I've never changed barrels. I have dropped the pin many times, and intended to buy additional barrels when I purchased the Encore as a muzzle loader - but never have purchased another barrel.

I have not idea if I should be concerned, but having the forearm mounted to the barrel, it would appear the wood metal is the exact opposite of 'free-floated'. It's never effected me as a muzzle loader, but the thought concerns me when thinking about a 22-250 heavy barrel varmit shooter. Seems like that may be the worst case scenario in heat and forarm pressure.

Would be interested to hear Encore owners with rifle barrels comment on repeatable accuracy - especially varmit caliber heavy barrels.