger, I would have to cough up some tight to come by extra bucks for the Encore – so my questions is:

In this excellent group of experts, which gun would you go for and why (pros/cons of each)?

Thx again for your patience!
R

P.S. IÂ’m posting this question in both the Encore and NEF centerfire rifle forums.

[New Hampshire]

Well.......Id say the Encore, but not because Im an Encore owner (as I rather like the NEFs myself.)  BUT, for the most part they are batter put together guns, they feel a bit better to my hands, and the options of chamberings are ALMOST limitless.  Unfortunately the NEF rifles are currently limited (IMO) though they do cover the basics and such.  You will probably be pretty surprised at how slick the Encore trigger is, and you can probably make do, and get a trigger job later.  Dotto the stocks.  Guys here make projects out of guns and add things as they get the money or make trades.  Out of the box your gun shoot shoot Minute-of-deer, and tweaking will most assuredly shrink groups further.  The NEF on the other hand, leaves you with not as many modification options.
I guess it all comes down to this-Do you really want to spend that extra cash?  If you dont mind then the Encore is for you.
Brian M.

[22popnsplat]

I own a encore , 2 contenders and a nef .
My contenders are the older versions and have great triggers but they wont handle high pressure rounds but accuracy is excellent .
My encore has a pretty good trigger after changing a $10 spring , accuracy with the 2 barrels I have worked are excellent, the barrels are 22 hornet and .223 and each has produced 5 shot groups under 3/8 of a inch at 100 yards but average is a honest 5/8.
My nef has had a trigger job but they use a transfer bar safety and the triggers are only going to be decent . I have 4 barrels for it but I honestly only really worked the .223 , The best groups I could get from it were 3/4 of an inch with the average running 1 1/4 inches after working real hard to find a load .

After about 1500 rounds of .223 the NEF frame has developed the beginning of a CRACK , I will now have to pay for shipping of the frame and barrels to the factory for inspection .
I don't know how much they will charge me if they have to replace the frame , Maybe for the frame and fitting of each barrel ?

For new barrels for the nef you have to ship the frame back to them to have the barrels fitted , When I sent for a 45-70 barrel it took 3 mos.
Encore barrels you can buy anywere and slap them on a frame .

[mag41vance]

I own 5 NEF firearms, and 1 Encore .30-06

The only reason I have the Encore is the deal that came along. $250.00 with a bushnell scope.

 If the NEF and Encore were the same price, the Encore would be the one to own. As it is you can purchase 3 complete NEF rifles with an extra barrel for one of the three  for the same price as 1 Encore with an additional barrel. Wealthy  or not The NEF is the Best buy in firearms. MO

[Flash]

Owning both the Encore and the NEF, I can honestly say my vote goes for the Encore. I had a 243 NEF that wouldn't and couldn't shoot. The fit and finish of the Encore is better and the accuracy is too.

[robk]

i am very bias and would say the encore no doubt over the nef but i know the nef is an excellent gun but you are not guaranteed to have two barrels fit on the action without sending the gun in to have a barrel fitted. so far every barrel i have tried fits on the action no problem with my encore
that it the main reason i would have the encore over the nef. and i have always wanted one to hunt with and the time was right and the price was just right also. i shoot the 308 and have enjoyed the gun from the first day i got it and got ouot on the range with it
good luck
rob k

[bubba]

why not just get one of each  

[armory414]

One of the complaints I've heard on other forums regarding the NEF, especially with higher pressure cartridges, is that after about 1000 rounds or so the hinge pin hole starts to loosen up, after which the accuracy goes to pot or you run the risk of excessive pressures.

Another thing to consider is whether you might resell the gun someday.  An Encore will hold its value better than an NEF.  I seldom see used NEF rifles sell for more than $175 (with scope).

I like both NEF and Encore guns--I own and shoot both.  I believe, though that the Encore is a more durable gun if you intend to do a lot of shooting.  If you just shoot a few times a year for sighting in and hunting, then the NEF will be fine.

One last bit for the Encore--TC has come out with camo frames to match their camo synthetic stocks.

[Encore28]

I own both and believe this is an easy question to answer..........................T/C Encore!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah it costs more but I believe you get what you pay for!! Although the NEF is accurate it cannot stand up to the Encore!! JMHO
Encore28