Let me tell you, if it came down to my wife or my Encore, I guess I'd have to buy another barrel to replace my wife. I have the encore in .308 and 454 Casull 15" barrels and the 209x50 rifle barrel. I couldn't ask for a better gun. I shoot about 1 1/4" groups with the .308 and 2x scope using 150gr partitions. With the 454 I shoot about 3 - 4" 100 yd groups with iron sights and a 240 gr. hornady xtp mag bullet. This I blame on my eyes, not the gun. With the 209x50, I shoot 300 gr. hornady xtp mag with 150 gr. pyrodex pellets and scope and get about 1" groups. I've killed deer with all but the 454 and performance was flawless. I can't wait to see how the 454 performs. I'll be getting the 22-250 next.