T/C Encore Factory Accuracy

[Jakes10mm]

I've been debating over picking up a T/C Encore for hunting and varminting. Call it a rebelious nature, but after hunting the PA public game lands the last 3 years, I'm tired of the rapid fire yahoos out there emptying their pump rifles at moving targets. Hence, I'm debating getting a Ruger #1 or T/C Encore. I prefer the falling breach of the Ruger, but also like the caliber offerings and long barrels,28" pro hunter) of the Encore. Those of you with experience with the Encore rifle, what kind of accuracy can I expect from a factory rifle? I'm thinking a Encore Pro Hunter in 308 or 30-06, then a T/C Custom Shop 260rem in 26". Over the years, I've accumulated a few "extra" scopes, so I have that part covered already. Although not a benchrest shooter/competitor, I am one of those overly aware of accuracy and will pass along those rifles that fail to print well after "reasonable accuracy enhancing".

Thanks.

 

[vlcakc]

Encores,and Contenders) can be very accurate. Check out the Week 55 "Gun of the Week". However, factory barrels are a bit of a "crapshoot", some pretty good, some pretty bad. The bores tend to be a little rough and some have poorly aligned chambers.,See Mike Bellm's website for more info.) For a hunting gun that will not be shot very much the factory barrel may be satisfactory. A friend brought his Encore with factory .25/06 and .204 barrels to my range to sight in. The .204 shot fairly well with factory loads. The .25/06 would open up to 4-6" groups @ 100 yds after 5-10 shots with Winchester Supreme factory loads. The bore was badly copper fouled. The .25/06 barrel was to be used for deer hunting, so the owner thought it would be ok. This pretty well mirrors my experience with T/C factory barrels.,I've owned 15-20 in various calibers and lengths.) I have quit buying T/C factory barrels and am buying only aftermarket barrels when accuracy is the goal. I've had very good results with Bulberry and SSK barrels, and my latest MGM barrel is excellent. BTW, don't "flame" me for panning T/C barrels. I know that there are some good ones out there. I have had 5 or 6,out of 15-20.). Vic

 

[jb77]

Jakes my experience with my encore is 223 factory barrel will do 1/2 inch at 100yds with handloads. It took me over a year of reloading before i finally found a load i really liked in this barrel. All factory loads would go into approx 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 inches. This barrel has a long throat and with the factory loads the bullets are having to jump to far before they engage the rifling.

7mm08 will shoot into 1 1/4 inch at 100 yds with Accubonds and Varget. It shoots most factory stuff into less than 2 inches at 100 yards. Barrel is easy to clean and doesn't foul even after 50 or so rounds.

If you get an encore Definitely send it to Mike Bellm for his outstanding trigger job and get his oversize hinge pin kit to take the slop out of the gun.

My next barrel is going to be either an On Target Technology or a Bullberry.

I love how handy these guns are. The 223 has become my Truck gun.

 

[egwyn]

I love my T/C. I have 2 of them.I have a factory 223 barrel the will shoot in the .3 I also had a 6mm br made for me from bullberry. It will shoot under 1/5" at 200 yds. also look at there wood work.

 

[Hipshot]

Has anybody looked into the T/C stuff that is available from EABCO,E. Arthur Brown Company) of Alexandria, MN? He claims to produce his own barrels and probably works on the receiver/trigger group, too.