TC vs H&R

[LT 102]

I want to pickup a single shot rifle for varmints and deer, I like the idea of interchangeable barrels in different calibers. I thought that I had set my mind on a H&R Handi Rifle, maybe in .243 and then get a larger cal. at a later date. Then my local guy started talking about maybe taking a step up and going with a TC. So my question is......Is a TC worht the extra cash it is going to cost me initially. Is there a big difference in how easy it is to put differnet barrels on them ( ie. he told me with the TC all I needed was to put the handguard onto the new barrel and put it on the rifle. Does the Tc require being sent out for fitting like the H&R and NEF guns do?) After handling them side by side I really like the feel of the TC but is it really worht the extra dough over th H&R?

 

[Hawken50]

i can't say about the h & r, don't have one. i do have an encore. there is no "factory fitting" as you say. although changing barrels does require tools, a trained monkey could do it.

1- make sure chamber is empty (5 sec)
2- remove 2 fore end screws and remove fore end (30 sec)
3- knock out hinge pin with dowel or similar (10 sec)
4- open action, remove barrel (5 sec)
5- place new barrel and align hinge pin holes (15 sec)
6- insert hing pin - i just use the handle of my screwdriver to knock it in (10 sec)
7- replace fore end (30 sec)

so it can be done in less than 2 min. if you're in a hurry. if you're changing the stock too, add another min. to take off the endcap screws, unscrew the stock anchor screw, place the new stock, replace the stock anchor and the endcap.

i wouldn't do it in the field, lose that hinge pin and your f-ed. but i do it on my tailgate all the time. as a matter of fact, i find myself changin out barrels on a daily basis. i shoot trap with my 12ga barrel twice a week and use it as a .243 pistol just about every other day.

once again i don't know about the h&r but you definatly won't be dissapointed with the Encore

edit to add- make sure you get to handle one with a walnut stock if you haven't already. the walnut and synthetic are night and day, the synthetic felt cheesey to me.

 

[1911 guy]

I'll chime in

I've got an H&R with 12ga rifled, 20ga full choke, .223 and 45-70 barrels. I use other guns often, but that receiver and barrels will get me around anywhere in North America.

As for changing barrels, it's easier than the Encore sounds.

1) Open action. Ensure empty
2) Close action
3) Take out fore end screw
4) take off fore end
5) Open action and lift barrel off the hinge

Reverse to install new barrel. No loose parts except one screw and one fore end. By the way, H&R ships all barrels with their own screw. They're interchangeable, but spares are handy.

 

[Hawken50]

that does sound easier. i've often wondered why they can't make or modify one to break down toolessly like an o/u shotgun.

 

[Joemidd]

My Stepdad has a encore. I have 2 H&R Ultra rifles My choice is the laminated wood stock the plastic stocks on the H&R are aweful. I take my $200 handi-rifle send it to get all the calibers I want (about $100.00each)With all of the barrels I want I will do a trigger job. Do not Send the frame back for fitting of barrels with a trigger job when It gets back you will have to do it again

The Handi-rifle is 1/2 -1/3 of the price of a encore. Same goes for the barrels. The encore has a million different calibers and barrel lenths. The encore is avaible with wildcat cartridge from the factory, Handi-rifle is not. Both have muzzleloading and shotgun barrels.

They both are fine guns The difference is the encore If ya want a new cailber you just get it. I like the stock on the encore better. But The encore cost more. With the Handi rifle you have to wait a while for barrels to be fit about 6 weeks. The finish on both are nice (ultra with laminated stock) The NEF finish is a little rough. With handi-rifle if you have a shotgun frame all the will fit is a shotgun barrel with rifle frames you can get what you want.

My choice is the Hani-rifle.

Joe

 

[1911 guy]

Let me clarify

Joemidd reminded me of something. He mentioned it, I'll spell it out. If you buy a H&R Handi-Rifle, you can get rifle and shotgun barrels for it. If you buy a shotgun (they look identical) you are limited to shotgun barrels only.

There is also a newer series of receiver than mine, more calibers are available to new buyers than to me, but both "lists" are actually pretty extensive.

 

[db_tanker]

Encores are very nice...I have been lusting for one of the Katahdin 450 Marlin carbines...


But I have nothing but Contenders for use in play and such. I have shot and carried both Contenders and Encores...30-06 Encore 24" barrel with a very nice set of custom furniture...<drool>


I feel that a Contender is a better choice for varmint work. You can get it chambered in the always nice 223, along with the now popular 204 Ruger as well as the 17 Remington or the 17 Mach IV...or you can go with a 222 Rem Mag or a 222 Rem Mag Imp...or a 223 Ackley Imp. Then you have all the rimfires that cannot be used with an Encore frame.

Alot of people say that you need an Encore to take the larger North American game. Why? You ever shoot a 375 JDJ? How 'bout my 16" 45-70 carbine? You ever see what a 30-30 or 7-30 Waters can do with those pointy, spitzer bullets? You can lay an elk pretty low with a 35 Remington...hogs don't like the 357 Maximum...and of course you can chamber a 44 Mag...a 45 Win Mag can do alot of the stuff a 454 Casull can do...not trying to take anything away from an Encore...but with the added bulk of the frame and such...my choice, for most things, will always be my Contender.

MTCW
D


PS...forgot to say you can also get a 20 gauge or 410 gauge barrel for the TC.