Anyone Have A Thompson Encore Rifle?

[mlgs00]

Does anyone here have experience with the Thompson Encore rifle? I like the fact that you can have different calibers by quickly switching out the barrels. As a single shot rifle, it will also slow down the rate of fire, saving money on ammo. I have been captivated by this whole system and the versatility of it. I am considering starting with a .223 barrel since I already have ammo for my AR15 rifles. Next would be a .308, another round I already shoot. You just don't see too many of these rifles around and I like the the fact that I would be shooting something a bit unique.

[Drivedabizness]

I have several CA FFL's tell me they will not carry them.

(Don't flame me - its what they said). I love the idea of a hunting platform where you can zero an optic and just put an "upper" for the task at hand.

[toby]

I have had T/Cs since 1975 and the Encore is a great gun, don't listen to those who talk them down, they don't own one.....

[Divernhunter]

I have the Encore pistol and I really like it. I have several barrels for it. I do not have the rifle but if you want a single shot I do not see why you would not get one then get several barrels.

[JOE MACK]

At present, I have one measuring in at 16.5 inches for a carbine legal length. It's in 8mmGNR which is the .405 Winchester case necked to .323. It's a pretty stout caliberl I wouldn't hesitate to use on pigs, bear, elk, moose, etc and like African game. Since the barrel is stainless, I slapped on a synthetic buttstock and fore-end.

[Dead*Reckoned]

How is accuracy? Is it sub moa, or just suitable for hunting?

[dfletcher]

Does anyone here have experience with the Thompson Encore rifle? I like the fact that you can have different calibers by quickly switching out the barrels. As a single shot rifle, it will also slow down the rate of fire, saving money on ammo. I have been captivated by this whole system and the versatility of it. I am considering starting with a .223 barrel since I already have ammo for my AR15 rifles. Next would be a .308, another round I already shoot. You just don't see too many of these rifles around and I like the the fact that I would be shooting something a bit unique.

I have the Encore and Contender in long gun and handgun (4 frames) configuration. If you're an addictive personality it can be a bit of a challenge staying away from buying barrels. Being able to switch calibers is almost like getting a new rifle with no wait. They're generally very accurate and fun to shoot.

I think the Encore rifle does best in the 22 to 28 caliber range with the less punishing 30 cals tossed in - it's a light rifle.

Three sites to hit are Match Grade Machine (custom barrels) and Bergara (inexpensive barrels) and Bellm TCs - this is in addition to the T/C site itself. Grafs generally has the best price on Bergara, custom is nice but a factory new barrel for about $150.00 is fun too.

I have about a dozen Encore barrels, for some reason the most accurate one I own is an MGM made 25/35 WCF - with a 75 grain Hornady AMax it will shoot into the same hole all day long at 100 yds. A 6X47/222RM does almost as well.

[mlgs00]

I'll check out those sites. So far I have looked on Midway, MGM, TC's site and E.A. Brown. Best prices and selection were at E.A. Brown. They also will install muzzle brakes to help tame those bigger calibers.

How is recoil on a .223? Would I want to have a muzzle brake installed? I know I definitely would on a .308.

[toby]

No brake on a 223 and personally I'd skip putting one on a 308 as well, but if you want one go for it. I don't recommend Bullberry for having custom work done but they do make terrific barrels, check out their in stock barrels and if you see something you like, call them they will give you a better price sometimes.

[Divernhunter]

I like the T/C brake. I have it on my 308win and 257Roberts barrels. I have my 454Casull barrel mag-n-ported. The 223 barrel I have has nothing and it is mild shooting. I will have the T/C brake on the 500S&W barrel I plan to order. All of mine are 15" pistol barrels. With the brake they are 16 1/8". I use a rifle forestock and have T/C drill the extra hole for it. I also use a Harris bi-pod mounted on the rifle stock. It cost me $10 for the extra hole and I like the way it looks and how I can have the bi-pod on the stock and not the barrel.