If I didn't have so many other guns, I would own an Encore and a host of barrels and stocks exclusively. I LOVE me TCs. Pistol (my first encore purchase), rifle, shotgun. Even muzzle loader. I can hunt literally ANYTHING that walks North America, including the great bears, and likely most other critters anywhere else. I own all Pre-S&W frames and barrels and won't buy anything but custom shop iron since the buyout. Just not the same quali2, fit and finish anymore. That said, if you decide to go Encore, you'll be happy. ALL my barrels shoot 1/2 moa or better. Even my .444 Marlin pistol bbl will shoot a ragged 3 shot hole at 100 yards. My prohunter 20 gauge turkey bbl did take some trial and error to get it to pattern well. Went through 5 or 6 chokes/load combos until I found the one I liked. It still won't pattern like my 870 20, but a gobbler 40 and in is on the ground.
