Author Topic: ENCORE OR #1 IN 45-70 (Read 1110 times)

Curt Dawson · « **on:** May 03, 2006, 01:39:44 PM »

I know that the encore has interchangeable barrels but for 45-70 only which would you spend your hard earned money on?And why?

marlinman93 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 03, 2006, 02:38:21 PM »

I would buy the #1 in .45-70. I'd rather buy another gun(s) in other calibers, than spend my time switching barrels. It all sounds great, but after doing it, I am happier with the alternative.
I'm selling off all my T/C stuff right now, and buying more single shots! :-)

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** May 03, 2006, 03:49:56 PM »

I have an Encore in 45/70. If you plan on shooting full house loads I would suggest the Ruger. The Encore is a real brute with full loads. KN

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 04, 2006, 12:48:47 AM »

I had both a Ruger #1 and an Encore in 45-70. The Ruger #1 was brutal with the #1 loads. With the Encore I never loaded it above lever action loads and it was a thumper also. In my opinion I would go with the Encore just because you can change out the barrels. You need to look at them both closely and see which one will serve your needs better.

Cement Man · « **Reply #4 on:** May 13, 2006, 04:00:36 AM »

I have 2 Encores and 2 Ruger #1's. I don't have a .45-70 barrel for my Encores, but one of my #1's is a .45/70 and I have a .45/70 Handi Rifle. My opinion is that if I didn't have either an Encore or a #1, I'd probably buy the Encore first. The Encore is just a terrific platform for so many things that even if at some future point you don't stick with the .45/70, you can have almost anything you want, and hunt anything with the Encore. Mine have CF rifle barrels, slug barrels, birdshot barrels, muzzleloader barrels, and a variety of stocks. I know it is not universally agreed upon - but I for one very much like the looks and the feel of the Encore as well. The Ruger #1 in my opinion is about the most elegant rifle that I can afford. I have an International in 30.06 and a Sporter in .45/70. Both are good shooters and I enjoy shooting them.
If your tastes run to blue and walnut, both TC and Ruger generally give you pretty darn nice wood, and a nice fit and finish. Since I have no .45/70 barrel for my Encores, I can't comment on the difference in shooting the Encore vs. the #1 in that cartridge - but having shot everything else in the Encore, I don't think there would be any surprises for me. The #1 loads will be stout in either model. Either gun will handle well and be easy to carry. I guess if you like the switch barrel concept and a wide variety of barrels, stocks, cartriges, etc., the Encore is a good choice. (You'll soon have more $$$ invested in it though than you realize, but the barrels and accessories are easy to sell. I agree with Marlinman to some extent though - the barrel switching (although easy) becomes less of an attraction after a while. If you like one rifle per cartridge, and a really fine rifle, then the #1 gets the call. I believe the choice with these two is between "great" and "wonderful". Both have some common criticisms regarding accuracy and consistency. All I can say is that I have had no problems with mine and both TC and Ruger in my experience stand behind their products very well. I would by either with confidence. That's it - buy 'em both!

Lone Star · « **Reply #5 on:** May 13, 2006, 04:59:14 AM »

I too agree that an Encore would be "better" for most uses. I own four No. 1 rifles and love them - but their cost vs utility factor is 'way behind the Encore. IMO there is no need in North America for full-power .45-70 loads in a single shot rifle, Marlin-level loads work fine on anything (plus the recoil is terrible at full-power levels), so the added strength of the No. 1 isn't needed. Plus I find it easier to quickly reload the T/Cs than the Rugers. But perhaps that's just my own level of practice with each.

The interchangable barrel feature really IS attractive to hundreds of thousands of shooters. I enjoy the ability to retain the same action and stocking while exchanging barrels - this keeps me trained on the 'same' rifle and I am a better user because of it. There is something to be said for the guy with just "one" gun.....

Curt Dawson · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2006, 12:38:56 AM »

Thanks for all the replys.I guess I should have mentioed that I will be using factory folder or eqivalent power reloads.I won't be hunting anything that requires more power than they provide.