The following is an update on my encore for those that may have similar problems, or experience them in the future. As I had indicated on another post, my newly acquired encore rifle with 308 and 223 barrels did not produce satisfactory performance. :cry: I sent the frame and barrels back to TC for evaluation. I recieved them back from the repair center within two weeks. This was half of the 30 day turnaround that they quoted when I sent it in. :grin: The 223 barrel was declared defective and replaced. The 308 barrel and frame were said by the technician to be modified in some way, although he could not remeber what he did to it. Previously, I could not get either barrel to group. Group sizes ranged from 2.5 inches to over 9 inches, averaging about 4.5 inches for both barrels, utilizing a variety of factory premium ammo.
I was able to get to the range and had just enough time to ring out the 223 barrel. I tried 5 different types of ammo ranging from 40 to 55 grains. I had time to fire 7 groups. The groups ranged in size from as little as .3" for the best performing ammo to 1.4" for the worst. The average for the 7 groups was 1.05". Obviously, this was a huge improvement over the first barrel. :grin:
I have not had a chance to try the 308 barrel, however, my hopes are not as high for it. :? It has no chamfer where the muzzel exits the end of the barrel and the edges of the rifling appear very rough at this point. The new 223 barrel appears to have a 45 degree chamfer at the muzzel which looks a lot cleaner and more uniform. If the 308 will still not group, it may need to be recrowned, however, I just need to take it to the range and try it. Hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised as I was with the new 223 barrel.
