TC Pro Hunter comments
- Thread starter merseman
- Start date
This gun is very easy to work with, it does have its downfalls but it is the one I take out with me. Replaced the hinge pin, lock up spring, trigger spring, slightly modified the forestock and now its shooting 5/8" groups all for about $80. Use Mike Bellm as your resource if you want to get it shooting to its capacity if it doesn't already. Love the plastic, I can beat and scratch it without having to concern myself with wood. It points really well and is well balanced. What I really liked right from picking it up the first time is the ergonomics, it just felt good. Pick it up along with a few other mfg's to test how it feels for comparison.
With the 308 in the prohunter you will be acheiving velocities on par with a 30-06 in a 24" barrel. I have chronographed a few calibers and routinely get +80-150 fps depending on cartridge. If you choose to get a 24" barrel you'll get a very short overall length gun at 38".
Good luck with your choice.
With the 308 in the prohunter you will be acheiving velocities on par with a 30-06 in a 24" barrel. I have chronographed a few calibers and routinely get +80-150 fps depending on cartridge. If you choose to get a 24" barrel you'll get a very short overall length gun at 38".
Good luck with your choice.
I don't own nor have ever seen a Thompson Center rifle. I love the idea of the gun but the reality just doesn't do it for me.
I'd love to be able to buy a simple receiver and some cheap barrels in all those calibers that I'd like to play with, like 22 Hornet, 25-06, 7mm-08, and 45-70 but when it comes right down to it I can buy a decent bolt cheaper than a Thompson Center rifle and an entire H&R Handi Rifle cheaper than a Thompson Center barrel.
I know there is probably a difference in quality but that isn't my point. I just wish I could pay about $500 for a rifle with a receiver that would take barrels that where available for about $200 a piece. The Handi Rifle would be right up my alley, in fact I have one in 357 magnum, but I understand it's impossible to ship the receiver back to H&R to get a new barrel fitted, so there again, I'm out of luck.
If Thompson where to offer a lower finish model priced as above I'd pick one up as soon as I'd socked enough away for it. Or if H&R/NEF would offer barrels that could be finish reamed by a local gunsmith or owner that would do me fine too. Rossi has the matched pairs and 3 barrel sets but their selection seems a little run of the mill.
If you've got the money and don't mind the single shot, go for it. A lot of owners love their TCs.
I'd love to be able to buy a simple receiver and some cheap barrels in all those calibers that I'd like to play with, like 22 Hornet, 25-06, 7mm-08, and 45-70 but when it comes right down to it I can buy a decent bolt cheaper than a Thompson Center rifle and an entire H&R Handi Rifle cheaper than a Thompson Center barrel.
I know there is probably a difference in quality but that isn't my point. I just wish I could pay about $500 for a rifle with a receiver that would take barrels that where available for about $200 a piece. The Handi Rifle would be right up my alley, in fact I have one in 357 magnum, but I understand it's impossible to ship the receiver back to H&R to get a new barrel fitted, so there again, I'm out of luck.
If Thompson where to offer a lower finish model priced as above I'd pick one up as soon as I'd socked enough away for it. Or if H&R/NEF would offer barrels that could be finish reamed by a local gunsmith or owner that would do me fine too. Rossi has the matched pairs and 3 barrel sets but their selection seems a little run of the mill.
If you've got the money and don't mind the single shot, go for it. A lot of owners love their TCs.
Gun are not for people who don't have money. There are certain levels of guns and the Pro Hunter is not for people who are looking for something cheap. If you're looking for a cheap gun that works good, buy a Stevens 200. If you're looking for a receiver that can produce very tight groups and have multiple calibers running off it buy a Pro Hunter. I haven't done any mods to mine other than having multiple barrels and it works great.
My permanent collection includes a short barrel (12") .22 with iron sights for "backpacking".
25ACPx50 for a muzzleloader.
.308 for medium rifle work.
375 H&H for anything bigger than deer and elk.
I haven't delved into the shotgun side yet. Mostly because I'm not a big fan of single shot shotguns.
One plus side of the Encore/Pro Hunter that most people don't realize is that you can buy "pistol" barrels that still keep your rifle non-restricted. I haven't gotten into any of the "high powered" chamberings yet. But I plan on it. According to a friend's experiences they are still quite accurate.
The gun is on the lighter side which for most guys is a positive. It also combats felt recoil with the included limbsaver buttpad.
My permanent collection includes a short barrel (12") .22 with iron sights for "backpacking".
25ACPx50 for a muzzleloader.
.308 for medium rifle work.
375 H&H for anything bigger than deer and elk.
I haven't delved into the shotgun side yet. Mostly because I'm not a big fan of single shot shotguns.
One plus side of the Encore/Pro Hunter that most people don't realize is that you can buy "pistol" barrels that still keep your rifle non-restricted. I haven't gotten into any of the "high powered" chamberings yet. But I plan on it. According to a friend's experiences they are still quite accurate.
The gun is on the lighter side which for most guys is a positive. It also combats felt recoil with the included limbsaver buttpad.
Mount Sweetness
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Ontario
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, CVA now makes a quality gun in a similar style.
My favorite moose rifle is a T/C Prohunter in 375H&H with a 28" barrel. I also have the 300 WinMag and the .50 cal ML barrels.
I have a wide range of magnum rifles including a Sako AV in 375 H&H mag, Weatheby's in various Weatherby magnum calibers, Tikkas in 300 Win Mag, Browning's in 300 WinMag to name a few but my favorite one for moose hunting is the T/C. The felt recoil is advertised as being around 43% less and I vouch for that. I can shoot the 375 H&H just about all day without my shoulder getting sore.
I have complete confidence in getting the job done with one shot...... something that I have been able to do all my life and I'm no spring chicken. For information, with practice, I have been able to reload this single shot gun in around 5 seconds and for moose, this is more than adequate.
I have not done any upgrading on the gun except to install a hammer extender but intend to install a stronger hammer spring and probably the pin but not the one mentioned here......... I believe a better one is available that does not require reaming the hole - see:
http://www.eabco.com/EncorePin.html
BTW, the overall length of the gun with a 28" barrel is shorter than my Tikka T3 with a 24" barrel and the gun handles beautifully.
As far as quality of finish, etc, it compares favorably with rifles in that price range.
Duke1
I have a wide range of magnum rifles including a Sako AV in 375 H&H mag, Weatheby's in various Weatherby magnum calibers, Tikkas in 300 Win Mag, Browning's in 300 WinMag to name a few but my favorite one for moose hunting is the T/C. The felt recoil is advertised as being around 43% less and I vouch for that. I can shoot the 375 H&H just about all day without my shoulder getting sore.
I have complete confidence in getting the job done with one shot...... something that I have been able to do all my life and I'm no spring chicken. For information, with practice, I have been able to reload this single shot gun in around 5 seconds and for moose, this is more than adequate.
I have not done any upgrading on the gun except to install a hammer extender but intend to install a stronger hammer spring and probably the pin but not the one mentioned here......... I believe a better one is available that does not require reaming the hole - see:
http://www.eabco.com/EncorePin.html
BTW, the overall length of the gun with a 28" barrel is shorter than my Tikka T3 with a 24" barrel and the gun handles beautifully.
As far as quality of finish, etc, it compares favorably with rifles in that price range.
Duke1
Isn't that the truth. I think the main reason why they aren't even more popular is because a lot of guys don't have enough confidence with the mantra of "one shot, one kill".
canadian hunter312
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County
i've never understood why people are attracted to a single shot that is so expensive with very overpriced barrels. i think a gun with interchangeable barrels would be intended for guys that don't have a lot of money. but, it seems like TC is targeting the small group that enjoys wasting money.
since i don't see any advantages of using the same receiver, could someone please enlighten me? why are the barrels so expensive?
$900+ for a single shot seems a bit ridiculous to me. but, then again, some people think if they spend more they'll get more and bigger animals.
since i don't see any advantages of using the same receiver, could someone please enlighten me? why are the barrels so expensive?
$900+ for a single shot seems a bit ridiculous to me. but, then again, some people think if they spend more they'll get more and bigger animals.
I agree that they may be overpriced and the barrels as well, I would however have no problem spending much more on a single shot such as a falling block or rolling block quality gun. Folks that i know that have owned/used them have not found the kind of accuracy they wanted and got rid of them for the most part. The simple design of the TC should make it a slightly less expensive rifle IMHO.
If you pay $1000 for the guns you really aren't shopping right. I paid a little less than $600 for my new Pro Hunter.
Yes, the barrels are a little more expensive than most people would prefer. But the accuracy I get out of all of the barrels I've tried is as good or better than any bolts in the same price range.
One of the reasons why most guys buy the gun in the first place is because it can come with a 209x50 barrel. And from most guys' experiences they perform quite well. Every other caliber is just gravy.
It's also quite refreshing when, unlike other manufacturers, you don't hear about T/C's exploding.
Yes, the barrels are a little more expensive than most people would prefer. But the accuracy I get out of all of the barrels I've tried is as good or better than any bolts in the same price range.
One of the reasons why most guys buy the gun in the first place is because it can come with a 209x50 barrel. And from most guys' experiences they perform quite well. Every other caliber is just gravy.
It's also quite refreshing when, unlike other manufacturers, you don't hear about T/C's exploding.
Mount Sweetness
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Ontario
Adding the extra rifle barrels is a bonus for a muzzleloader....and to me that is what the Encore/Prohunter is...it is an excellent muzzleloader first and foremost. Having a centrefire barrel for your "muzzleloader" is a nice feature. Having said that, it is a $600 gun priced at $900, marketing experts...some of the best in the industry.
New player in town is the CVA Apex. I own one in 30-06 and picked it up at BassPro for $560 plus tax. Nice gun. Gun is new so barrels are not available yet in Canada but they are coming this year. The gun has a Bergarra Barrel which is a factory in Spain that makes barrels for TC pro hunters also. Trigger is adjustable and CVA has made tremendous strides in their product development. CVA Acurra 2 has received alot of great reviews.
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savage express
CGN Regular
- Location
- In a house built outside
I use to be against the idea of a single shot. But in reality I've rarely needed to take a quick follow up shot when deer hunting. Yeah I've missed but I'm not going to shot it in the ass when it turns and runs.
Still hunting with my TC this year was very enjoyable.
Have a look at the .338 Federal vs. the .308.
Still hunting with my TC this year was very enjoyable.
Have a look at the .338 Federal vs. the .308.
my buddy saved up and got a TC ^pro hunter and i got a CVA wolf we went to the range i had mine shooting right on with 4 shots he could not get the same groups i was getting at all and my wolf was less then 300$ with scope and all powder and bullets way cheaper and shot better go figger DUTCH
A single shot makes you make the first shot count instead of relying on a false sense of security that your magazine is full. Its made me a better shot and more patient for the shot so that I make it count.
The benefit of multiple barrels is just that. Offseason on goes the 223, hunting season on goes the 338.
The design is simple. Very little in terms of labour and molded plastic parts they could easily mass produce these for cheap. Cost should be around $600 and individual barrels about $250. I can get a barrel shipped to my door brand new in stainless for $310, blued for $285.
There are days though I don't like fooling with the setup to change barrels, this is the reason why I only have two.
The benefit of multiple barrels is just that. Offseason on goes the 223, hunting season on goes the 338.
The design is simple. Very little in terms of labour and molded plastic parts they could easily mass produce these for cheap. Cost should be around $600 and individual barrels about $250. I can get a barrel shipped to my door brand new in stainless for $310, blued for $285.
There are days though I don't like fooling with the setup to change barrels, this is the reason why I only have two.
canadian hunter312
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County
i've seen many reports with pics of H&R single shots and stevens 200's shooting 1" or less groups and they are less than half the cost of a new TC.
i just don't see why people are paying so much for a simple single shot gun...
Well lets see:
Pro Hunter 209x50 with the frame - $600
Scope - $200
Pro Hunter 308 - $275
Scope - $300
Pro Hunter 375 H&H - $325
Scope - $250
Pro Hunter 22lr. - $150
I paid approximately $2100 for 4 "guns" with scopes for the ones I needed. I also got 3 calibers that aren't offered in Stevens 200. My Pro Hunter "kit" fits in my military case which takes up half the room that 4 Stevens 200's would take.
Four Stevens with the same scopes would cost approximately $2400. And you still wouldn't have the same amount of caliber choices or barrel lengths.
There are obviously advantages to the Encore/Pro Hunter which attract people to them. I don't know why anyone would buy a Remington 700 for 3 times the price of a Stevens 200 when the Stevens can obtain as good or better accuracy. To each their own.
