I have three barrels for mine. Two are custom barrels, and one stock factory 30-06 barrel.The custom barrels were both made by MGM. One is a 6.5X284 that is 29 inches long, and ported. The other barrel is a 358 Winchester pistol barrel-12 inches in length, and is ported. The factory barrel will shoot under an inch, if I do my part. My best groups have hovered around 5/8 of an inch at 100 yards. It will shoot just over 2 inch groups at 300 yards. I am very pleased with that. The MGM barrels will shoot better than I can shoot. I am working on the loads for these two barrels right now. Both easily shoot under an inch, and the 6.5X284 will really shoot. I think the Encore is the easiest, and cheapest way to get into a custom cartridge, custom match chamber, andcustom barrel length.

The first thing you need to do is have the trigger worked by someone who knows what they are doing. I have two actions that were worked on. One by Bellm, and one by Stratton. I am very pleased with both jobs. I fully agree with stalkingbear about the hinge pin. You can buy other custom rifles, but IMO you will have alot more money in them. They may shoot a little better than the Encore's. But my Encore's shoot as well as I am capable of shooting.

The Encore's are also an inexpensive way to have a stock built to fit you. I personally have two left handed thumbhole stock's, with high cheek pieces. They fit very well. I am, having a pistol grip built right now with a LH High-Thumb rest. Tom.