Well, after owning my Encore for about a month and a half now I finally got to put some lead down range with 'er. Since the weather here today was a bit blustery and a cool 40 degrees I didn't make this one a marathon session.
First up was the 24" .223 barrel. Due to the weather and the fact that I haven't gotten a scope mounted on this particular barrel yet I opted to only shoot at 25 yards with the open sights. I like the open sight set-up in that it is adjustable for windage with a screw at the hinge point. Most of these fold-down leaf type sights require smacking them with a hammer to drift them where you need the bullet to go. I only adjusted left to right since I was shooting so close and it printed about 1 1/2" high to start off with. The only negative I see with the open sights is the front bead. I like the fact that it's white, howerver it's just too darn big. I would have perfered something about 2/3 the size. Anyhow, the rifle printed a nice three shot group about 2" to the left of POA. After only one adjustment she was sitting 1 1/2" high dead center. The last five shot group I fired was one ragged hole about 3/4". With a scope I think this kinda accuracy will continue at 100 yards easily.
Next was the 209X50 barrel. I absolutely love the fiber optic set-up. I haven't gotten my scope yet for this rig so, again, I stuck to the 25 yard limit with open sights. Not to say I won't shoot further than that with open sights, just didn't have the time to go for multiple distances today. Loading was easy at first and became progressively more difficult using Pyrodex pellets and T/C Cheap Shot sabots. I wasn't really all that impressed with the initial grouping. Was hanging out about 4" left and 2" high and clustered. The more I shot the worse it seemed to get. I decided to begin cleaning every other shot. After moving the sight around a bit and getting it closer to the bull I decided to try another powder and bullet combo. I loaded with 100 gr. of Triple 7 with a CVA Powerbelt with the green plastic tip. On a seperate target and with a two-shot group I ended up with both shots touching - felt better. And, the powerbelt was much easier to load. I have high hopes for this combo at 100 yards.
This was my very first experience with the T/C Encore. Never owned a Contender either. I am hooked for sure: encoritis. I loved breaking open the action between shots. Felt kinda cool, like some african big game rifle or something. Recoil with the .223 was pleasant and the 209X50 wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I'm used to shooting a T/C Renegade flintlock and this in line stuff is just so darn smooth.
Both barrels are wearing gray laminated stocks from Boyd's. Not only does it shoot good, but it looks good as well. Again, totally pleased with 'er so far.
:grin:
Ranger413
