Author Topic: Still Undecided on A Encore. (Read 1113 times)

Range Finder · « **on:** April 18, 2005, 07:33:37 PM »

Riflemen:

For several years now I've been interested in obtaining a Encore but in my research I find somewhat of a dark cloud over this firearm - especially after going back into the pages of this forum.

I've really got enough firearms to handle all of my shooting needs/wants, yet I'll be retiring in the next few months and I'm going to get myself a retirement rifle. Thought the Encore might be the way to go because I don't have a single shot anymore but I like them;I could get it in a rifle caliber that will cover all my needs on the entire North American Continent plus an accurate 20 ga rifled barrel and I thought that these rifles were a sure bet, relatively speaking, to be MOA capable and problem free. Basing this assumption on what appears to be a simple action.

I know that all firearms can and do at times have problems but I just wasn't expecting the things that I'm hearing and reading about. With all of this being said I still am checking into this rifle and like the looks of it.

In conclusion I'd like to ask about the stock and forend. I like walnut or laminated (custom I know) on the Encore but I do not know how this finish holds up. I still like to hunt in the rain and I was wondering how this walnut stock holds up and how is the synthetic stock/forend on this rifle?

Thanks for all the help you've thus far provided. I do appreciate it. Naturally I'm going to a gun shop or Gander Mountain and shoulder this rifle when time permits. Nevertheless, the first hand information all you folks provide is invaluable to me. Thanks again. :-)

Good shooting!

Range Finder

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2005, 01:33:40 AM »

I think the Encore rifle is great. I have 4 frames and 5 rifle and M/L barrels. I have the walnut and laminated stocks, and they hold up just fine in hunting conditions. I also have one with the composite stock. Not one time was I unhappy.

armory414 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2005, 09:43:21 AM »

Range Finder,

One of the nice things about the Encore is that you can get the configuration that you want. So, a couple of questions for you. Do you shoot handgun? And are you handy enough to sand a little wood and put on a finish? If so, here's what I suggest.

If you decide to go the Encore route (which, I must warn you, is addictive, as you'll want to keep adding barrels), I suggest ordering a stainless Encore pistol frame. The frame is the same as the rifle, but by having a frame registered as a pistol, this will give you the option to shoot as a pistol later, if you like doing so. If you are a long-arm only type of guy, then this doesn't matter. I recommend the stainless finish only because it will hold up a little better to the rainy condition you want to hunt in.

Next, get the rifle barrel in the caliber of your choice. This can be custom or factory, but for most people I think factory barrels are a fine choice. I've never had a bad factory barrel. Both frame and barrel can be ordered from your local gun shop. As an alternative to stainless, I believe TC has camo finish on their frames now. If you want something a little different, I believe that Fox Ridge Outfitters/TC Custom Shop offers case-color hardened frames. There is a picture of one at www.TCBUNCH.com.

Now for the stock. You said you like laminate. I would order a semi-finished laminated (or walnut) stock from either Boyd Bros. or www.gunstocksinc.com. Fit it to the barrel and frame, sand to the finish you want, and then coat with a marine polyurethane finish. This will give the stock a high gloss (which you can soften with super-fine steel wool), but this finish will hold up very well to the elements. Gunstocks inc. has several "custom" options for stocks, including light colored forend tips and grip caps, thumbhole stocks, and several styles of forend.

Finally, top off your rifle with the rings and scope of your choice.

You won't know whether you like Encores or not until you get one in your hands and shoot them. They hold their value well, so if you decide not to keep the gun you can easily get your money back by selling barrel and stock on eBay and selling the frame through a gun auction site or your FFL holder.

tcman · « **Reply #3 on:** April 19, 2005, 01:29:16 PM »

I really like the design of the Encore and I like single shots as well. In reality, the Encore has been a work-in-progress gun for me. The more I tinker with it, the better the groups get. Of coarse, that's no different than any bolt action rifle I ever owned.

If you DO NOT reload, I would find a different weapon, or be satisfied with "just barely" MOA groups, or above.

I sent my 22-250 barrel back to T/C for them to (hopefully) replace as the chamber was cut a little deep in my opinon....an opinon not shared by T/C.

The fore-end hanger system could be made a whole bunch better, and should be as a standard deal, versus buying their (now available) upgrade system.

While I am in NO WAY impressed with the customer service received on my barrel, from either the final result or length of time involved, I will stick with my 25-06 barrel.

My new 223 barrel will come with the laminated stock and action included....courtesy of NEF (Ultra Varmint Handi Rifle)

oliverstacy · « **Reply #4 on:** April 19, 2005, 06:01:35 PM »

I started out with a SS Contender pistol in 30-30...absolutely love it. Wish I had more time to shoot it. Couple of years ago I was in the need of a good muzzleloader. Friend of mine had an Encore and I shot it a couple of times and needless to say owned one a week later. One of the best things I've ever bought. Last year I bought a 220 Swift 26" bull barrel from Cabela's and have burned around a 100 or so rounds through it. One handload, 50 gr. V-Max, shot 4 into .361" group and the fifth was all my fault. (won't mention where that shot landed, last shot screwed up probably my best group ever).

I will be getting a Custom Shop Encore 375 Winchester barrel in the very near future since I just parted ways with a Super 14" that I had for my Contender. I'm just waiting to place the order since I don't know what length and taper to get.

My ML and 220 Swift are both blued models with black syn. stocks. The gun handles very well and shots even better. I personally wouldn't change a thing.

As with the return and customer service I can only offer the following:

I bought a 24" 270 Win. barrel off Ebay. Received that barrel in the mail and noticed some rings just down the barrel from the start of the rifling, just in front of the chamber. Never seen this before in any barrel I've ever looked down. Called TC and they wanted me to ship them the barrel and they would replace it if there was anything wrong with it. In my opinion that was what they should have said. Don't know what would have been the outcome since I talked the seller into a refund.

Oh well, that's my 2 cents,

Josh

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 20, 2005, 01:26:37 AM »

I say just get it. I don't think you will be disappointed.

:-D

wallynut · « **Reply #6 on:** April 20, 2005, 02:14:45 PM »

I recently bought an Encore in 308 and I like it. As stated, if your into handloading, the TC is for you. Handloading can really bring out the best accuracy. Lots of guys have great acurracy of most calibers, rimmed ones seem to be the easiest for reasons of headspacing. If your just about to retire, this might be the best continueing project gun you can buy. Yes it is addictive, cause you always want more (barrels). Good luck whatever you decide.

terry123 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2005, 12:02:23 AM »

Range Finder-
I knew from the moment I first shouldered an Encore that it was sweet! I watch hunting on the Outdoor Channel and every other show, someone is shooting an Encore. Must say something. I got the Blued frame walnut with a 25.06 26" bull barrel. I've had no problems and it is a tack driver. Next, The Real Tree stocks for the 12 ga. Camo Turkey Barrel. I found it shot high even tho it has adjustable fiber optic sights. So, I called T/C and they sent me a new front sight within 3 days and I had it on and sighted the day before Turkey season opened. This shotgun setup is light, and needs an aftermarket butt pad, but I feel confident in taking a 50 yd. plus shot,at a turkey, if I had to. So many configurations, so little time. terry123

sk330lc · « **Reply #8 on:** April 24, 2005, 06:01:28 AM »

Range finder,

Go for it.
My first Encore was a blued walnut 209x50. It's a tack driver.
I'm from a shotgun hunting state . the ML put the fun back in deer hunting for me.. something about the single shot ..

My second encore was a .243 24" factor barrel. It's the same deal, a real tack driver.. I hope to take many Coyotes and Ground hogs with it.

I've been working with a 12" 44 mag barrel here lately, What fun. The only problem with getting your first Encore is. You'll want more and more of them. All Kinds of Custom and factory choices. Almost to many.

I've been using the walnut stocks and forearms on my set ups. I have had no problem with them in any weather conditions. Have hunted in rain , snow and Very cold conditions..

Hope this helps :grin:

Bim · « **Reply #9 on:** April 25, 2005, 02:45:01 PM »

Coming to this site and asking about an Encore is like going to an alcoholic and asking if they like alcohol. LOL. I love my Encores!!!!!!!!!! I've had no problems. I have both synthetic and custom laminate in both rifle and pistol. I love em all. My Encores can shoot better than me! The stainless is not worry free though you still have to take care because you will get rusting.

RipOne · « **Reply #10 on:** May 17, 2005, 04:38:01 AM »

Custom takes time and increases cost, but you end up with what YOU want.

My personel likes:
Stainless Steel Heavy or Bull Barrel 22" with out sights - drilled for scope.
Stainless Steel Frame - sent to MB for Super Trigger Job.
Wood Stock & Forearm - Barrel floated ( I like wood ).
Cal 7mm-08 ( Reloading ) / lots of crunch and little recoil - fun.

The story goes on and on.

If there's a T/C Encore that has what you want - that is the lowest cost / can get the barrel cut and crowned and float the forearm later - can send the Frame in to MB for Super Trigger Job.

You can put a lot of money into a Custom - but WOW!
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I like the short Heavy & Bull Barrels 22" and even 20 / that's me - I shoot a lot of paper / get there and post when I hunt.

You get a great hold with a Thumbhole Stock.
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Can go nuts with these T/C beauties - ENCORE / My thoughts, and they change - LOL.