IMO, save your money and buy a TC. I went the "cheap" route with the Traditions Pursuit XLT and regret it. My father has an Encore, and we both agree that it could be the best shooting gun we've ever shot. It's every bit as accurate as the 30.06 at 100 yds, making some nice clover leaves. I realize the Encore is in a completely different price bracket, but any TC will out shoot the "cheaper" guns, again just my opinion. Good luck!