[madeinuk]

I am looking at getting into gun hunting - the muzzleloader this season and maybe turkeys at some point in the future. Another possibility would be a slug gun for bringing meat to the table.

I am very close to purchasing a Thomson Centre Arms Encore with the muzzle loader barrel because of its versatility.

What is the consensus here about the Encore?

What are the pros/cons of .45 vs .50?

My understanding is that thumbhole stock allows better grouping of shots and because a muzzleloader is a single shot weapon this is redundant - am I correct?

Answers on a postcard, please...

 

[LBI Surfrat]

By no means an expert. Try the thumbhole stock (if ya can) before you purchase one. If you have short thick hands/fingers than it wont work for you...well it might but wont be comfortable. I'd be more concerned with how high or low the stock is...if your using a scope you may want to make sure your line of sight is good as far as cheek placement/eye level and your scope.
As far as accuracy goes...find what your gun may like as far as loads. do internet research and choose a few to start with. once you find one or two that stand out than all there is to do is ..practice....practice some more...and when your done...practice again.

I dont have any experince with the Encore. Sorry.

As for 45 vs. 50. Here in new jersey the 45 will do what the 50 can do and vice versa. There are so many differnt bullet types/propellents/etc in each caliber nowadays that you can cater the 45 to act like a 50 and a 50 to act like a 45. I believe its a matter of personal preference.

I like BIG bullets. I like a big entrance hole and a bigger exit hole..easier blood trails. I jumped on the in line bandwagon years ago and have gone back to sidelocks.
Shootin a T/C White Mountain Carbine, 385 Maxi Hunter ahead of 80 grains of pyrodex powder. Iron sites sighted to shoot 2" high at 40 yards. I hunt in swamps so my shots aint far.

Give details as to what type of terrain, zone, hunting set up...it may help some on here help with more details.

Good luck this season.

Nick

 

[230grain hollowpoint]

Encore is an excellent choice. It is not as easy to find ammo for the .45

 

[flat9999]

Encore is a great gun. Like you, I purchased it for the ability to use it in several different modes, although I wound up with only the MZ barrel and have other shotguns/rifles for different game.
For your 45 vs 50 question, here's a good article on the subject:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/muzzleloading_hype.htm
You'll see the vast majority prefer 50's.
Thumbhole vs pistol grip;
Some swear by the thumbhole, and shouldering it seems to have a better hold on the gun. Keep in mind that you'll have to get used to cocking the hammer differently. I chose the standard stock for myself and have no complaints.

 

[Whiskers]

I have a .50 cal encore, and its great, killed a number of deer, and one bear with it. Extremely accurate.

 

[bwd172]

My 50 cal Encore has killed many deer. Good gun.

 

[Iron Duke]

Encore ... best smokepipe out there. Deadly!

 

[BROWNING 10 GA]

I use the Encore 209x.50.Upgraded to Prohunter thumbhole stock and fore end w/ Leupold scope.Great accurate setup,a lethal combination,can't go wrong.[up]

 

[madeinuk]

Thanks for your help, guys.

I think that I will go for the Encore in .50...

 

[beef]

encore [up]get the 50cal. i have the standard stock its just fine

 

[Whiskers]

Encore 50x209 Wood Stock NIB $615 at The Chumbucket, call for details 609 294 2500 or prices on the gun of your choice.

 

[Jakesbeard]

The Encore is a cool gun and well made I have one in .45 more because that is what Jim Flyn had in stock when I was looking to replace the .50 lost in my house fire and I was picking up my .22 purchased at an NRA dinner at the time.
IMO there are more bullet options with the .50 and there was an issue with rate of twist with the .45 and they (T/C) had stopped making it.
Before you buy considder what you pay for other barrels many who get an Encore for that reason end up not exercising that option, have you looked over the Triumph etc.?
As for Turkey guns if I were right handed I would considder a gas operated autoloader.(11-87?)as 3" and 3.5" Turkey loads can be punnishing even if the only time you shoot your turkey gun more than once is during patterning.

 

[bushden]

the encore is a good gun but do yourself a favor and get a 50 Cal and stay away from the thumb hole.

 

[Grits N Gravy]

I would also recommend the .50 cal, a little more versatile than the .45 and easier to find ammo.

Another thing to consider, are you set on a T/C or are you open to other manufacturers? In recent years, I would rank CVA right up there with T/C in terms of accuracy and reliability and you can usually find them for a little cheaper. The accura is a similar model to the encore and shoots very good groups. Cabela's has the .50 cal/.30-06 or .50 cal/.270 ML/centerfire combo for $400 after rebate if you're looking for something that will shoot both ML and centerfire.

 

[lady bird]

I have the Encore Prohunter 50 cal, Im VERY happy with it. Very accurate, easy to clean. Good luck!