ORIGINAL: falcon
The misfires are basically a headspace problem that is only associated to certain types of cases, and it is really a resizing problem that is basically associated to any break action firearms because of "barrel gap".
It is a good bit more than that. The hammer spring is too weak and the addition of a hammer extension very oftenresults inmisfires.I ownnumerous other break action rifles, some cheap and some very expensive: Have never had headspace problems with any of them. IMO: The problems associated with the Encore and centerfire barrels can be attributedto sloppy manufacture.
I have seen the misfires with several different Encores, and even some Handi's. As soon as the brass is properly sized with the cases that headspace on the shoulder, the problem was solved. I have never seen a misfire with a cartridge that headspaces on the rim. That is a main reason EABCO likes his proprietary Encore cartridges--because they headspace on the rim(according to EABCO). So I have to disagree about sloppy manufacture. I believe it is attributable to the nature of a break action firearm, and the barrel gap. I am not saying that you are wrong about a weak hammer spring. I am only saying that the problem is more attributed to the actual type of case, and sizing, rather than a weaker hammer spring. Or at least that has been my experience.
Have you had misfires with properly sized cases?? Or cases that headspace on the rim??
If you read Bellm's web site he specificaly talks about proper cartridge resizing. Tom.