Buckskin,
I would opt for a new bolt gun. After my first experience, with Encores, which I intended
to do as you, just add a new barrel/chambering, to the arsenal for the cost of a new
barrel, I have abandoned that plan. Finding that not all barrels simply pin to frames,
and shoot sub MOA groups, or even MOA groups, splashed a lot of cold water on
my hot for Encore fire. I should have done more research about frame to barrel fit,
floating handguards, using barrel hangers, and the expectations of sub MOA
accuracy from T/C factory barrels. When my 15" SS .308 Win. Encore barrel gets
back from T/C, it gets 1 good chance to shoot MOA, and if not, the Encore will be for sale.
Already, I purchased a Tikka T-3 Lite, in .223 Rem. which was suppose to be a .223
Rem. T/C barrel. To expect superb accuracy,one has to gamble on T/C, or buy a "custom
manufacturer" barrel for $300 to $400, so I just spent $460 on a new Tikka, and had a
shooter. I could have gotten a Savage Sporter, in .223 Rem. for even less, and I am sure
that would have been a shooter, too. Another point, I learned in parallel with my T/C
accurizing experience, was the ease in which I can re-barrel a Savage action, into
one of the many wildcat chambers offered as well by after market T/C barrel manufacturers.
So that to changed some of my motivation for purchasing the Encore, too.
I am sure plenty of happy T/C shooters are going to add their positive experiences
with T/C, but sad to say, I am not one of them, and can not recommend them
based on my experience. I have first hand knowledge of a couple of other
Encores, owned by friends, and most are happy T/C owners, but these folks
are satisfied with Minute of Deer accuracy. I am not.
Squeeze
