Author Topic: T/C ENCORE VS. H&R HANDI RIFLE (VS CVA OE) : WHICH IS BETTER? (Read 25607 times)

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #30 on:** November 15, 2005, 02:21:10 AM »

Quote from: Krochus

There is an old saying, If you've been married 6 times it might be you.

Wow, I don't even know how to respond to that. I don't have a clue as to what it has to do with T/C or NEF. :? :?
Instead of going on and rant and getting totally off subject, why not just drop it. Hint Hint.... :roll:

HO! MIGHTY REDHAWK.

tom barthel · « **Reply #31 on:** November 15, 2005, 04:45:23 AM »

I can afford both. I don't like getting dings on any rifle. I am FULLY CAPABLE OF MISSING with either. Get what you want. It's your money. Both will do the job when needed.

Take care and God bless.

Tom

Joel · « **Reply #32 on:** November 18, 2005, 07:06:22 AM »

Not much into ego trips, so I'll just put my preference this way. I bought my Two handi's(45/70 and 22 Hornet) back around '91 or '92. Paid $174.00 for each. Up to that point my deer hunting had been done with a Ruger #1 in 6mm. Surely a lovely rifle, which I still own. Hated the stock on the NEF, so I reworked the 45/70 into a straight grip( never thought to just buy a Pardner butt), and it killed something like 22 Deer over the first years of it's life. Got to thinking it just wan't fancy enough last year, so I added a curly Maple stock fron Gunstocks Inc to it($134.00)which I also re-worked to straight grip, and then added the metal hinge pin and trigger guard(around $64.00 if I recall). The old Burris on it finally gave up last year, so I also added a new Leupold 2X-7X($200.00 at Walmart). Comes to around $572.00 put into it over the years. 'Bout the cost of a new Encore from what I read. However, it's cost was spread over the years, and it's EXACTLY what I've always wanted my wood's rifle to look like. Never been that much into instant gratification. I was at our local Game Commission range yesterday sighting in the new 'scope(still shoots 400 gr. Speers into 1" with the new stock) and the guy next to me was shooting an Encore in 7mm Mag. Shiny, stainless barrel way too short for the caliber, nasty muzzle brake, very plain, cortorted wood stock and a fancy range finder scope. Shot well though. He kept looking over at the 'ol NEF, and finally he came over and took a look and we did some talking. He'll be selling the encore(he says) and buyin' an NEF in 35 Whelen, since they're re-introducing that caliber for '06; plus being handy(heh) a stock from Gunstocks. Sportin' Rifle should LOOK like a rifle, not a piece of equipment or bad modern art. So I'm old fashioned that way. Shoot me...don't miss though.......

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #33 on:** November 18, 2005, 01:17:35 PM »

Quote from: Joel

Not much into ego trips, so I'll just put my preference this way. I bought my Two handi's(45/70 and 22 Hornet) back around '91 or '92. Paid $174.00 for each. Up to that point my deer hunting had been done with a Ruger #1 in 6mm. Surely a lovely rifle, which I still own. Hated the stock on the NEF, so I reworked the 45/70 into a straight grip( never thought to just buy a Pardner butt), and it killed something like 22 Deer over the first years of it's life. Got to thinking it just wan't fancy enough last year, so I added a curly Maple stock fron Gunstocks Inc to it($134.00)which I also re-worked to straight grip, and then added the metal hinge pin and trigger guard(around $64.00 if I recall). The old Burris on it finally gave up last year, so I also added a new Leupold 2X-7X($200.00 at Walmart). Comes to around $572.00 put into it over the years. 'Bout the cost of a new Encore from what I read. However, it's cost was spread over the years, and it's EXACTLY what I've always wanted my wood's rifle to look like. Never been that much into instant gratification. I was at our local Game Commission range yesterday sighting in the new 'scope(still shoots 400 gr. Speers into 1" with the new stock) and the guy next to me was shooting an Encore in 7mm Mag. Shiny, stainless barrel way too short for the caliber, nasty muzzle brake, very plain, cortorted wood stock and a fancy range finder scope. Shot well though. He kept looking over at the 'ol NEF, and finally he came over and took a look and we did some talking. He'll be selling the encore(he says) and buyin' an NEF in 35 Whelen, since they're re-introducing that caliber for '06; plus being handy(heh) a stock from Gunstocks. Sportin' Rifle should LOOK like a rifle, not a piece of equipment or bad modern art. So I'm old fashioned that way. Shoot me...don't miss though.......

Just one question on your post. Why if someone wants a nice gun do you automatically think that are on an ego trip??? :?

If you like your gun, great and I am sure it is a good shooting gun, but it does not always fit other taste.

Joel · « **Reply #34 on:** November 18, 2005, 08:03:43 PM »

Tsk. Far as I can tell, you answered your own question. I'll be movin' on now. Take care.

rifleman61 · « **Reply #35 on:** December 27, 2005, 11:30:44 AM »

Gentlemen,
It is with great interest that I have read some[actually many] of the commentaries regarding the "T/C-Handi' question. I shall say[by way of background] that I have been in shooting sports for many years having shot competitively for the Navy for sometime before my retirement. I have shot everything from custom made M1A supermatches, custom Garands, AR-15s, to bolt action snipers. I spent two years and five thousand dollars [please don't anyone let my wife know] developing a single shot bolt gun, Savage 110 in a Cloward prone stock chambered for 3006Ackley improved; the weapon shoots exactly where I want it to at a 1000 yards. I have found that single shot rifles are far and away the very best way to go; much is demanded of the rifleman and if the fundamentals are observed the rifle will reward you.
Regarding the differences between the T/C and the HandR, it is my own considered opinion that each weapon has its own merits and must be contemplated only in that manner. to do otherwise is to compare apples to dump trucks. Some prefer the styling of the T/C I do not; I prefer the simple straight forward "elegance" [gracefully concise, simple, and succinct {dictionary definition}] of the HandR. Either line of Handis or Ultras are fine rifles capable if giving exceptional accuracy in the properly motivated and trained hands; I prefer the Ultras with the laminate stocks [a rainy match at Quantico fifteen years ago proved to me the value of laminate stocks{I had a laminated Bishop M1A}] I do not drop my weapons or scratch them so that consideration is pointless. Both T/C and H/R have comprehensive barrel exchange programs with their own particulars; I like H/R's because I like 7mm06 [that's 280 Remington to you] and I like 25/06 Remington. The H/R of today is not the H/R of twenty five years ago. The pull on the trigger is commensurate to service rifle trigger pull, clean and crisp at app'xly 4.5 lbs, which is what the armorers weigh out at in a service rifle match at Quantico, Benning, or Lejeune. I have a Buffalo rifle in 45/70 and it will kill anything on the North American continent; I would not hesitate in the least to go after bear with it a 500 gr. postell at 1600fps is a great killer and ART IV scope. I have an Ultra Varmint in 223 with a fluted heavy barrel and Choate stock, an Ultra Hunter in 25/06 Simmons 24X44 rnage finding scope and a Topper Deluxe Classic in 12ga [the checkering on the Ultra and the Classic is topnotch "hand checkering". The fit and finish of these weapons is as good as if not better than other weapons that I have and have spent copious amounts of money developing. I absolutely have not hesitated in bringing one of them out of my armory and showing them around to admiring prospective shooters. It is my point to get the non-shooter interested in shooting sports , not to turn him off and lose him by how much money I spend on any given weapon. I shall close for now and hope that what I have said here is taken positively in the balance for H/R.

doncisler · « **Reply #36 on:** January 03, 2006, 10:04:41 AM »

DavOH,
boy did you open a can of worms!!
they're both good buy what you like.
now let's argue about chevy vs ford vs dodge vs.............

MSP Ret · « **Reply #37 on:** January 03, 2006, 11:31:51 AM »

Well said rifleman61, carry on!!!....<><.... :grin:

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #38 on:** January 03, 2006, 12:01:58 PM »

I would also choose the encore any day over the handi. I just plain don't care for the looks and weight of the handi rifles. I have nothing against them, just personal preference. I also much perfer stainless so that rules them out also.

Personally I guess I am a snob. Most of my guns are fairly expensive, several over $1k. I've always thought you get what you pay for. I know I wouldn't be happy with a handi rifle, they are just too ugly. My uncle has one and it shoots very well, but not any better than my encore. I also like the encore stock design better, not to mention the much larger selection of barrels and configurations.

I will say one thing though, if you come up next to me on the shooting range I judge you by the manner in which you carry yourself, ie gun safety and consideration of others, and your targets. What you are shooting matters little to me. I think we should all get off this pepsi vs coke argument.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #39 on:** January 03, 2006, 02:24:25 PM »

I have to agree with ya on the coke vs pepsi split but I'm on the other side of the fence. I think Encores are the ugly rifles, the stock design is hideous, IMO, and to pay that much for an ugly rifle just goes against my common senses. As far as the Handi not being available in stainless, you're misinformed, it may not be available in as many calibers, but is in several.. .223, .22-250 .243, .270 and .30-06, in addition to a couple .50 cal muzzleloader barrels in 24" and 26".

http://www.hr1871.com/firearms/index.php?cat=4&subcat=36

mitchell · « **Reply #40 on:** January 04, 2006, 08:06:43 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo

I think Encores are the ugly rifles, the stock design is hideous, IMO, and to pay that much for an ugly rifle just goes against my common senses.

humm i've never see any encore or handi at a match before .. humm .... must make them hunting guns.

to pay that much for any rifle goes against common senses. what does a encore run now $600??? if you paying that much why not put down a little bit more and get a custom?

why blow that much money on a hunting gun?? all thats need for most hunting is MOA and there is a lot of guns cheaper then the encore that will do MOA.

i've never spent that much on a hunting gun and so long are savage , remington , NEF and others still shoot MOA i never will.

BTW i would put my handi's up against any encore any time , you set the date , heck i'll even us factory ammo :wink: :wink:

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #41 on:** January 04, 2006, 09:56:19 PM »

I didn't realize they came in stainless. Either way I"m still a coke fan, or is it pepsi, I can't tell. No matter you would be welcome to shoot next to me or hunt with me with either.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #42 on:** January 06, 2006, 07:53:00 PM »

:toast:

Hammerspur · « **Reply #43 on:** January 08, 2006, 12:59:10 AM »

I think it's generally true that TC's products come with a better finish, but the whole Encore, Contender rifle/carbine line CANNOT be made to look, handle with the grace and feel a single-shot rifle is supposed to embody because they are all HANDGUNS at heart. The pistol grip frame configuration necessitates an awkward, delicate turn-up (turnip?

) at the wrist area to facillitate a shoulder stock... pretty unattractive IMO, and as noted elsewhere, fragile.

As an aside check out www.eabco.com/Brown97DRifle.htm to see a similar outward layout of this shape better done as a rifle configuration on a pistol frame. E.Arthur Brown rifles have, I think, a frame adapter betwixt the basic receiver and buttstock yielding a much more aethetically pleasing flow to the overall lines, probably stronger and better handling too.

Qaz · « **Reply #44 on:** January 18, 2006, 02:39:46 AM »

Whew! That was a tiring read!
Granted, the T/C has a better look of quality, but I don't know that it is better quality. Neither is the best looking gun produced, actually I wouldn't brag about the looks of either. Either one makes my "Savage" look good. T/C offers more barrels and easier or more conveniant to fit. The H&R are good guns at a great price. I don't own either, but will be getting one. I think what you are actually paying for in the T/C is convertability. You can have a rifle and a pistol in one platform. For the price of a rifle and a barrel, you have both. That is T/C's big selling point.
Of course it is just my opinion.

Qaz

Old Griz · « **Reply #45 on:** March 16, 2006, 06:32:53 PM »

:cb2: I have always wanted a single shot rifle in 6.5x55. I'd settle for a .260. So I guess if I'm gonna get one, I'll have to go with the Encore.

Now boys, play nice, or go home. . . .

Uncle Ji · « **Reply #46 on:** March 17, 2006, 11:59:42 PM »

Just to throw something else into the mix a couple years back I bought a Rossi R357S stainless steel rifle in 357 magnum and have been having a blast with it popping wild goats in the hills above my house. I paid $160.00 NIB and got my moneys worth a long time ago. This thing shoots MOG (minute of goat) at 150 yards with open sights (from a TC Contender). I know CDNN had them on clearance for $139.99 and I would recommend this gun to anyone looking for a great truck/boat gun or plinker using cheap 38 Special ammo.

marlinman93 · « **Reply #47 on:** May 21, 2006, 01:11:48 PM »

dodd3 · « **Reply #48 on:** May 22, 2006, 04:54:57 AM »

dont like the look of the encore looks funy to me but if i was offerd a old tcr87 single shot i would jump at it, they the best looking rifle tc has made.i love my h&r buffalo classic it has out standing wood.go for what you like the best they are both good guns.

bernie :grin:

uncle joe · « **Reply #49 on:** May 24, 2006, 12:39:01 PM »

I own both, I have 2 Handi's 17 hmr and 223 Survivor, both tack drivers.
I also own 3 Encore frames 2 blue 1 stnls. along with 4 ctr fire barrels
2 shotgun barrels a muzzel loader and 2 pistol barrels. All better shooters than me. I didn't like the Encore looks at first but it has grown on me for several reasons. The funny shaped stock seems to absorb recoil better than my traditional look rifles and I have grown used to the pistol type grip
on the rifle stock and feel I am more steady with it. (another reason I also like the Handi Survivor) You would have to put a gun to my head to make me choose between them, they both have their place. I do like the idea of buying a barrel and shooting it the same day w/o having to send it out to be fitted. It all boils down to budget and personal preference.
OOFHO (one old farts humble opinion)

MSP Ret · « **Reply #50 on:** June 01, 2006, 04:32:28 PM »

All things considered, SOFCO (second olde farts considered opinion) get a Handi (or 2 or 3!!) and don't look back, invest the difference and live out your remaining years in peace and tranquility....<><....

mjshell · « **Reply #51 on:** June 09, 2006, 10:05:36 AM »

very interesting series of posts. I own numerous tc products but i personally think the hr/nef's are the best "bang for the buck."

instead of getting personal, we should thankful that we live in a country where we have the right to own guns and the right to disagree about them.

rebAL · « **Reply #52 on:** July 10, 2006, 05:22:23 PM »

I hope the Encore is the better purchase.Â After owning a handi-rifle & 3 barrels for nearly 5 years, I finally traded it all in for a new Encore.Â I'm not complaining about the Handi;Â I believe you get what you pay for.Â After 2 returns for repair and still having reliability issues, I decided enough's enough.Â I hope I made the right decision.Â I tried to make it work and if all I wanted was a plinker & coyote gun I would have kept the handi because the problems were never about accuracy;Â All 3 of my barrels were tack drivers.Â

jamaldog87 · « **Reply #53 on:** July 13, 2006, 02:21:31 PM »

well if i hunted big game i would get the t/c because it in cals. up to 458win but for hunting in the US i would get the H&R it cost less so i can get more stuff or just get 2 H&Rs.

Old Griz · « **Reply #54 on:** July 13, 2006, 08:47:06 PM »

OK, BOTH of them are ugly rifles. If ya want a pretty single shot, get a Ruger #1.

A while back one of the gun magazines (I think Guns & Ammo) compared four differernt varmint set ups in four distinct price ranges. The cheapest being a Handi , the next Savage, third was either a Winchester 70, or a Remmington 700 I believe, and the top of the line ($ wise) was a Weatherby. The Savage proved to be the most accurate, but the close second place contestant was the Handi. Point being, you can always pay more, but doesn't mean you get more.

The only advantage I can see with the TC is that you can get so many different calibers that you can't get with the Handi.

Hammerspur mentioned the Brown 97D. It too, is a really fine gun, but the "cheap" ones now are $900 with only a choice of three calibers. The custom guns start at $1300. Think of how many Handis you could get for that!

rebAL · « **Reply #55 on:** July 14, 2006, 04:50:19 AM »

FWIW; When in my local gun shop making my trade for a T/C I coukldn't help notice all the used Handi's on the rack and absense of any encores. Hmmm?

Hammerspur · « **Reply #56 on:** July 21, 2006, 02:03:42 AM »

Quote from: Old Griz on July 13, 2006, 08:47:06 PM

OK, BOTH of them are ugly rifles. If ya want a pretty single shot, get a Ruger #1

(No. 3's are better looking still, if stocked and barreled right.)

Hammerspur mentioned the Brown 97D. It too, is a really fine gun, but the "cheap" ones now are $900 with only a choice of three calibers. The custom guns start at $1300. Think of how many Handis you could get for that!

Why doesn't TC stock their 'pistol-cum-rifle' like E.A. Brown does, instead of that ungainly, jury-rigged setup? Reminds me of the old "Man From Uncle" toy gun when I was a kid!

Mac11700 · « **Reply #57 on:** July 29, 2006, 11:16:57 AM »

While this may not be a direct comparison to the TC...it does show what it can do up against a much more expensive rifle...a-lot more expensive rifle

http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/feb97money.html

This is another reason I love the Handi's...

JPH45 · « **Reply #58 on:** September 01, 2006, 05:30:00 PM »

I've had 5 Handi Rifles and one extra barrel, and each one of them had mechanical problems within 500 rounds. As well, only one of 6 barrels was within common industry specs. I got rid of them and got an Encore. This frame has over 2000 rounds on it and not one breakage. The real truth is that one does get something for the extra money spent, a higher quality of engineering, superior design and superior materials. I've owned both, and will never go back to the NEF, it a cheap imitaiton of what a true quality rifle should be.

Fred M · « **Reply #59 on:** September 05, 2006, 09:45:15 AM »

I am with JPH45.
A rifle should shoot the same small groups after 500 or 1000 rounds than when it was new. I have several of such rifles. Although they are not cheap. I have a Ruger #1 25-06 about 1980 vintage with the throat eroded about 1/2" with fire cracking along the bore. This rifle still shoots tiny 3 shot groups with no loss in velocity.

Testing the Ruger with a 25-06 Handi showed a loss of 100ft with all loads compared to the Ruger 25-06. The Handi had a sloppy bore, this was although evident on a 223 Handi. The 25-06 Handi showed best performanc when loaded to 257 Roberts velocities.

I although have two custom rebored Handi rifles with perfect bores and chambers, both shoot three shot groups 1/2" or less. Alas they both shot loose and needed fixing one after 160 rounds the other after 250-300 rounds.

The reason is the soft pot metal underlug with a hollowed out center section. Once I get tired of fixing I will replace the front part of the underlug with a pice of good steel and make a new seat.

Would I buy another Handi even though they are cheap, no way.
Do I like my two Handis? Very much so. They are simple and dynamic in feel and handling, but they are completly custom.

I don't own a T/C but I would not buy one because they are terible looking. Though a guy can always make a new stock to suit your taste.