Single Shot Pistol/Carbine

[CVShooter]

I'm toying around with an idea of getting a single shot pistol frame, like a TC Encore, and putting a rifle stock on it and a low-power optic for a lightweight & compact deer rifle for when I'm hunting 3+ miles from the truck. This would be a rifle designed to be primarily carried all day and shot only occasionally at relatively short distances, say a max of 200 yards and <100 yards being more likely. .308 would be my caliber of choice but .243 would be a second choice.

Any idea if TC pistols can accommodate their rifle stocks? Any other manufacturers out there offer something similar?

If anybody has actually done something like this, I'm also curious how it weighs in -- whether it saves anything over just getting a compact budget rifle with a sporter barrel & chopping the barrel to 16.5" or so.

[MongooseV8]

Yes. TC are lots of fun. Factory barrels tend to shoot in the 1 MOA range and Bullberry/MGM barrels are usually capable of 1/2 moa.

[Capt.Dunsel]

I'm toying around with an idea of getting a single shot pistol frame, like a TC Encore, and putting a rifle stock on it and a low-power optic for a lightweight & compact deer rifle for when I'm hunting 3+ miles from the truck. This would be a rifle designed to be primarily carried all day and shot only occasionally at relatively short distances, say a max of 200 yards and <100 yards being more likely. .308 would be my caliber of choice but .243 would be a second choice.

Any idea if TC pistols can accommodate their rifle stocks? Any other manufacturers out there offer something similar?

If anybody has actually done something like this, I'm also curious how it weighs in -- whether it saves anything over just getting a compact budget rifle with a sporter barrel & chopping the barrel to 16.5" or so.

Yes , TCs can be a rifle or pistol . Got barrels from .17 to 45/70 , at least 1 of each for each caliber . They are addicting . My latest pair a 12" pistol and a 18 " in .410 . Just about rounds out my collection .

And it does save weight , depending on the rifle/pistol your using.

[MongooseV8]

Just make sure you get a frame that started life as a Pistol to avoid breaking any state or federal laws. Also they do better with a 20" barrel in my experience. Much better balance and easier to hold on target compared to a 16.5".

[1859sharps]

Yes , TCs can be a rifle or pistol .

I know at the federal level this is true. What about California?

[Quiet]

I know at the federal level this is true. What about California?

Under CA laws/regulations...

It can not be configured in a manner that would classify it as a prohibited weapon (SBR/SBS/unconventional pistol).

Which means...

1. When it has a less than 16" rifled barrel attached, it can not have a shoulder stock attached to it.
2. When it has a shoulder stock attached, it must have a 16" or greater rifled barrel or a 18" or greater smoothbore barrel attached to it.
3. Attaching a less than 18" smoothbore barrel makes it an illegal firearm (unconventional pistol).
4. Attaching a less than 18" barrel that can shoot shotgun shells makes it an illegal firearm (SBS).

[dfletcher]

I'm toying around with an idea of getting a single shot pistol frame, like a TC Encore, and putting a rifle stock on it and a low-power optic for a lightweight & compact deer rifle for when I'm hunting 3+ miles from the truck. This would be a rifle designed to be primarily carried all day and shot only occasionally at relatively short distances, say a max of 200 yards and <100 yards being more likely. .308 would be my caliber of choice but .243 would be a second choice.

Any idea if TC pistols can accommodate their rifle stocks? Any other manufacturers out there offer something similar?

If anybody has actually done something like this, I'm also curious how it weighs in -- whether it saves anything over just getting a compact budget rifle with a sporter barrel & chopping the barrel to 16.5" or so.

T/C Encore frame will accommodate their rifle stock. The older Contender (no longer made) frame will not accept the newer Contender G2 grip or stock. The Encore frame cannot be used for rimfire cartridges unless a FP adapter is used.

I agree with a 20" bbl being a best choice. Keep in mind the T/C is a pretty light rifle. So far as recoil is concerned, the barrel sits a bit high relative to the stock and between the two can give a more pronounced pop.

You can take advantage of chamber inserts too. The 308 will accommodate 30 Carbine, 32 ACP for "shootin' squirrels and such".

I have a fair number of barrels and a 25.35 WCF MGM made 20" is one of my favorites and most accurate. It carries the very small Burris Timberline in 4.5 to 14X. Bought it when they were about $150.00. Adjustable Objective. Sits well on the little T/C.

Mike Bellm's website is a good source for T/C info and products. although, he can be a bit zealous in his commentary.

[CVShooter]

Under CA laws/regulations...

It can not be configured in a manner that would classify it as a prohibited weapon (SBR/SBS/unconventional pistol).

Which means...

1. When it has a less than 16" rifled barrel attached, it can not have a shoulder stock attached to it.
2. When it has a shoulder stock attached, it must have a 16" or greater rifled barrel or a 18" or greater smoothbore barrel attached to it.
3. Attaching a less than 18" smoothbore barrel makes it an illegal firearm (unconventional pistol).
4. Attaching a less than 18" barrel that can shoot shotgun shells makes it an illegal firearm (SBS).

Ah, those annoying little laws. There went my original idea.

Though, now I wonder how the overall length of a TC rifle with an 18-20" barrel compares with the OAL of a 16" bolt gun. They're probably not too far off.

[ARDude]

Even if you get the pistol T/C, you can't go back and forth between pistol/rifle and back to pistol in California.

Is that correct?

[MongooseV8]

Even if you get the pistol T/C, you can't go back and forth between pistol/rifle and back to pistol in California.

Is that correct?

Pretty sure you can. Just cant put a pistol barrel on a frame with a rifle stock, or a pistol barrel or grip on a rifle frame.

[MongooseV8]

Ah, those annoying little laws. There went my original idea.

Though, now I wonder how the overall length of a TC rifle with an 18-20" barrel compares with the OAL of a 16" bolt gun. They're probably not too far off.

An Encore will always be shorter, with exception of maybe a "micro" action like CZ makes. I still think the Encore has the advantage.

[Capt.Dunsel]

Even if you get the pistol T/C, you can't go back and forth between pistol/rifle and back to pistol in California.

Is that correct?

Nope .

As long as you don't make an illegal firearm during transition .

No barrel less than 16" on carbine shoulder stock , no barrel longer than 16" pistol grip . If going back and forth remove barrel , then grip/shoulder stock , then swap grip/stock , then change barrel .
Sounds harder than it really is .

The "law"/ruling has been posted up here on Calguns many times , google it .

[ARDude]

So then I could make my Glock pistol into a 16 inch legal rifle and back to pistol?

[Capt.Dunsel]

So then I could make my Glock pistol into a 16 inch legal rifle and back to pistol?

Dude ,

Your Glock was never meant to be a carbine , the law/ruling covers only the TC Contender , google the finding , or do a search here .
Then you would also have to follow the AW flowchart and laws , as a glock carbine conversion would make it an Assault Weapon ( there in CA)

So you can not make a rifle out of your pistol and back to pistol( legally) , sorry.

It is only for those lucky enough to own TC Contenders and Encores .

United States v. Thompson Center Arms , do a search.

[MongooseV8]

I dont think there is any max barrel length for a pistol.