Encore Standard Barrel VS Heavy Barrel...

[Anonym]

I've been looking at getting a .223 rifle barrel to go along with my 209x50 for my Encore.  If I could have my way, I'd have an MGM in a 1:7-1:8 twist, but since I'm married with children, I've been looking at the used market.

I've found a like new barrel within my price range, but it's a standard contour barrel.  I've always had the mentality of going with a heavy contour, which stems back to my precision shooting days, but this rifle is going to be a plinker and all-around varmint gun to keep coyotes off the property.  Don't get me wrong, I want accuracy, but it's going to be a utility gun, not a precision long range shooter.

My question is this, would I be giving up much if I went with this standard contour barrel instead of the heavy contour barrel?  Same twist rates, same manufacture, just a 24" standard vs 26" heavy difference.  Any opinions?

Thanks,
Anonym

[Win 1917]

As a general use gun I like the 24" standard taper pretty well. Personally I wouldn't go to the longer, heavier taper unless the use was mostly going to be off the bench or prone but it's a matter of personal taste.

[kynardsj]

Standard taper will shoot just fine. My 308 taper will print 1 inch groups easily at 100 yards if I do my part. I like the looks of the heavy barrels too but don't care for the extra weight in the field.

[searlock]

Don't think you will find much difference. The 223 was designed for the military as a weapon to wound humans. I. Would opt for a .243 or a 25 cal. Think it would serve your purpose better. I hunted yotes for pelts in the70's when we sold them to the gooberment for the fur on military parkas. Made a lot of long shots. .243 worked best for me.    Searlock

[Encore28]

Get the Taper-------------It will be fine to serve the needs you stated.

Encore28

[Grumulkin]

As this 0.286 inch group demonstrates, Encore tapered 24 inch barrels do OK.  I have 3 tapered 24 inch barrels chambered for different cartridges that all do well.  The only advantage to the longer barrels as I see it is a bit more velocity.

Additionally, the 223 cartridge is of pretty small volume made for shooting in 16 inch or shorter barrels.  I don't think a 26 or 28 inch barrel would get you much more velocity and you would have an extra 2 to 4 inches of barrel sticking out there.

[Flynmoose]

I have 24 inch Encore barrels in 223 and 22 Hornet and 30-06, all
in standard taper. If I miss, the Encore is NOT to blame! They are
all very accurate.

[Anonym]

Thanks, guys.  That's what I figured.  I'm sticking w/ the .223 because I've already got a few thou rounds without a rifle to shot them.  No point in taking a hit on selling them to pay for a more expensive round in another caliber, although I do love the .243...

[surveyor47]

At first I used 24" standard barrels. Somewhere along the line, I bought a T/C Custom Shop 26" standard heavy barrel with sights.  I have found that I am much more consistent with this barrel than with the 24 inch barrel.  Caliber 45-70.  I am not too fond of the 24 inch barrel because the front sight screw backed out, damaging the barrel threads.  Now, I wish that all of my Encore barrels were 26" with sights.