RE: Encore oversized hinge pin?
I have the oversized hinge pin on mine. I do not know if it has helped or not.
Normally a flyer with the Encore is due to the forearm. Forearm position on the sand bag's is very important. You almost have to make the rifle front heavy on the front bag to wring out the best accuracy. Unless you floated or bedded your forearm properly a bipod is a NoNo.
I own several Encore's. And I really like them. But IMO they are a hunting rig, not a bench rest rig. Tom.