Thompson/Center Encore Rifle in .308..Accurate???

[marksman13]

My dad basically told me to pick up a rifle for my birthday and he will foot the bill. I'm pretty sure I want a single shot .308. I've been giving the Encore a long, hard look, and I just want to know how these rifles stack up to other single shot rifles like the Ruger No. 1. Which is the most accurate, most reliable, and best made rifle in terms of fit and finish? Any opinions from owners of other rifles would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance guys.

By the way, this going to be a deer hunting rifle. Can I expect 1 MOA groups at 100 yards with the Encore. Accuracy is my biggest concern with any hunting rifle.

 

[Outlaws]

Well people will argue both ways, but I would say you can't go wrong with either one. But the barrel choices for the T/C are definate plus.

 

[AH-1]

I have a encore with 3 barrels.25-06,7.5X55 and a 375 win.great to have a choice when it come to hunting.coyotes 25-06 deer 7.5X55 and the 375 for hogs ect.
the best part of the encore is order your next barrel and it is del. right to your front door no ffl ect.I have heard the new pro hunters are very accurate.
pete

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

either one will be accurate, but the encore will allow you to pick a barrel in almost any caliber you want..

 

[heathen]

I've never owned a No.1 but have owned an Encore and an older model Contender. In my opinion the Encore is one of the best hunting rifles available. It's available in several different stock configuratons and the barrel selection is almost mind boggling. They're also lightweight and well balanced rifles with the standard contour barrels. My Dad has a heavy barrel on his 300 Win mag and it is just a little too barrel heavy for my tastes, but he loves it. Both of my rifles would consistently print groups under an inch with ammo that they liked. But I've fallen on hard times as of late and was forced to sell my Encore. I think you will be very pleased with the Encore if that is the rifle that you choose to get.

Best of luck to you. God bless, Heath.

 

[The Rifleman]

Both are very good.

The Ruger is a lot fancier than the Thompson..

Both have very good barrels that will probably shoot 1 inch groups at 200 yards! Depending on optics, mounts and the shooter....

 

[marksman13]

My dad has decided that the rifle is not really going to be a gift. He wants to buy my Remington 700 .243 for the price of the Encore. It's essentially a trade I guess. Great part is, he says the Remington never has to change hands unless he needs it. I am coming out on the winning end of this by a long shot.

 

[tbtrout]

I shoot an encore for muzzleloading and in 45-70. It is a great rifle. Very comfortable to shoulder.

 

[jbeltz7]

I own both and the Ruger #1 classic lines and old school falling block action not to mention the walnut stock warm my heart more then the modular Encore. However both rifles are accurate and a joy to shoot. Out of the box the Encore is probably a tad more accurate then a Ruger of the same caliber but both will outshoot me. Two operational things to consider is cocking a hammer and breaking open action to reload on an Encore rifle takes some getting used too.

 

[Charles S]

I have an Encore that will consistently group better than 1/2 inch at 100 yards with two separate barrels, albeit one is a Shilen.

I have two number ones, both will group about 1 1/2 at 100 yards with handloads and a lot of work, they are elegant, they are beautiful, they just won't shoot as well as I had hoped. Would I sell them? No way, are they accuracy queens, No way. Great guns, there are examples of the Ruger Number 1 that will shoot much better than mine, I have just not had great luck with mine.

Keep in mind, I define group size as a measurement of 3-5 5 shot groups, not a single group of less than an inch. Both of my Ruger #1s will shoot a single group of less than an inch, they just cannot consistently repeat it.

Good luck.

 

[CZ223]

What Charles S said.....

Ruger No. 1s are indeed very well made nice looking rifles. I love the falling block design. That said, the only reason I have never owned one is for their lack of accuracy. Every one that I know who has owned one has never characterized them as tack drivers. I have read several articles detailing the reasons why and the steps neccesary for accurizing them. This is not to say that they are not fine hunting rifles, they are. They are not target rifles. The Encore is, or can be, both. I have owned several contenders and one Encore. The encore, a 7-08, had a 15'' barell and would shoot right around an inch at 100 yards with iron sights. Not bad for a handgun that cost right around $500. I have read countless articles documenting the accuracy of the encore rifles and they simply are amazing. Get an encore first, then start picking out the other barrels you want. It is addictive.