t/c vs. NEF

[darat100]

I truly enjoy my NEF handis.  Can someone who enjoys the T/C tell me what makes them worth so much more than the NEF.  I am wondering if I should try one.  I just can't see the difference, but we all need more guns right?  Someone convince me.

THanks

[Robert]

Well.....If they start making handi pistols....Then you could compare them fairly.  I DO also beleive Thompsons are better quality.  You do not have to send a Contender/G-2 or an Encore to the factory to fit a barrel.  I think that what Thompson would label as defecive.....N.E.F. would mill the barrellug (hopefully), to make it fit.  Don't get me wrong....I LOVE the few Handi's I have, and I really like the looks of a nice scoped Handi, but The Contender can be  switched back and forth from pistol to rifle. I keep one as a pistol and the other as a Carbine in 357 Max.  Personally, I thought my scoped Contender pistols were very limiting in low light.  Most of the game I see is either first light or dusk.  I prefer a RIFLE SCOPE for serious hunting to fill the freezer, so I started goning to Carbines with the Contender.  It was only a matter of time till this led me to the N.E.F's.  In my opinion....N.E.F. Rifles and Thompson Carbines have a clear advantage over ANY pistol. ('with or without a scope')

[Redhawk1]

There has got to be something that makes them worth more.  Take a Handy rifle and a Encore in to sell and see which one you will get more money for.
In my opinion the T/C Encore and Contenders offer a better platform and better quality and cartridge selection.  I think the handy rifles are a good concept and work well, but it is just personal preference that makes us buy what we like.

[Keith L]

I have one Handy and three Contenders.  All work well, but the Handy is downright cobby compared to the Contenders.  There are raw welds on internal parts, and many sharp edges that had to be worked smooth for it to handle well.  And I have never had a bad trigger in a Contender while the Handy was long, crunchy, and hard.

The Handy is more like a good start to a project, in my experience.  They can be made into a great performer, but not out of the box.

[nomosendero]

I have a Contender, an Encore & a couple of H&R Ultras. I have owned several Handi's & another
Contender in the past.

The Contender is a Super 14 in 30-30AI & 223. It is scary accurate right out of the box. I plan on adding a 375 JDJ. These three barrels will do all of my Handgun needs anywhere or anytime that I don't use one of my revolvers. For sure this gun is a keeper.

The Encore is a 50MZ that has given me fits. However, I know that alot of people are getting great accuracy out of theirs & after a trip to the factory mine is doing better, though it could be better. Because of the early problems I started to scrap the Encore rifle project, but I have studied enough
now that I believe that I will get a couple of Pro-Hunter barrels,(one will be a 7-08 converted to 280AI) get a pillar bedded forearm and I believe they can be made to be tack drivers. I am also looking at a 6mm06AI barrel & a 308. I may use the Encore for a couple of mag chamberings that I cannot get in the Handi, a plus for owning one of these frames.

I have a couple of H&R Ultras, a 450 Marlin & a 25-06. The 450 does well & the 25-06 is a tack driver
out of the box. I plan on  sending the 450 to the factory soon to get a 204 barrel & a couple of others. I have bought a 280 barrel that I will be receiving soon. I plan on getting a 338-06A-Square custom barrel, it will be a rebored cut barrel & those that I am aware of are very accurate.  I have some very nice bolt guns but the Ultra "fits" me & I am looking forward to this. Lord willing I plan on buing a couple more frames, I plan on 3-4 caliber barrels per frame & I will give these 3 rigs to each of my 3 sons to pass down the line, I can't do that with Encores due to price of barrels. So I plan on 1 Contender, 1 Encore & 1 Handi & each having 3-4
barrels for my own use until I pass on.

I have had Handi's in the past that shot well & a couple that did not, I have since learned that if
you know how to load for them, most will shoot & those same loading procedures apply to the Encore & Contender as well.

The finish is better with the TC & for the price it should be. The Handi is more plain & with more machinging marks, etc., & to me that is cutting cost in the right place instead of the quality of the frame or barrel. I believe that they offer alot of bang for the buck & I believe the Handi offers the most bang for the buck. As was stated before the TC will bring more, but remember it's initial cost is more. As a percentage of new price, the Handi will sell used for allmost as much as they are new, I have not seen that with a TC , not quite but a good value for sure.

To me I guess if I thought one was just better than the other I would just use one type & be done with it. But for me I have different goals with each & will use accordingly. Instead of good vs bad, I
see them as different.

[Encore28]

That is like comparing apples and oranges--I own both brands BUT there is no comparision----------T/C is leaps and bounds above the NEF
Just my hunble opinion
Encore28

[Cement Man]

Like my kids, they are different but I love 'em all the same.  I have 8 NEF/H&R CF rifles, RF rifles, shotgun, muzzleloaders, and slug guns. I have 4 TC's with the same variety of uses.  TC's are finished better, nicer wood, more easy to buy barrels - no fitting, more factory variety of calibers, cost more.  In my experience, overall TC accuracy is more consistent.  NEF/HR not as nicely finished, barrel selection somewhat more limited and have to be fitted, cost less.  NEF triggers have been very good lately, some of their rifles are superbly accurate, their slug guns will shoot with anything, anywhere at any price, and their muzzleloaders are generally untemperamental and easy to get shooting very well.  Some people love, and others despise the looks, of either breed.
Me, I like both lines very much.  I have seen some handsome (to me) examples of each.  Some NEF  products represent extremely good value as far as I am concerned.  I paid $119 for a new Sportster .17HMR that has a great trigger and will shoot .5" at 100 yards.  Elegant? No.  Value? Oh yeah.  I have two NEF Ultra slug hunters  that will keep shotgun slugs within 1.5" (often less) at 100 yards.  Pretty?  Not especially - unless you are looking at the price tag and the target.  Some people despise the Encores and Contenders.  Me, I like the looks of the TC stocks, I think they have generally very nice wood and look rather exotic.  I do know they fit me very well and I like the ergonomics.  I have CF rifle barrels, bird barrels, RF rilfe barrels, handgun stocks and barrels, muzzleloader barrels and slug barrels for my TC's.
I think the comparison between the two is very appropriate if you consider that both lines cover just about the same territory in function and selection.  TC's cost twice (or more) as much - and people should undertand that better finishing, better wood, wider range of barrels, and finished tolerances that offer more interchangeability cost more.  On the other hand, NEF products can often offer all of the the performance at far less cost, but you don't get the nicer wood, nicer finish, etc.  I think they both have their place.   Which is better?  Define "better" as you see it, and you have two good choices.  What's not to like?

[PaulS]

I see the difference between the NEF handi's and the TC as two platforms with different priorities.

Both seem to be accurate launching platforms for bullets so if you score only on the accuracy of the rifles the difference is very small if it exists at all.
The NEF appeals to those who are looking for price value considerations while the TC is for those who like the very nice wood, fit and finish. If you want a rifle that looks as well as it shoots then the TC's are your cup of tea. If you are more concerned about how it shoots and less about how it looks then the NEF is all you need.
The NEF will also appeal to the guys who like to tinker with their guns to turn them into more than they begin with. It is a lot like the difference between your favorite ranch rifle that is carried because it will do anything you ask of it and can be thrown into the pick-up or dropped accidentally without worrying about the damge to the stock and that custom gun you had made for that special hunt. The custom is a thing of beauty that will shoot well too but it needs care - a lot of it to stay nice. You will always grab the ranch rifle first because no matter what happens it will get the job done - it always has, and if it gets dropped or slides over a rock while you are hunting it just keeps shooting. You don't have the confidence with the custom - its never been dropped and you might have to reset the scope or have the stock repaired if it was nicked.
Anyway - thats just my opinion of the difference between the two - and I have both - a custom and my favorite "ranch" rifle.

[Flash]

When you look down at what you're carrying and see rough grinding marks, odd shaped receivers and a party of drift pins holding everything together, the answer most likely will be obvious.

[rebAL]

It's too soon for me to comment on my new Encore after only firing enough to sight-in.  However, I can comment on NEF handi-rifle that I traded in for it.  After owning my handi with 3 barrels for 5 years and experiencing recurring reliability issues, I got rid of it.  If all I wanted was an accurate coyote gun or practice range rifle, I would have kept the handi because it was an accurate "Shooter" but if I had to rely on it for big game (Which I need to do) I was not confident using it.   The problems I had were loose fit & ejection failure with brass getting stuck in chamber.    Additionally, I noticed there were numerous used handi-rifles for sale at my local shop and no used Encores.  That speaks volumes to me.

[Maine Woods]

Hi Darat I own both and have NEVER had one of either that wasn't a Great! shooter . My T/C when I show it to someone I do not have to say " its not good looking but it does shoot

[Mac11700]

It's too soon for me to comment on my new Encore after only firing enough to sight-in.  However, I can comment on NEF handi-rifle that I traded in for it.  After owning my handi with 3 barrels for 5 years and experiencing recurring reliability issues, I got rid of it.  If all I wanted was an accurate coyote gun or practice range rifle, I would have kept the handi because it was an accurate "Shooter" but if I had to rely on it for big game (Which I need to do) I was not confident using it.   The problems I had were loose fit & ejection failure with brass getting stuck in chamber.    Additionally, I noticed there were numerous used handi-rifles for sale at my local shop and no used Encores.  That speaks volumes to me.

Obviously you haven't been in many gun shops in my area...more than 2x the T/C's avaiable as used around here...With the  Missouri Derpartment of Conservation recommending the Handi-rifle for their youth classes..they are well enjoyed by many a fine new hunter...and when most Dad's see how accurate they are..and inexpensive it is to set their kids up with them...they usually will pick up one to have for themselves..

The T/Cs are nice guns..and you can get some mighty decent wood for stocks with them...even though the shape of it certainly isn't to my liking..They are available in a wider range of calibers..and this is a big draw for most who purchase them.....Many of us like the Handi's for what we can do with them...They will shoot side by side with some of the best bolt guns available when properly coaxed into it..This is one of the biggest draws for many who own them..

Both of these nice rifles are good values..the Handi offers those who don't wish to spend a-lot initially..The T/C's offer finer accutriments from the start..hence the higher retail value..

I get a kick out of those who choose to bash the little Handi..for one reason or another..and those who claim to have nothing but problems with them...NEF has one of the finest Customer Service departments going...and has had for a very long time...and those folks will bend over backwards to make things right with the customer...I've found that most of the time...it is the individual themselves that are the problem...and not the rifle...either one...be it a Handi...or a T/C...and that they don't or won't deal in a professional manner with the companies when complaining or asking for help...

Both rifles are good examples of American ingenuity as far as single shots go and what I consider 2 of the best...Both give us single shot hunters/shooters what we are wanting...You can take your pick..and go as far as your pocket book will allow with either one...

Mac

[.308 Win.]

I have not owned the T/C Encore but I have owned a few Handis and I will say I have never had anything but good luck with them.  The only thing I can say I would change about them is that they need a deeper pistol grip and a relieved area for the thumb on both sides of the  stock.  I will say I have owned nothing BUT T/C when it comes to muzzleloaders.  I had a stainless ThunderHawk and after having shot it a few times, the last shot produced a bulge at the end of the barrel, blowing the front sight completely off.  I would say I loaded it improperly if I had but anyone using blackpowder needs to mark their rod for the correct seating depth and I had always done that in the 25 or so years I've been shooting them. This time was no different. The bullet I fired hit the target where it was supposed to so I don't believe there was an obstruction, either.  I called T/C and talked with one of their gunsmiths and he wanted to give me grief so I sent Gregg Ritz a registered letter.  One of his assistants called me back and asked me if I would like a Z5 as a replacement because they had no more ThunderHawk barrels.  Not only did I get an upgrade on the rifle type but when I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised to see a brand new stainless Omega.  No charge!!!!  Needless to say, I have nothing derrogatory to say about T/C and their muzzleloaders.  In addition, they've always been great shooters.  I've owned six or seven of them throughout the years. I just never have liked the way the Encore looked, though, so I've not bought one of those. Their stocks don't fit me well, either.  The NEF/H&R rifles have always shot well enough for me, right out of the box.  But if you like the looks of the T/C, it too, is a great product.  It's a matter of taste and preference.     

[manofthe45]

Apples and oranges.  Maybe a comparision between nef and the new cva optima pro elite.  They both have to go back to be refitted unless they come as bundle pack.  You don't buy A T/C for budget value.  After all a new barrel with decent scope will cost you close to a new Remington or Savage with scope.  You buy them because 99.99999999999999% of the time you can walk into the gunshop buy a new barrel,  drive to gunrange and be firing it within 2 or 3 minutes.  No long delay while you wait for the new barrel to arrive,  heck you can't shoot the barrel you already have because you had to ship the frame back in.  Sorry, but T/c trumps the handi hands down. 

[Keith L]

I bought my NEF because I couldn't stand the thought of one of my Contenders banging around in the cab of the tractor.

[quickdtoo]

Sorry, but T/c trumps the handi hands down.

Sorry, not in my book!!! There's no TCs in the pic, all Handis and Ultras.

Tim

[manofthe45]

come on admit it you hid the thompsons in the closet when you took the pic.  Its alright some people just aren't ready to admit how highly additive any t/c is.  Its Ok  just repeat after me "  My name is (______) and I am Addicted to the T/C".  Hello (________).  I'd take a picture of my T/C's but I don't need the wife finding out how many I have.  I am as attactched to my barrels as I am my balls and if she saw how many I had I'd lose both.  So to each their own! shoot what you like and shoot it often.  better yet take a kid shooting and pass it on.


        My name is Stefan and I am Addicted to Thompson Center!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



P.S. don't tell anyone, but I have a Ultra 223 hidden deep, deep in my closet  .75 inch groups at 100 yds.  My wife don't know about that one either.

[quickdtoo]

I'll drink to that, just substitute NEF/H&R for TC in the admonition of addiction!!

I do have some TC's, which aren't in the pic, 2 Black Diamonds and a Hawken, I like their looks and feel, the price was right, can't say the same for the Encore, tho, as good a firearm as it is, I just don't care for the stock design.

Tim

[Mac11700]

Apples and oranges.  Maybe a comparision between nef and the new cva optima pro elite. They both have to go back to be refitted unless they come as bundle pack. You don't buy A T/C for budget value.  After all a new barrel with decent scope will cost you close to a new Remington or Savage with scope.  You buy them because 99.99999999999999% of the time you can walk into the gunshop buy a new barrel,  drive to gunrange and be firing it within 2 or 3 minutes.  No long delay while you wait for the new barrel to arrive,  heck you can't shoot the barrel you already have because you had to ship the frame back in.  Sorry, but T/c trumps the handi hands down. 

Sheese...Why don't you come over to the dark side and see how wrong you are...http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,26264.0.html

Granted..we can't walk into a gun shop and buy seperate barrels...but I think most of us here at GBO knows how to aquire the barrels we are needing...and no...it doesn't trump it..as you say..it just makes it more convinent to purchase barrels...



Mac

[Flash]

I didn't buy my Encore for the ability to buy and new barrel and shoot it with minutes. I bought it for it's reputation for fine accuracy, craftsmanship and appearance. My Encore is in 22/250 and 400 yard groundhogs are common place. I can cover 5 shots at 100 yards with a dime and close to 1,000 rounds have been down the barrel. Maybe not every rifle will shoot that good but this one sure does. Fox Ridge is T/C's custom shop and I forget the name of NEF's custom shop. I wonder if NEF would make me a carbine barrel in say.......25/20?

[quickdtoo]

Oregunsmithing is the go to place for custom NEF/H&R rifle work, Wayne's 6 groove cut rifling is sweet, costs about the same as a Foxridge barrel, $275-$300, of course that's on top of the rifle cost to begin with, but it still comes out about the same as an Encore, and shoots just as good, I might add.

Tim

[Keith L]

Interesting thing is that so many have both Encore and Handi.  Maybe they are truly fish from different seas and not competators.  I know I have different reasons for my Contenders and my Handi...

[poncaguy]

I have both, Handi's, Contenders and Encore. My Handi's are more accurate, my Contender and Encore are very accurate with pistol barrels, but the rifle barrel, 7-08 isn't that accurate. Now. my 204 barrel is though.....usually use my Thompson's as pistols and rely on my Handi's for rifle hunting, along with Stevens, Ruger and Winchester bolt rifles..........

[Bob Tobergte]

        I've learned my lesson.
       This is fun, I guess, but doesn't mean much if you are the target.

[Bob Tobergte]

          By the way,
      I do have 2 contender frames with 4 differant barrels & 1 handi with 4 barrels. None are for sale.

[Davemuzz]

Poncaguy,

R U tellin me your Handi rifles shoot tighter group than this?

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/davemuzz/DSC00156.jpg

[nomosendero]

To me it would depend on whether it is a 3 or 5 shot group. 3 shot, yea, 5 shot maybe not.