Are the After Market Barrels Better?

[Big Blue]

I could use the benefit of your experience. I'm looking to get a new Encore, and didn't know if I'd be better off buying a frame, and an after market barrel, or just buy the Encore with an original barrel.  I'm leaning towards the 7mm-08, or 7mm Rem. Mag. I want a reliably accurate 300 yard deer rifle. I had an Encore in .243 several years ago, and to my regret, like a fool I traded it for something that caught my eye. It was one of the most accurate rifles I've ever owned.
Don

[JoeRobbins]

For a 300 yard deer gun, factory barrel will do just fine. I have a 25-06 26" factory bull that I use to shoot prairie dogs with around 300 yards. Makes a real spectacular air show. I've also got MOA accuracy out of several factory loads I've tried in this barrel. Don't knock the factory barrels.

Now for the contender I have three customs, but it's because of the type shooting I do with them. TC didn't make a full bull 18" and 20" barrel. Two Bullberrys and one Ingram (just a 22" 223 plinker, great walking gun).  I also have a factory 17HMR barrel for the contender that shoots MOA for me. I just got a decent deal on the others used.

Factory hasn't done me wrong so far.  Neither have the customs. T/C says MOA shooter and that is what I got. Bed or float the forearm on the Encore  carbine and shoot away.

Joe

[skb2706]

In as much as 'better' means different things to different people I will answer the best I can based on my limited experience. I like my custom shop (not Fox Ridge) VVCG and BB barrels for several reasons. They use Shilen blanks for barrels = very high quality materials the internal finish is like a mirror which makes cleaning a very short and tidy affair. They all easily meet their accuracy claims with properly loaded ammo. With a nice stock set make for a relatively inexpensive 'custom gun'. The few factory carbine barrels I had did not shoot all that accurate and I was less than impressed (actually my TC handgun barrels were far more accurate in the same chamberings).
On the other hand I dislike like my custom shop barrels because they are very expensive and they take way to long get.

[hh4064]

In my opinion the custom barrels are better. They use high grade custom barrels like shilon.... The foxridge versions are very good especially for hunting. But if you want to do some target work you need to go the custom thing. I have a 22 LR match grade barrel for my encore. That thing shoots right with my anschutzand I am not kidding. I shoot federal gold medal match 900 ammo in it. It will cut a nickel sized hole at 100 yds 90% of the time. The other times the problem is between my ears.
good shooting