I have 2 Handi-Rifles one is made by NEF it is a .223 w/ bull barrel. It will shoot decent groups (1 1/4" routine has shot 7/8" very often with a handload) at are local 125 yd range. I know good (fairly exspensive) bolt actions will better this, I would expect the Encore to do so as well. The other is a H&R SB-2 Ultra it is a .35 Whelen w/ bull barrel and it shoots equally well. Having said that, I would buy the Encore if money wasn' t an issue. I just printed the custom barrel list of the calibers availalbe, it is impressive, though most likely exspensive.