Finally

[oldandslow]

I managed to score an Encore rifle at a gunshow two weeks ago at a good price. I had given up when I ran across this one. I have had a Virgin Valley, now MTM, .223 26" stainless bull barrel laying around for some time needing something to turn it into a complete rifle. Right now I am in the process of building a forearm that will work with the hanger system on the barrel. The butt stock has as nice wood as I have ever seen on a T/C and I found a piece of 3/4" x4" walnut with fancy grain in enough of it to glue up for what should be a pretty good looking fore end. I am off to remove the clamps later today and start shaping it. It will be a bench rest style as I am not about to be carrying this heavy rascal around. Weather forecast is for wind stout enough to ruin load workup for several days so there is no hurry. It's March and the wind blows most days. It may be April before I get to the range with my new toy.

[Dee]

Send us some before and after pictures.

[Mule 11]

Congratulations. I am really liking the shorter say 20” barrel for balance and lugging through the woods.

[Ranger99]

I had an Encore for a short while
and I thought I would be set for life
I didn't care for the fit and finish of
mine as compared to my Contenders,
and I couldn't make any of it work
to my satisfaction. Not sure of
the model. It was stainless/synthetic.
It may well have been a junk
model if there ever was such a thing.

[Mule 11]

I had an Encore for a short while
and I thought I would be set for life
I didn't care for the fit and finish of
mine as compared to my Contenders,
and I couldn't make any of it work
to my satisfaction. Not sure of
the model. It was stainless/synthetic.
It may well have been a junk
model if there ever was such a thing.

Yah. There are many makes and models. When entering into a field you are not experienced in. It can be difficult. Plus you have to take into account what the previous owner of the firearm and brand owner has done. I love mine, butt, I’m  picky...

[Mule 11]

I had an Encore for a short while
and I thought I would be set for life
I didn't care for the fit and finish of
mine as compared to my Contenders,
and I couldn't make any of it work
to my satisfaction. Not sure of
the model. It was stainless/synthetic.
It may well have been a junk
model if there ever was such a thing.

Original contenders and encores are far cousins.

[oldandslow]

I took some before pictures yesterday and tried to load them on my computer. Windows 11 made the right noises but no pictures are to be found. I tried and finally locked up my computer for awhile so I have to call my son to figure this thing out. That or find a Windows 10 computer.