Shiloh 50/70
Member
I'm looking to buy a cheaper single shot rifle for all around hunting. I've looked at teh Handi rifle and the Encore by Thompson. What would you recommend?
Rich
Rich
Handi vs TC Encore
- Thread starter Shiloh 50/70
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R.W.Dale
Member
I've owned both . If forced to buy another I would buy the Handi-rifle.
WHY you ask.
Both the Encore and Handi exhibited the same frustrating hit or miss accuracy with close to a dozen different barrels, so you should just buy the cheapest inaccurate rifle.
If you want my opinion for an entry priced rifle NOTHING comes close to the value you get from a $275 Stevens 200 a rifle that WILL shoot great day after day.
WHY you ask.
Both the Encore and Handi exhibited the same frustrating hit or miss accuracy with close to a dozen different barrels, so you should just buy the cheapest inaccurate rifle.
If you want my opinion for an entry priced rifle NOTHING comes close to the value you get from a $275 Stevens 200 a rifle that WILL shoot great day after day.
Matt-J2
Member
The Encore is...well, I figure it's a love/hate thing. Not talking about function so much as feel. That funky grip/buttstock just isn't quite right for me. If it were a bit thinner maybe.
I usually don't rate the Encore as cheaper, though. If you're in the market for one of those, depending on model, you may want to take a look at the Ruger single shots. IIRC you'll need to look for used, but that's usually fine.
I usually don't rate the Encore as cheaper, though. If you're in the market for one of those, depending on model, you may want to take a look at the Ruger single shots. IIRC you'll need to look for used, but that's usually fine.
you could look at a C.V.A. optima elite line of single shot rifles.they should be priced some where between the handi and tc encore.
http://www.cva.com/products/rifle_optelite_center_combos.htm
http://www.cva.com/products/rifle_optelite_center_combos.htm
HOLY DIVER
Member
i went encore crazy last year bought all kinda stuff ended up with allot of money tied up in encore stuff i traded my last encore off over this past weekend and was glad to git ridd of it,dad has a handi that shots as good or better than any encore i've ever owned so there you go!
Coltdriver
Member
An Encore is going to run you $500 to $600 depending on how you get it set up. If you really shop you can find an action with stock for around $300 and then a barrel is about $200 used and about $230 to as much as you want to spend for a new barrel.
So, cheap it ain't.
I think a Handi rifle is about $250 or so out the door.
Anything can be made accurate. Thompson will exchange a bad barrel for you if it just won't shoot.
There are a lot more barrels and calibers available for the Encore. The thing that appeals so much about them is that you can configure a single receiver to anything from a .22 rim fire to a 300 win mag to a black powder barrel. And adding a new rifle to your line up is usually just barrel cost.
So, cheap it ain't.
I think a Handi rifle is about $250 or so out the door.
Anything can be made accurate. Thompson will exchange a bad barrel for you if it just won't shoot.
There are a lot more barrels and calibers available for the Encore. The thing that appeals so much about them is that you can configure a single receiver to anything from a .22 rim fire to a 300 win mag to a black powder barrel. And adding a new rifle to your line up is usually just barrel cost.
alsaqr
Member
Mys last Handi-Rifle will be sold at the next community yard sale. This gun is in .223 and the chamber is out of round. If I do not full length re-size the cases from this gun then they have to be turned until they will chamber-junk!!!
dracphelan
Member
I have a handi in 223 with a bull barrel. It shoots great. It's advantage over the encore is price. However, with the encore, you don't have to send it back to the factory when you buy new barrels. When you buy a new barrel for a handi, you have to send the receiver to the factory for the new barrel to be fitted. Once the barrel has been fitted, you can change out the barrels to your heart's content. Also, if you have a defective item (let's say a barrel), H&R will make it right. It will just take them a couple of months.
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