TC Encore Pistols

[WarPig]

I originally posted this in the Trapping, Varmint and Small Game Forum but I thought I might get more responses here.

I've always wanted an Encore pistol and am thinking seriously of getting one soon. I'll probably bring it along coyote hunting initially and I'd like to try it on P dogs some day. I'm thinking .223 because I have one already and have quite a bit of ammo but I also have a .243 so that is a possibility too. I'm thinking of keeping it a smaller caliber for now and I figure that I can always get a larger caliber barrel later if I decide I'd like to deer hunt with it or something. I'm not sure what length of barrel to get but would like to keep it as short as practical. Are the TC scopes good or should I go with something else?

Any insight from Encore pistol shooters would be appreciated.

Also, what exactly is the difference between the Encore and the G-2?

[Stanley]

WarPig,

I have been shooting Encores for the past 5 years (both in rifle and pistol). A google search will better explain the differences between the Encore and G-2. But in short, the Encore will be able to handle bigger calibers than the G-2. I believe the triggers are the same - you might consider a trigger job done on either(Mike Bellum or Steve Stratton both do them for around $80) In my opinion, I would go with the Encore. The barrels are not interchangeable, meaning one that fits an Encore will not fit a G-2.(I think)
I've never used a TC Scope so can't comment on that.
From experience, you will want as long of a barrel that you can. Both in terms of accuracy and velocity. I think it is something like 60 ft/sec for every inch you cut off. So, if you have a 3,500 ft/sec 223 out of a 24" tube and now you shoot that same case out of a 10" barrel your velocity will be around 2,660 which will make quite a bit of difference on coyotes at 200 yds.
All of my barrels are/were made by Match Grade Machine. If you choose them or not, it is up to you, but their website has tons of information on it about the finer points of Encore shooting.
Lastly, do you like to practice? Shooting a pistol is not even close to shooting a rifle. I can't hit a barn - and am actually thinking about selling my pistol barrel and stock/forend because I don't spend enough time practicing my pistol shooting. Hope this helped - check out Steve Stratton's, Mike Bellum's and MGM's website - lots of info.

Stanley

[WarPig]

Thanks for the info Stanley. I do have an Encore Black Powder rifle. (I know that if I bought the pistol barrel, stock and grip I could convert it to a pistol and back but I don't know if I want to or not).

What caliber(s) do you shoot? I've shot one in .30/30 a couple of times but that's about it. I think I want to start out with something a little smaller. The velocity loss with the shorter barrel is a concern that I've had and is the reason that I'm being choosy trying to pick a caliber.

I shoot pistols quite a bit but nothing close to this size. I figure I will limit my range until I feel comfortable at longer range.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

[Stanley]

In rifle I have; 280, 260AI, 6 BR. In the pistol I only have a 300 RSAUM. Yes, you know when you pull the trigger. It is a 15" barrel. I bought it to go elk hunting in Colorado, but have not gone yet. Good luck with your decision.