T/C Encore Shotgun Barrel for Trap or Something Else?

[illini_razorback]

Since trap shooting is really a single-shot event, any reason why a T/C Encore with a 12 gauge shotgun barrel wouldn't make a great trap gun? I need a shotgun for trap but already have a T/C Encore Muzzleloader. Obviously more guns are better than fewer guns, but for the money would the shotgun barrel work well? Thanks.

 

[ArmedBear]

The barrel will work fine.

What I'm not sure about is how the gun would fit, and how it would balance.

If it works for you, it works for you.

 

[illini_razorback]

True, I'm sure the barrel would function well, I guess what I mean is how would the overall setup work compared to an ideal trap gun? For that matter, what makes an ideal trap gun? That probably should be my main question...

 

[turkeyhntr]

The encore is designed to be fired like a rifle for deer or turkey applications and not as a trap gun. New england firearms makes a trap gun in the same price range as a barrel for your encore. And it's a good entry level trap gun. You will do much better with it at the range also. Trap guns are designed for trap. They have high impact points with a built in lead so that you don't have to cover the clay with the bead. A trap gun is a trap gun and just that!! The price on the trap gun is around 359.99

 

[ArmedBear]

I've also done fine at trap with an 870 Express, which is, I think, cheaper than the Encore barrel.

 

[illini_razorback]

870 Express MSRP is $30 more than the barrel ($383), so in the end yes probably less. I have considered one of these. My grandpa has an 1100 Classic Trap (which he also uses with a deer barrel for whitetail season). I LOVE that gun. Took it trap shooting once and I couldn't miss. Too bad the autoloaders are so much more expensive. How is an 870 going to compare to the 1100 for trap (other than action, obviously)? And, assuming price isn't a factor anymore, how does the 1100 Classic Trap with an MSRP of $1159 compare to other auto trap-style guns in that price range? How does the 1100 compare all-time?

 

[ArmedBear]

Cabelas has been selling the 870 Express around here for $279 of late.

The 870 geometry is going to be very similar to the 1100. The only caveat is that a Trap version of a gun usually has a different comb. The 1100 Classic Trap and the 870 Wingmaster Classic Trap have the same geometry.

Try a regular 1100 or 870 before buying. You might like it, too.