A couple of years ago I was in the market to buy a new muzzle loader. I was going to get the Omega when the owner of the gun shop called me one day and told me to come down. I went in and he had 2 brand new Encores. Laminate wood, thumb hole stock and stainless steel. He told me that I could have them both for $1000.00 even. I bought them and a buddy and I split them. It has been the best $500 I have ever spent on hunting equipment. In the past I had always hunted with an 870 12 gauge. This gun has over twice the range and is twice as accurate. I have killed more deer in the last 5 years with this gun then I had in the previous 10 years with my shotgun. I know it is not all about the gun but when you double your range your odds go up.