Time for a new one..... NEF Fluted Ultra Varmint or Encore????

[mr.theman]

OK my Dad has informed me that we are going to bust some P-dogs in March so it's time for a new rifle .  I am goind with a 22-250 but can't make up my mind between a NEF Fluted Ultra Varmint or Thompson Encore.  I am going with one of these two because I like the idea of adding more barrels to my collection without having to drop big bucks on a whole new rifle.  What are the pros and cons between these two choices.  What kind of groups can I expect at 100yd, 200yd, and beyond?  My Dad has a 22-250 26" heavy barrel for the Encore that I can use indefinatly so I would only have to buy the Encore frame to start so that brings the price difference between the two down to pretty close.

Please help me I am goind nuts flip-floping between the two  .  Wish I could just buy both . 

Thanks

[stimpylu32]

There has been a few articals on the handi verse the tc  among other high dollar rifles and the handi wins , something to think about .

stimpy

Drop me a e-mail and i will send them to you to read , my e-mail is in my profile .

[backstrap]

Just think if you bought a handi 22-250 it would be yours not half your dads i dont know alott about the t/c frames but i would think as high as the whole t/c gun is that just a frame would be as much or more than the handi would be

[Mac11700]

My Dad has a 22-250 26" heavy barrel for the Encore that I can use indefinatly so I would only have to buy the Encore frame to start so that brings the price difference between the two down to pretty close.

Well...let's be realistic here...Since you only have to buy a frame...then go with the Encore...Then just add barrels as you go...then..after your hunt...sell the frame..and buy some Handi's if you want...Both are good rifles...and you have more options of barrels with the Encore if you stay with it.....Either way...your going to have to shoot it to see what kind of accuracy YOU get with either brand...Each rifle has it's own unique quirks...If your Fathers barrel is a good shooter...and seeing though he is already shooting them...it would behoove you to use what he's using...as he should be able to help you out...

Good Luck

Mac

[myarmor]

   Wow.....Mac actually recomended buying a TC over a Handi!!!  I do admit that I like the LONG barrel offerings that they offer. Hopefully down the road we might see NEF/H&R do the same.
But technicially wouldn't you need to buy a full stock config as well as an Encore frame? That would about equal a complete Handi right there. 
I guess it depends on what calibers you really want down the road and if the price of the TC barrels is worth the $$ to you personally.
As said both are good rifle, and will serve you well. But you can have a lot for a little with a Handi


-Aaron

[Mac11700]

 

  Wow.....Mac actually recomended buying a TC over a Handi!!!    I do admit that I like the LONG barrel offerings that they offer. Hopefully down the road we might see NEF/H&R do the same.

Aaron...the reason is simple on this...his Dad is apparently already shooting the Encores...I figured it would be a whole lot easier if he went this way to begin with and since there was a bit of a rush indicated by his post...I figured his Dad already new which ammo shot the best in it already.. and wouldn't have to go completely thru the ammo work up process... You did notice what I told him to do afterwards didn't you ..

then..after your hunt...sell the frame..and buy some Handi's if you want..

...I also figured he might want to get rid of it...and could sell it off & get a Handi...If not...no harm in being truthful...It's just a matter of expediency in this case...nothing more...since my preferences are well known...

Mac

[Ditchdigger]

I'm not so sure about the Handi 22 250 barrel,there's been reports about them not being accurate and they sold them.I have 1 that shoots factory ammo terrible,but shot handloads very good until it shot loose in the frame. The 223 might be a better choice for pd's out to 250 yds. Dano ( the man that host's our PD shoot) his son shoots the Encore in 22 250 and is very happy with it.  Digger

[mr.theman]

Thanks for all the replies.  I have decided to go with the Encore.  I can get the frame and stock set for about $350 around here the NEF runs about $300. There are a few calibers that I would like to have but are not offered in the handi as far as I know, such as the 221 Fireball and the 220 Swift.  I am going to leave the Handi on my want list just move it down a couple of spots.  Still have to get a small carry gun maybe a keltec 380 and CZ 452 american in 22lr.  Think when I get the handi I will try the 204.

Going to take my sportster 17 HMR for the closer doggies 

Again thanks for the replies.