Author Topic: T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE (VS CVA OE) : WHICH IS BETTER? (Read 24456 times)

Qaz · « **Reply #60 on:** September 14, 2006, 07:57:51 AM »

Since we can't agree on this topic or even get close, could some one post a good picture of their TCR. I have never seen one but would like to.

Qaz

Hammerspur · « **Reply #61 on:** September 15, 2006, 01:39:49 AM »

Here's one on GunsAmerica: http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976755122.htm

Qaz · « **Reply #62 on:** September 15, 2006, 02:31:21 AM »

Why in the world did they go from that to the ugly guns? Please, nobody in their right mind would think the new design looks better!

Qaz

Sourdough · « **Reply #63 on:** October 01, 2006, 10:29:33 AM »

Thompson Center had a fire in their plant where they made the TCR. They lost all the dies and tooling for the TCR. So instead of remaking and replacing all of the TCR stuff they decided to come out with a bigger contender "The Encore". Sure did hate to see them stop making the TCR. I also heard that they were lawyer shy since the TCR did not have an esternal hammer or transfer bar. Once it was opened it was cocked till you pulled the trigger, period. But as for shooting, the Encore does not hold a candle to the TCR.

Awf Hand · « **Reply #64 on:** October 01, 2006, 04:48:33 PM »

I have TC's in the form of pistols and I really like the aftermarket support offered for them in the form of stocks and custom shop chamberings. The rifles within this line are supported almost every bit as well. I use my TC's for NRA Hunter Field Pistol Silhouette. I'm one of many on the line who will be standing there with one. At local matches, I will usually do pretty well as I shot bullseye and free pistol when I started.
I also have a NEF Handi Rifle that I shoot for Awf Hand practice for rifle silhouette and Schuetzen. I've got close to 4500 rounds through this action. I just finished a barrel stubbing and install on the NEF and now have a 32-40Win for Schuetzen competition that I use.
I've shot both of these for a few years and my observations have been this

Accuracy- I think that the two rifles that you mentioned would be very comparable. I think the Encore rifle is put together very well, but, for whatever reason the paradox exists that the little NEF rifle will really shoot well. On the Schuetzen line, I will be the only one there with a rifle that would cost/sell less than about $1k, but I'm having fun and, when I do my part, I will win with it. -Just not from the bench. The TC has always worked and felt very precise, while the NEF feels a bit clunky and can show it's retail price in it's handling

Form Function -they both have been as reliable as gravity. Each action has thousands of round through it. As far as appearance..? Blondes, brunettes, or redheads all appeal to somebody. I like the modern sleek look of the TC and really like the Encore. But I spend most of my time with single shot buffs and also enjoy the simple age-old look of the NEF (I guess I'm a gun-slut). It depends on what you like to look at.

Bang for $ To enter the NEF world you pay an admission of about 200$ and you get to play with a fair amount of combinations of calibers and stocking. If you're looking for an inexpensive item to make a loud bang, NEF is the way to go. Getting in the gate to TC will set you back about triple that with one caliber, but you are in a much larger amusement park. I've got (only) 4 barrels, but there are barrels for just about anything you can find in Cartridges of the World, maybe even a few you can't. Cottage industries have sprung up to support these things. It is just incredible to see the listings of choices from the Custom shops or SSK or others. All the barrels fit and lock tightly. NEF is way cheaper and you can usually find a new gun for the price of a new barrel on a TC, but the TC's have nicer fit and finish, but the NEF represents a home shop customizer's dream, but the TC.......

You get the picture. Assemble a herom. You'll find that the guns can get along better than the blondes, brunettes, and redheads will. -Their cheaper too!!

CallaoJoe · « **Reply #65 on:** October 11, 2006, 10:04:47 AM »

Well,

The way I see it.. I own & like both of them. I've got 3 NEF's and an Encore in 209x50 & 30-06 barrels....

Besides, you can never have too many guns. My advice would be try em both, and buy the one that makes you happy.

And if you have the money, and like em both, buy em both.

They're both nice US made rifles IMHO...

Swampman · « **Reply #66 on:** October 11, 2006, 12:04:27 PM »

I like the Handirifle a lot better than the T/C Encore.

PartsMan · « **Reply #67 on:** October 18, 2006, 10:39:13 AM »

The T/C is nicer looking and has better metal work.
The fact that barrels can be switched without fitting proves that.

That said I proudly own two handi rifles and no T/Cs
For my purposes the difference is not worth the money.

dw06 · « **Reply #68 on:** October 18, 2006, 12:43:24 PM »

Quote from: CallaoJoe on October 11, 2006, 10:04:47 AM

They're both nice US made rifles IMHO...

Yeah baby thats what I like about both of them!!

Swampman · « **Reply #69 on:** October 18, 2006, 12:55:54 PM »

"The T/C is nicer looking and has better metal work."

Not in my opinion. I love the original Contender and owned several. I think the Encore is very unattractive. Each to his own.

rebAL · « **Reply #70 on:** October 20, 2006, 02:56:29 AM »

I think the design of the Encore has more to do with function than aesthetics.. At least for me it comes up to target acquisition immediately.

Hammerspur · « **Reply #71 on:** October 21, 2006, 04:46:51 AM »

None of the pistol-cum-rifle T/C models look very nice as long arms, IMO but they are certainly better made and fitted, and look better in close detail than H&R/NEF stuff.

BUT the basic lines of Handi's, etc. are more pleasing to the eye and hands, as I see it... more in tune with the grace fine single shot arms possess.

cam69conv · « **Reply #72 on:** October 25, 2006, 01:11:38 PM »

A simple opinion from a simple fella here..... Get what you can shoot and have CONFIDENCE in... Is that deer gonna know you shot it with a Handi or a TC?? NO...Is that deer gonna come give you a ribbon for having the purdiest gun?? No.... Basics of a firearm are as follows.....

Will it make what yer aimin at dead?
Will you Like carrying it for 8 to 10 miles looking for that whiley old elk?
Will yer wife kick you in the nadds fer paying HOW MUCH? (hadda throw that in)
Do you have confidence that when you pull the trigger its gonna fire?

Add all them up... Cost does not make a firearm better or worse.. Craftsmanship does... Now yes the Handi and the TC both have good AND bad qualities in different peoples opinions. Asthetics I always thought were for women. Yes a pretty gun is nice to look at....But it dang sure dont make it shoot any better. FUNCTIONALITY makes it shoot better. To some the classic style stock just fits them better and it comes to shoulder nice for them...Others like some of these newer designed stocks. THATS a matter of functionality and the asthetics of it should be completely disreguarded unless you plan on that weapon to be a piece of art over your mantle and never used. I personally have owned 2 TC encore systems and 1 handi....The handi got wrapped around a damn tree cuzz it couldnt keep a 3 inch group at 50 yards after 3 times sending the POS back. Never had but one Small problem with My TC (25.06) Wouldnt hold a group...Simple recrown done free at TC fixed the Problem and now It holds .10 groups at 100 all day!! THATS functionality. Also about to sink some of my Hard earned dollars into the new TC encore Pro HUnter series...3 barrels in 7mm.08.......50cal ML...338....That new Flex Tech Stock my look ugly as hell but it sure does save this old mans shoulder from alotta grief (shot a friends today) and that new 28 inch barrel will help maximize my loads. Now...Ya'll dont get all POed at me fer these statements its Just my lil old opinion stated after bout 40+ years shooting

FOX22250 · « **Reply #73 on:** October 30, 2006, 11:06:51 AM »

I own both and both are fine weapons but the Encore has more versaltility than the handi just my opion..........

nyhunter863 · « **Reply #74 on:** October 31, 2006, 10:20:48 AM »

I don't own either gun, but I've heard of enough problems with the handi gun (just look at the forum for all sorts of problems one could have!) to no longer consider getting one. Yeah the price is attractive, but if it takes tons of ammo to get it to shoot straight, and that is if all the other parts on the gun are working right, I surely won't have much patience with it NO matter how cheap it is. Buying a handi is a crap shoot with good odds against it working or shooting very well from what I have read. I prefer to pay more and have better odds that a gun will do what it is supposed to. Many on the Handi/NEF forum swear up and down by them, while others post the MANY various problems they have with them. And that is WAY more problems than guns of other make in my opinion. This is enough for me to never want to purchase one.

nomosendero · « **Reply #75 on:** October 31, 2006, 07:56:45 PM »

I guess that means I need to go to Vegas!!

WW1 · « **Reply #76 on:** December 07, 2006, 04:41:13 PM »

why is it a person can't ask a simple question to get others oppinions without it turning into a dog fight?.. almost sounded like a politicle fight and not a gun discussion...probalby should have kept my mouth closed but it just seemed the guy wanted a good conversation...oh well just my oppinion

Swampman · « **Reply #77 on:** December 08, 2006, 12:00:11 AM »

Just remember nearly all gun "problems" are caused by the owner, not the gun. Having been in the hobby over 40 years it's amazing what people blame on the gun. They have to be cleaned, lubricated, and have SAMMI spec ammo to work like they are supposed to. The Encore is so unattractive I'll never know how they shoot. A lot of ugly women are good cooks. I'd rather eat TV dinners than look at them in the kitchen.

nyhunter863 · « **Reply #78 on:** December 08, 2006, 06:51:09 AM »

Actually, I think this thread has been quite civil in tone. At least this thread is in a forum where the negatives of the Handi rifle CAN be discussed. Try discussing something negative about it on the NEF/H&R forum and you will be threatened to have your membership revoked by the moderators. As I said, reading all the problems one is likely to have with the Handi on their forum helped me decide that the rifle is NOT worth getting. I have never had such a variety of problems with any other firearm I have ever bought. Maybe I am luckier than other when purchasing a gun, but I surely don't want to buy something (whether it's cheap or not) that will have a high probability of something being wrong with it! Whether someone else want to take a chance with it, that is their decision.

Fred M · « **Reply #79 on:** December 08, 2006, 07:18:05 AM »

Swampman.
For some one who neither owns a Encore or a Ruger#1 your sure have a lot of negativity to contribute. Your male chauvinistic remarks about women are digusting. Look in the mirror and see for yourself if you make the grade. Me doubts.

Swampman · « **Reply #80 on:** December 08, 2006, 11:07:19 AM »

It looks like you completely missed my point. I'll try to not to explain by using examples in the future. I'll have to admit I'm suprised at a man being offended by remarks typical of nearly all men.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #81 on:** December 14, 2006, 07:53:46 PM »

Quote

Try discussing something negative about it on the NEF/H&R forum and you will be threatened to have your membership revoked by the moderators

No...that's not true...Only those who come on the forum to bash them from the onset...get told to stop...Discussing problems is what we do....and solutions to them is what folks normally get...without all the BS from folks who never have owned one...like you did here..http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,100416.msg1098265232.html#msg1098265232...Quickdtoo rightly pointed out the forum rules to you...the ones you agreed to when becoming a member here...

There are forums all over the net where folks are discussing problems they have with all the different rifles...NEF isn't alone for their share of them...Sure...some of the Handi's barrels are more problematic than others..We understand this...and we are there to help.....not hinder....

Like I said...all manufactures have issues...and the same can be said for the likes of Savages,Winchesters,Weatherby's,Remington's,Sako's...ect...ect...each have their fair share of problems...Handi-holics are a gregarious lot...and we expect a-lot from a $250 rifle...The vast majority of time they get it..when they don't...the largest support group on the web is here to help...I'm sorry you don't understand this...

Mac

DavOh · « **Reply #82 on:** December 14, 2006, 08:15:16 PM »

this has to be some kind of record.... this thread has been active for over a year.... I really stirred the pot with this one didn't i?

Mac11700 · « **Reply #83 on:** December 15, 2006, 03:37:06 AM »

Quote from: DavOh on December 14, 2006, 08:15:16 PM

this has to be some kind of record.... this thread has been active for over a year.... I really stirred the pot with this one didn't i?

Some folks just feel strongly...about either rifle...They're both good ones...

Mac

quickdtoo · « **Reply #84 on:** December 15, 2006, 08:06:23 AM »

To be fair to all TC and H&R owners, they both have their problems, some are similar due to the break-barrel action, there are many, many happy owners in both camps and they both fulfill a need within their price lines and design limits. It will be interesting to see what changes H&R has done with their new SBS frames, hopefully they've addressed some of the problems of the past just as TC has made improvements in the Encore frame with the Prohunter frame. Hopefully the SBS frames won't increase the cost too much, nor prohibit the use of older barrels on them.

Tim

nyhunter863 · « **Reply #85 on:** December 15, 2006, 08:46:28 AM »

Mac, whatever! I never owned one and don't intend to thanks mostly to your forum where I read about the numerous problems one will probably encounter with them. They have WAY more problems than any bolt actions I have dealt with, by far. Sure one could have problems with anything they might buy, but I surely won't put my money down on anything that has such a high probability of problems. Those who want to take a chance, can knock themselves out!

Mac11700 · « **Reply #86 on:** December 15, 2006, 09:34:43 AM »

Quote

Mac, whatever! I never owned one and don't intend to thanks mostly to your forum where I read about the numerous problems one will probably encounter with them

Well...that's too bad really...cause if you did...you would find that the vast majority of Handi owners are extremely happy with theirs...and the accuracy most of us are getting from them...is better than anything else on the market for the price..I've owned a-lot of firearms that folks said were lemons...but would up with the best shooting rigs one could hope for...Do yourself a favor..look at the whole story about them..and actually read thru what the majority of us have to say about them..not just the newbies scope problems..as it was on that thread...you'll see why we like them as much as we do...

Good Luck to ya..

Mac

sealer · « **Reply #87 on:** December 15, 2006, 11:10:02 AM »

in today's society-theres no such thing as a free lunch. you ARE going to get what you pay for.
cast my vote for the t/c.
dennis

JPH45 · « **Reply #88 on:** January 07, 2007, 05:20:52 PM »

Quote from: Sourdough on October 01, 2006, 10:29:33 AM

I also heard that they were lawyer shy since the TCR did not have an esternal hammer or transfer bar. Once it was opened it was cocked till you pulled the trigger, period.

Why would this matter and why would it be more vulnerable to lawyers when every cock on open, striker fired, box lock shotgun or rifle in the world operates in exactly that manner? Since that action type has been manufactured for over a century, by more makers than any other action type except that of bolt rifles, I'd bet it'd be far easier to prove it's long standing saftey than to prove any defeciency in saftey. As it goes, even bolt rifles operate similarly. Typically, a bolt rifle cocks on open and the striker is held against movement by either a direct acting saftey block, a trigger/sear locking device or a sear disconnect. In every example, the striker remains in the cocked position until the safety is disengaged and the trigger pulled. This don't add up to shyster material.

TC probably just had the Encore on the drawing board, and went with it alone rather than rebuilding the TCR manufacturing line. The TCR may not have been the seller TC hoped and being a combination gun, the Encore simply offered greater sales potential.

FOX22250 · « **Reply #89 on:** January 08, 2007, 12:57:30 PM »

I own both and i enjoy both but hands down the most fuctional one is the encore and it is a pleasure to shoot....I like my 223 ultra hunter but when i go in the feild to hunt it is with the encore..........