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

[DavOh]

I know I'm opening a can of worms, but I'm wondering what opinions are out there regarding both the TC Encore and the H&R Handi Rifle.

There are three main factors for me to consider.

Accuracy.
Form/Function.
Shootability Value for Cost.

I nearly had my mind made up to get an Encore, but then I heard about this relatively cheap and accurate rifle called the Handi-Rilfe.

[sureshot2040]

from what i've seen the encore doesnt have enough going for it over the handi to justify the 300 estra bucks you will pay
what caliber you talking abt??
sureshot

[Muddy05]

Try out the H&R/NEF forum and see if they can help out with your decision. My Handi rifles are great shooters, accurate, and function just fine. No complaints whatsoever.

[mjbgalt]

i think they are actually pretty much the same but only because of the fact that the TC is $550 and the Handi is $250. For twice the money you get twice the quality...better fit and finish, better consistency between rifles, better warranty, generally less troubles getting them to shoot.

however the handi is every bit as good a gun for $250 as the TC is for a gun that costs $550.

I really think they are different choices for different hunters and different budgets. You probably won't go wrong either way.

-Matt

[jason280]

Personally, I prefer the Handi's over the Encore simply because of price.  But I will say this, the Encore does offer quite a bit more to justify the price difference.  First, caliber selection is much better, and you can even get magnum calibers.  Second, the stock sets are a lot nicer, and fit much better than the Handi rifles.  Third, you have to consider that the barrels will interchange virtually 95-100% of the time, where its really a hit or miss proposition with the Handi.  

Like its been said, the fit and finish on the Encores is much better than any Handi you will find.  Plus, the triggers are a lot easier to work on.  Also, and this is one of the biggest deals, you can actually mount a scope lower to the bore axis with an Encore.  You aren't required to use ridiculously high scope rings to clear the hammer like you do on a Handi, because the folks at T/C know how to keep a hammer spur low.  Of course, all of these advantages are the reason an Encore costs $250 more than a Handi.

I think accuracy is pretty much the same for both guns, so neither really provides an advantage.  Barrel swapping is easier with the Handi, but only matters if the barrel actually fits properly to the frame.

Overall, I think each gun has its advantages and disadvantages, and its difficult to say one is better than the other.  In the same caliber, the Handi will do anything the Encore will for a lot less money.  Its kind of like comparing a Buick to a Benz.  They do the same thing, but one is much nicer.

[Redhawk1]

The Encore. I have owned both and still have 4 Encores.  

[bajabill]

I have 2 NEF/HR frames and stocks, and 2 extra barrels.  Neither are the plank wood standard stock ( I have a savage for that  :grin: ).  I have a laminated stock, with the green tones, and a Buffalo Classic with a standard walnut stock.  Personally, I think the Buffalo Classic is a great deal and a very fine looking gun, never do I have to defend it by saying "yeah, but it only cost 300 dollars".  I doubt I would buy the standard Handi Rifle stocked gun, or the synthetic version either, and you can take that row-boat-oar survivor stock and ....  well I will hold my tongue as I have nothing nice to say.  I would like to get a TC for some of the chambering options, but I have no appetite for the stock style.  I see them and I think of a bird leg and foot all contorted like some Jurrasic park creature - tongue slipped - oops.  Maybe Im a traditionalist.

NEF/HR do have a somewhat limited set of extra barrel choices, true.  But, if you are starting out, you can get the basics covered pretty well.  If you follow the rules, and get your extra barrels from the factory, they will fit, and will always fit.  If is the secondary market where you have no guarantees.  But you should know that before you get involved with the deal.  It is not that hard to send the parts in and then the brown truck drops off a nice treat a few weeks later, all ready to go.

The NEF/HR product certainly fills its nitch well, they are accurate and functional, and there are some good looking options out there you can be proud of.  Its a good way to get started with your gun battery, or to grow one a little quicker, but not where I would stop in that endeavor.

[MSP Ret]

With all the above honestly and logically considered, The Handi Rifle is the winner, and by far!!! Unless of course the buyer is the type of person that has to brag that his gun costs more than your gun. And thats usually because it makes him feel superior in some small way. If all he wants to do is to be able to say his gun costs a lot more than my gun, thats up to him. But then that person would most likely be unwilling to enter a shooting contest head to head againt a Handi!!!!! Read the above and then consider the entire picture with an open mind, I am sure you will come to the same conclusion....<><.... :grin:

[35Rem]

I think when you consider a new accessory barrel (only the barrel) costs more than a whole new Handi Rifle the decision is easy.  You won't get a more accurate gun than the Hando Rifle.

[AZ223]

I've never owned an Encore, but the fact that you can change barrels without sending the receiver back to get it refitted is a definite plus, in addition to the heavier calibers you can buy for it.

My .223 Ultra Varmint is my favorite rifle by far -- 1/2" groups all day long now that I have my reloads dialed in, plus it shoots the factory Win. White Box stuff just as well. I've also hit 1 1/4" at 200 with it. If you're just getting into shooting and want accuracy and dependability and want to save a few bucks, go with the H&R. My .223 plus a 3-9X4 Bushnell scope and two boxes of ammo got me out the door for $325.  

 I can't blame anyone wanting to spend big $$$ on a rifle if they can afford it; I can't right now. It all depends on where you are, and what you want to do. Somewhere there's a Winchester Model 70 in .375 H&H waiting for me...but until then, I'll settle for drilling bullseyes & jackrabbits with my H&R...

[Haywire Haywood]

I have 3 Handis.  If you're a practical kind of guy that wants a tool to do a job, then the Handi will fit the bill quite nicely.  If you want a fine firearm that shows attention to detail in the workmanship and don't mind paying for it then maybe the T/C will be more what you're after.  The game you hunt will not know the difference.
   For me, I don't want something that will give me a heart attack if (when) I ding it.  I own one front stuffer like that already.  My heart couldn't take another work of art like that.  

Ian

[Duce]

ShabaDabaDoo: In no way can I knock an Encore, Thompson is a great co. that honors it's warranty. It will always have the edge over the Handi in all areas.
The question is:
1.  Does the extra money buy you enough, personal  
2.  Will game be any deader taken with a MOA rifle, than with one that
     will shoot 1/2 MOA grps.
3.  Will you be satisfied with a truck {Handi} opposed to a HummerII
      {Encore}, again a personal thing.
Bottom line, both are fine firearms, best advice is don't settle for less that what you really want, don't let cost be the only deciding factor, you'll be ahead in the long run.   <>< Duce:

[Mac11700]

I know I'm opening a can of worms, but I'm wondering what opinions are out there regarding both the TC Encore and the H&R Handi Rifle.

There are three main factors for me to consider.

Accuracy.
Form/Function.
Shootability Value for Cost.

I nearly had my mind made up to get an Encore, but then I heard about this relatively cheap and accurate rifle called the Handi-Rilfe.

Let's take your requirements in order and discuss them a-bit.

Accuracy...From my experiances with the Handis..out of the dozen or so I've owned...I have honestly had only 1 that wouldn't shoot 3/4" groups at 100 yards if I did my part...and the 1 that wouldn't was still a MOA shooter..most of mine shoot 1/2" moa or better...as do several other forum members Handi's.....the T/C's are ok...some are outstanding..others not so good...and this is normal of any rifle or any make...

Form/Function...This is a-little more subjective....on a average...the worst looking Handi..is about 100 times more ugly than the worst looking T/C-Encore... :lol: plain and simple...I've seen some really terrible looking rifles coming from the factory...but I have also seen some utterly fantastic pieces of Walnut being offered as well as some of the best colorations of Laminates too...I know...I've had some of them...the T/C's and Encores have always been known for their beautifull wood and fit......Function...again...some folks seem to have fits with the Handi's...others like myself...haven't had as much as a hic-cup with them...the main culprit is having an oily chamber..or really rough chamber...either of which is easily corrected by yourself with a minimum of time and expense...Now I've done a-lot of reading about the T/C's and Encores having their fair shares of problems...but those too are a simple fix with the right hinge pin and a few other tricks...barrel interchangeability...the T/C's and Encores have it down pat...with the Handi's...you have one of 2 choices...either send it in and  have them do it...or if you are mechaniclly inclined...fit it yourself...it really isn't that hard...and we on the NEF forums have some great FAQ's for seeing you thru the process..

Shootablity...value for cost...Hands down for the Handi rifles...dollar for dollar they are one of the best bangs for your buck going...even buying your extra barrels from the factory and shipping them back...it's still way cheaper for the normal centerfire cartridges than buying new T/C barrels or Encore barrels......now...if your wanting something different or unique...you will have to pay for it one way or the other...no matter which rifle you go with..

If looks are your main concern in a rifle..and you want the absolute best between the 2...regardless the cost...then you'll probably opt for the T/C...If cost is the deceiding factor...the the Handi will get the nod...either way both will get the job done...and the value you place on your money is what will determine which one you get...

Mac

[Norseman112]

Well,
All I can tell you is I have two handi rifles and they shoot sub moa. I also think they look pretty nice and I can't really say anything bad about them. For the money I thought I got a pretty good deal. I am sure that TC makes a fine rifle ....I like my omega.

Norse

[Redhawk1]

With all the above honestly and logically considered, The Handi Rifle is the winner, and by far!!! Unless of course the buyer is the type of person that has to brag that his gun costs more than your gun. And thats usually because it makes him feel superior in some small way. If all he wants to do is to be able to say his gun costs a lot more than my gun, thats up to him. But then that person would most likely be unwilling to enter a shooting contest head to head againt a Handi!!!!! Read the above and then consider the entire picture with an open mind, I am sure you will come to the same conclusion....<><.... :grin:

I think that is in your mind. Price has nothing to do with performance. My spectrum of guns runs from inexpensive to expensive guns. Just because people choose to shoot a different gun than you, or you just can't afford a more expensive gun, does not make others that can afford more expensive guns think any less of your choice of weapon to buy.

When you post such a comment, I see it as you that has the problem. You were the only one that made the analogy out of this.

[kjg]

I can only say taht if earlier on had I known that the h&r 's were able to have interchangeable barrels I would have gotton one sooner, only real down side I see right now is they are sort of shy on barrel selection, what I mean by this is not enoght to choose from, although i have been really seriously be thinking on getting buffalo clasic, and a youth stock and another barrel for my daughter so she can shoot but i think a .223 or if I can get a 357 mag barrel for it, for my daughter, the t/c barrels are 2x
's the price that is a draw back from the encore and I own two frams one for pistol barrels and the other for rifle barrels. kjg

[marlinman93]

Well I've only owned one H&R, and it was a good shooter. A little plain, but what should one expect at the price? As for T/C's I really love them! They may cost a fair amount more for barrels, but they are beautifully finished barrels, that are not only accurate, but changed without any assistance from the factory, or a gunsmith.
 The big problem I see with an H&R is having to send the gun to a smith or the factory to have a spare barrel fitted. Just shipping each way can get expensive, and eat up a lot of the price difference between the two.
 In addition, excellent used barrels for the T/C can be found at many gun dealers, or gun shows for even less money, and that's always a bonus.
 Just myopinion.

[lostsniper308]

Encores are just overrated, the H&R/NEFs are too good a deal for equal performance.

[ilv2hnt]

Hey has anybody thought about the weight difference versus the caliber difference. I will take a CONTENDER OVER EITHER ANYDAY

[Sourdough]

I own an Encore with 30-06, and .50 cal barrels.  A contender Carbine with 30-30, .223, .35 Rem, and .410 barrels.  A TCR with many, many, barrels.  And five NEFs.  I will take the NEFs for all hunting that I do for anything except big bears and moose.  They are vertually indestructiable.  I carry them on the handlebars of my motorcycle, fourwheeler, and snowmachine, boy do they take a beating there.  Especially when I dump the motorcycle, or tip over the fourwheeler, or snowmachine.  I also carry a NEF in my track rig and in my truck at all times, winter and summer.  But during the summer and fall hunting season I carry the TCR, simply because the TCR has a .338Win Mag barrel.  NEF does not make a real big game gun.  They made one run for the .35 Whelen, but that was many years ago.  And the 45-70 has a trajectory like a rainbow, there fore it's no good beyond 150 yards.  Many of my shots are at 300 and 400 yards, there fore I need something that shoots flat, and still has something left when it gets there.    

I personally think the Encore is a piece of junk compared to the Contender, and TCR.  The NEFs have a higher rating in my book, than the Encore.  The Encore just don't feel right to me.  I've worked up some fine loads for the 30-06 Encore, and it shoots good out to 500 yards, but it's not my choice when I go into the field.

[MSP Ret]

Attention Redhawk1,  I am so happy that you seem to know my financial position, I guess I have to get rid of my .340 Weatherby Mag Mark V Lazermark, it must be one of the "fine rifles" you allude to that I cannot in any way afford. Your right in a way I guess, if I had to buy it now at just over $2,200 I might not, but I have it and I like it.  I must sell off my original Winchester Model 71 Deluxe and my LC Smith Shotguns also, it's a shame I really enjoy each and every one of those fine old and not to cheap shotguns. Should I sell of my O/U's also? OK, OK, I'll sell the SKB 12 but can I keep the fine old 16 Gauge, it's one of my favorites. Do I have to rid of my bolt guns to? I don't want to but I let me know. But you seem to know best, I can only afford cheap guns, you just told me so...

OH NO!!! WAIT!!! I just remembered the real reason I buy Handi's, it's because they are fun to shoot, accurate, reliable, CHEAP, the best buy for the buck, and by the way, I do hold the OPINION they are much, much better than the TC's (of which I have a few).  As a matter of fact, I buy and shoot Handi's by choice because they just so happen to fulfill the following parameters, as stated by the originator of this thread, ShabaDabaDoo:

"Accuracy.
 Form/Function.
 Shootability Value for Cost."   ********** Best buy for the Buck!!!

The H&R Handi Rifles are the much better gun for the money. I Hate to disappoint you buddy, but I don't have a problem seeing the truth in my stated OPINION......and as a matter of fact I have outshot some very expensive guns at the range with my cheap little Handi's, some of those people got upset (also), not all of them, some were interested in the little "Ugly Duckling" that just outshot their expensive pet rifle, but those to whom cost equated to accuracy, those who thought they were better than others because their gun cost more, they were a bit peeved   !!!

If you have sufficiently calmed down and have the time re-read the original post in this thread, in which the poster (ShabaDabaDoo) asks for opinions based on the above parameters, I gave mine, sorry it seemed to
offend you for some unknown reason. If I had known I could not have an opinion which differed from yours I would not have posted my OPINION.
I hope this does not mean were not friends anymore, I hold no grudges at this end, they just tear you up inside anyway, and ruin those itsy- bitsy long range groups....<><.... :grin:

P.S. Thanks for pointing out that I have a problem, I knew I had some but I will add the one you so graciously expounded on to the list!!!  :grin:

[Redhawk1]

Attention Redhawk1,  I am so happy that you seem to know my financial position, I guess I have to get rid of my .340 Weatherby Mag Mark V Lazermark, it must be one of the "fine rifles" you allude to that I cannot in any way afford. Your right in a way I guess, if I had to buy it now at just over $2,200 I might not, but I have it and I like it.  I must sell off my original Winchester Model 71 Deluxe and my LC Smith Shotguns also, it's a shame I really enjoy each and every one of those fine old and not to cheap shotguns. Should I sell of my O/U's also? OK, OK, I'll sell the SKB 12 but can I keep the fine old 16 Gauge, it's one of my favorites. Do I have to rid of my bolt guns to? I don't want to but I let me know. But you seem to know best, I can only afford cheap guns, you just told me so...

OH NO!!! WAIT!!! I just remembered the real reason I buy Handi's, it's because they are fun to shoot, accurate, reliable, CHEAP, the best buy for the buck, and by the way, I do hold the OPINION they are much, much better than the TC's (of which I have a few).  As a matter of fact, I buy and shoot Handi's by choice because they just so happen to fulfill the following parameters, as stated by the originator of this thread, ShabaDabaDoo:

"Accuracy.
 Form/Function.
 Shootability Value for Cost."   ********** Best buy for the Buck!!!

The H&R Handi Rifles are the much better gun for the money. I Hate to disappoint you buddy, but I don't have a problem seeing the truth in my stated OPINION......and as a matter of fact I have outshot some very expensive guns at the range with my cheap little Handi's, some of those people got upset (also), not all of them, some were interested in the little "Ugly Duckling" that just outshot their expensive pet rifle, but those to whom cost equated to accuracy, those who thought they were better than others because their gun cost more, they were a bit peeved   !!!

If you have sufficiently calmed down and have the time re-read the original post in this thread, in which the poster (ShabaDabaDoo) asks for opinions based on the above parameters, I gave mine, sorry it seemed to
offend you for some unknown reason. If I had known I could not have an opinion which differed from yours I would not have posted my OPINION.
I hope this does not mean were not friends anymore, I hold no grudges at this end, they just tear you up inside anyway, and ruin those itsy- bitsy long range groups....<><.... :grin:

P.S. Thanks for pointing out that I have a problem, I knew I had some but I will add the one you so graciously expounded on to the list!!!  :grin:

MSP Ret my comment was for what you posted below. I don't know your financial position and frankly don't care.

Unless of course the buyer is the type of person that has to brag that his gun costs more than your gun. And thats usually because it makes him feel superior in some small way. If all he wants to do is to be able to say his gun costs a lot more than my gun, thats up to him. :

And just for the record the topic was and is. T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE: WHICH IS BETTER?

I was not upset nor did I have to get over being mad or upset as you put it. I buy and shoot guns for my enjoyment not to listen to you when you want to rant about how someone is trying to show off there guns to be some how superior to others that can't afford it. If you took the time to read what I wrote, you will see that I was sticking up for the guy that can't afford expensive guns. I could care less what you have or what others shoot. I just don't agree with you comments. But I am over it, and I think you should.

[MSP Ret]

:roll: ,

           "There are three main factors for me to consider.

                     Accuracy.
                     Form/Function.
                     Shootability Value for Cost."

                                                               ....<><....  

[Redhawk1]

:roll: ,

           "There are three main factors for me to consider.

                     Accuracy.
                     Form/Function.
                     Shootability Value for Cost."

                                                               ....<><....  

Now you crossed the line, I am no troll and I resent your allegation. But from the looks of it, you got called out and now resort to personal attacks. You have a personal problem with me take it to the PM, I will be happy to discuss this with you on other than the open forum.

[single shot shooter]

i'd go encore way. I have had 2 handis both were clunkers. I had a contender, and I must say, I believe they are over priced and over rated it did shoot superb and you can buy drop in barrels without having to send the gun back to t/c like you do with H&R's. my .02

[R.W.Dale]

I wonder how much of the price of a new TC encore goes to magazine ads and those stupid infomercial-hunting shows shows they buy on the outdoor channel?

[Redhawk1]

I wonder how much of the price of a new TC encore goes to magazine ads and those stupid infomercial-hunting shows shows they buy on the outdoor channel?

It's called advertising. Everyone does it, not just T/C.  :roll:

[R.W.Dale]

I wonder how much of the price of a new TC encore goes to magazine ads and those stupid infomercial-hunting shows shows they buy on the outdoor channel?

It's called advertising. Everyone does it, not just T/C.  :roll:

 OH! I sorry I guess I missed the shows where NEF sends a bunch of guys to a super exclusive outfitter for a week long combo hunt so the actors can spend a half hour expounding the virtues of the latest Encore while really bad pseudometal guitar solos play in the background.  I'm sorry for doubting you HO! MIGHTY REDHAWK.

[Redhawk1]

I wonder how much of the price of a new TC encore goes to magazine ads and those stupid infomercial-hunting shows shows they buy on the outdoor channel?

It's called advertising. Everyone does it, not just T/C.  :roll:

 OH! I sorry I guess I missed the shows where NEF sends a bunch of guys to a super exclusive outfitter for a week long combo hunt so the actors can spend a half hour expounding the virtues of the latest Encore while really bad pseudometal guitar solos play in the background.  I'm sorry for doubting you HO! MIGHTY REDHAWK.

Get over yourself.  :roll:  Nobody asked you to buy T/C products. It is obvious T/C is making good money and putting it to good use. Like hunting shows and so what if they advertise. I think CVA has some shows and Realtree, Benelli USA , Sako, Browning, Mathews and the list goes on. Or is it you only watch the ones put on by T/C??? :-D  Also thank you for thing of me that way, I thought I was the only one that felt that way.

HO! MIGHTY REDHAWK

[R.W.Dale]

There is an old saying, If you've been married 6 times it might be you.