There are several custom barrel makers out there. Question is do we need them. I for one am glad they are here. They offer options that wouldn't be here if not for them, wildcat cartridges, unlimited options on barrel configurations suck as fluting, octagons, and other shapes, custom crowns, cambering. But all this comes with a price, usually a high price. Is it worth it, in most my my case's I think it was.
But you can build a special TC pistol without the high cost of custom that can shoot with pin point accuracy. Below is a pic. of my most accurate Encore, a 22-250Rem. The 14 barrel was cut from a 26" heavy factory Barrel. I sent the barrel to Jim Hendershots who had the cut and crown done. Great shooters can be built on a budget.
If you look real close at the grip and compare the 2 pics, you can see this thumbhole stock that with a little cutting and shaping out came a very nice feeling grip. The forearm channel has wood relieved and 2 small rubber resting pads installed in the channel giving the barrel 2 small contact points for a free floated effect.
This next picture shows a forearm with the channel relieved and rubber resting pads glued in. I am convinced this dose improve accuracy and can be done to most forearms. I personally feel it is as effective as a hanger bar and only cost a few cents.
This is the results of an Encore Built on a small budget. Well the Burris scope wasn't cheap, but there are cheaper models out there.
