pro-hunter versus Omega

[Myerslake2005]

I want to pick up a new 50 caliber and have an Encore so I was thinking about the Pro-Hunter but after seeing my post about the good deal for an Omega for my Dad I started thinking about an Omega.  I can get a Stainless black Omega for about $80 cheaper than buying a barrel and fore end for the Encore.

Of those who have used both the Omega and the Encore which one do you prefer?

[Tracker]

The Omega is a great gun but for me it just does fit.  Feels funny.  I went with the Encore and am vry happy.  Kept my old NEF/H&R as a backup

[Redhawk1]

I have owned both and liked the Encore a lot better. I don't like the drop breech action on the omega and it just dose not shoulder as well as my Encore. So put me down for the Encore. 

[AndyHass]

This seems to be the current top question in the ML world.  I think the correct answer is that it depends on how the gun feels to you and your personal preference.  Each has its advantages, and I would highly recommend extensively feeling out both before making a decision.

[flathead]

Hello,

Just more food for thought...You mentioned the Pro-Hunter. There isn't much difference between the regular Encore and the Pro. The new stock on the Pro supposedly is an improvement with feel and recoil reduction. However, beware the "improved" breech plug. There's nothing wrong with the old one. TC says its a time saver over having to unscrew the old plug. It takes, what, a whole 4.5 seconds to unscrew a breech plug. The new one is rotated 90 degrees and it usually doesn't fall right out. You have to sometimes tap it out with the ramrod. Also because of its partial threads it is substantially longer. This shortens your usable barrel length. You already are losing two inches off their published "length" because of the QLA thingy on the end. Just splitting hairs here but something to be aware of. Both are great rifles. If you already have an Encore I'd try the Omega. Why buy an almost identical rifle with somewhat questionable "advancements?"   

[Myerslake2005]

I just read a review by Randy Wakeman regarding the very thoughts said.  He believe the QLA is hype and really serves no purpose on the gun other than add weight.  It doesn't improve velocity.  He also said the same thing about the breech plug.  It was an expesnive addition for something that wasn't hard to remove in the first place.

what are your thoughts regarding this?  If I'm going to get 26" of usable barrel in either the Encore or Pro-Hunter is it really worth paying the extra money for the Pro-Hunter barrel.  He did say the ram rod was a good addition.

[Redhawk1]

Hello,

Just more food for thought...You mentioned the Pro-Hunter. There isn't much difference between the regular Encore and the Pro. The new stock on the Pro supposedly is an improvement with feel and recoil reduction. However, beware the "improved" breech plug. There's nothing wrong with the old one. TC says its a time saver over having to unscrew the old plug. It takes, what, a whole 4.5 seconds to unscrew a breech plug. The new one is rotated 90 degrees and it usually doesn't fall right out. You have to sometimes tap it out with the ramrod. Also because of its partial threads it is substantially longer. This shortens your usable barrel length. You already are losing two inches off their published "length" because of the QLA thingy on the end. Just splitting hairs here but something to be aware of. Both are great rifles. If you already have an Encore I'd try the Omega. Why buy an almost identical rifle with somewhat questionable "advancements?"   

The new breech plug wrench for the Pro-hunter has a clip on it, so when you remove the breech plug it is on the plug.  I have never had to tap my breech plug out with a ramrod.  As far as the stock, it indeed does work as advertised.  Do you have a Pro-hunter? I do and know from experience. 

[Redhawk1]

I just read a review by Randy Wakeman regarding the very thoughts said.  He believe the QLA is hype and really serves no purpose on the gun other than add weight.  It doesn't improve velocity.  He also said the same thing about the breech plug.  It was an expesnive addition for something that wasn't hard to remove in the first place.

what are your thoughts regarding this?  If I'm going to get 26" of usable barrel in either the Encore or Pro-Hunter is it really worth paying the extra money for the Pro-Hunter barrel.  He did say the ram rod was a good addition.

The QLA was not designed to improve velocity, it aids in loading the muzzleloader. Cut off the QLA and you removed about 2 oz of weight, WOW not much.  You don't get the same usable barrel with the standard Encore and the Pro-hunter Encore. The Standard  Encore M/L barrel is 26 inches and the Pro-hunter is 28 inches. Both have a QLA and both have a breech plug. So you in essence get 2 more usable inches in the pro-hunter.  The Ramrod is an improvement over the standard ramrod, the fluted barrel adds nothing but aesthetics. What I like about the Pro-hunter is the stock and the swing hammer and the overall look of the Pro-hunter.

I currently own both and shoot both, If I had to pick just one, the Pro-hunter would be my choice. That is my experience and opinions on the difference of the standard Encore and the Pro-hunter Encore. But either one will serve you well. 

[Myerslake2005]

thanks Redhawk 1 for the differences between the barrels.  I didn't know the Encore also had the QLA.  I'll probable lean towards the Pro-Hunter barrel. 

[Redhawk1]

thanks Redhawk 1 for the differences between the barrels.  I didn't know the Encore also had the QLA.  I'll probable lean towards the Pro-Hunter barrel. 

Another thing to consider about the fluted Pro-hunter barrel is, you loose weight with a fluted barrel. So where Randy Wakeman thinks there is extra weight in the Pro-hunter is essence there is not.

Which ever way you go, let us know how it works out for you.