Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter

I just got one in .223 and 7mm Rem Mag. Belm trigger kit etc on the work bench, just waiting for my trigger pull gauge to get here to start the operation. 2.5-16x42 Bushnell 6500 DOA600 for the 7mm. 4-16x40 SF 4200 for the .223. I love those mounts starpuss. I had a Contender carbine in 7mm-08 with 16" barrel and Choate pistol grip stock. 29" overall so legal except that the frame was originally a Contender pistol and was registered and restricted so I had to quit hunting with it and finally sold it to a guy who wanted to make it back into a handgun.
Kim
 
There is also a new player on the block, the Apex from CVA. Premium italian barrels and lots of stock extras. http:// www .cva.com/ comparison-apex.html
Kim
 
The company that makes the CVA barrels also makes some for the Encore. Bergarra is the name and they are actually cheaper than the factory Thompson barrels but they don't have the lifetime warranty. I love my Encore and as for accuracy I would put it against any other tricked out rifle out there. My Encore has the Bellm trigger spring and hammer spring as well as the hammer extender. I work on Encores(mine and several of my friends) and they are built like tanks. My Encore is in the never sell cabinet!!
 
I just got a used Encore Pro Hunter with .204, .223 and 7mm 08 barrels. Personaly, I like the feel of the gun. It comes to my eye just fine and feels well balanced. I have only fired a few shells but when the guy I got it from said you might as well have the scope that was on the .223 I said yes and re-installed it and hit the 1 foot target at 200 yrds without changing anything. I may have more to add later but so far I like.
 
I prefer some other single shots, like the Sharps, Highwall, etc. over the TC, if I want an accurate rifle in a small caliber I would pick a bolt action. These break actions are a pain in the butt to shoot from the bench....I'll take a Ruger #1 over the TC anyday.
 
I prefer some other single shots, like the Sharps, Highwall, etc. over the TC, if I want an accurate rifle in a small caliber I would pick a bolt action. These break actions are a pain in the butt to shoot from the bench....I'll take a Ruger #1 over the TC anyday.

How is it a pain to shoot from a bench? I shoot my 22-250 and my 300win from a bench all day long and have no problems. As far as bolt versus break open it's just another Ford vs Chevy. Was shooting with a guy the other day at the range he had a 700 in 22-250 he couldn't get to group (said it was the wind:rolleyes:) While I shot one hole groups all after noon. But again each to their own. I like bolt guns too but I love my TC
 
Break actions are a pain to open and keep open when shooting form bags on a bench or prone, especially in the snow. I don't believe that this is a case of Ford vs Chevy, my interest is in accurate rifles, esp. CBA benchrest, equipment lists of winners/competitors never show break action rifles, they show lots of single shots and bolt actions. I agree with Townsend Whelen "only accurate rifles are interesting", and I don't find the break actions interesting.
 
Up until lately I haven't had any real interest in the Encores, bring out the smaller/lighter Contenders and you have found a major supporter these little rifles are far more compact and easy to handle but you do have to work with reduced pressure loads.

I have been thinking about getting an Encore with a 28" barrel chambered in 243 I would have it rechambered to 6mm-284 should be able to get 3600fps - 3700fps with 90gr Scirroco's and if it is a tack driver this would be my new long range coyote/wolf hunting rifle that would double as a very nice deer size game rifle.
 
I just finished the Belm trigger upgrade including stoning and polishing and spring kit:D:D:D What a difference, 2.5#, crisp and no creep or overtravel as I also put an overtravel screw in the trigger guard. I love this gun:p
Kim
 
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