Encore 209 x .50 or Endevor and the Katahdin ??

[Davemuzz]

Thompson Center makes their muzzle loading barrel for the Encore, in from what I can determine, two different "names" on the barrel.

The first is the "regular" 209, 50 caliber which stands for the barrel using a standard shotgun "209" primer, and it shoots a 50 caliber bullet, or sabot in a plastic jacket combo that ends up fitting in a 50 caliber barrel.

Then they have this other 50 caliber they call the "Endevor". It looks like it has a speed breach...never needs cleaning....bla,,,bla,,,bla.

Now, I thought their "regular barrel" had a removable breach plug?

I guess what I'm asking is....does anyone know the difference between these two barrels?

And one final question......it also looks like T\C makes a 209-50 muzzle loading barrel No. 4800 Stainless, Fluted, 20", 209x50....or their KATAHDIN PRO HUNTER™ barrel.

So....can anyone give me some clarity here? Are there really 3 different barrels in the 209 x .50 type of caliber? (1) The "regular" (2) The  "Endevor", and finally (3) the KATAHDIN PRO HUNTER™.

Thanks

Dave

[singleshot1]

Yes, there are three versions of the encore 209x50, the "original" Encore barrel uses the standard threaded breech plug and comes in a 26" length, the Endeaver has the speed breech which you can remove by hand, fluted barrel and is 28" long, and finally the Katahdin, which T/C has offered in both the threaded breech plug and the 1/4 turn speed breech models the threaded ones came in blued and were ported, the newer ones came in stainless and have a fluted barrel, both are 20". Hope this helps.

[Davemuzz]

Thanks Slingshot.

Any comments on the accuracy of the old versions vs. the new? Also....the short 20" barrel seems convenient.  Any info on how accurate these 20" barrels are?

Dave

[singleshot1]

I have had all variations at one time or another, finally settling on the Katahdin Prohunter barrel, which will shoot 1" groups at 100 yds with Blackhorn if I do my part, my dather has one of the blued versions and that shoots just as good. The 20" barrels handle well in the woods hunting that I do, most shots under 100 yds. All the barrels I have had have been real accurate just like the feel of the short barrel better.