I am alot like you, I like a rifle that looks balanced. The problem with a long scope on an Encore, is that most bases are too short. If the scope is too long, I have noticed that some scopes will not have sufficient eye relief, or can cause problems with the hammer(thumb will not fit between scope and hammer). The longest base I have found is the Warne. If that is not long enough then I am sure some one could make you one. Does any one know of afactory base that is longer than the Warne? Tom.