Hi RP - I've got a 209x50 Encore handgun rig that I'm very pleased with. Mine is a foxridge 15" w/the T'SOB mount & Burris 2x fixed. My load is 100 grs. of Pyrodex RS Select w/the 300 gr. T/C XTP. From a rest, I get just over an inch at 100 yds. I run a Knight solvent soaked patch through the barrel between each shot. I would avoid the stainless receiver - it costs more and requires more care than the blued. The stainless receiver contains blued parts, and I think that T/C stainless steel rusts easier than blued steel. I also think that the custom manufactured barrels are much better than the factory ones - I've got multiple calibers from SSK, Virgin Valley, and Bullberry which I think are all great. I do have a foxridge 12" 444 Marlin Encore rig that I am VERY pleased with though (it shoots great and doesn't foul). For mounting a scope, the T'SOB will not fail you but it is expensive. An alternative is to buy the T/C mount and secure it with red locktite threadlocker with Lexel bonding sealant. This has worked great for me on some really hard kickers - every bit as tough as the T'SOB.
Duval