Anyone have any experience with Encore Pistols?

[teddy12b]

Hey all,
 
          Recently I bought an Encore in 30-06 with a 26" barrel to replace my H&R I sold to help pay off "the ring".  Obviously once the ring was paid off I upgraded.   :)  
 
Now, I'm thinking about getting a 30-06 pistol barrel for it, but I am leary because I have never fired one.  I'm thinking 30-06 because ammo will be laying around the house for that.  I already have ruger 44mag and I'm looking for a less convention pistol.
 
Does anyone have any good or bad experience with encore pistols?  I appreciate your comments.
 
Thanks!

[beretta96]

kicks like hell! haven't shot it but uncles brother has one in 270 he shot a doe last year with it. Flinched so much he hit a rock in front of it and hit her in the eye on first shot:eek: . Have fun!

[hunter76]

I Have A Encore Myself And Was Looking At About The Same Thing But I Would Opt For The 243 Winchester Instead Because There Is Much Less Recoil Involved And Would Be Easier To Handle.  I Was Thinking About Using This In The Shotgun Zone So I Could Shoot 200 Yards Or So But You Would Have To Hold It Preaty Steady For That.

[single_shooter]

I started with an Encore in .308 and then got the 30-06 and now have a .243 Bullberry custom bull barrel.
I got a nice doe at over 200 yards with my 30-06 a few years ago and it still remains my longest shot with a pistol to date.
The recoil is not that bad.  I had a 15" without a muzzle brake and had no issue shooting it accurately.  If someone has accuracy issues, it is from a lack of practice or a dislike of any recoil and they should stick to long guns.  
If you are going to have 200+ yard shots, get a .308 or a 30-06...but if you are just going to be shooting 150 yards or less, go with a .243 and shoot a lighter round with less recoil and great accuracy.  With my .243 I got 2 does at about 100-125 yards and got one just above the right eye (missed point of aim by less than a half inch) and the other square in the left ear.  If that isn't accurate enough...I don't know what to tell you.  Both killed with a factory Federal Premium 70 grain balistic tip round.  And both had the skull cap missing.
Good Luck and Good Hunting

[hunter76]

thank yo for the info single shooter i am going to have to buy a pistol barrel now and try it out .

[teddy12b]

Well, the 30-06 pistol barrel just came in through the mail today.  It looks good on the gun and it looks like it'll be a lot of fun.  I can hardly wait till I can get it to the range.  I'll let you all know how it handles.

[gemihur]

Thompson Center Encore pistol in 357/44 Bain & Davis
wearing custom furniture that I've just completed