James,

They both can shoot outstanding. While in the long run if buying more calibers the encore will be cheaper. Having shot both and having good results with both the No1 has alot better feel and more comfortable to shoot. They both will shoot groups in almost any caliber under a 1" at 100yds. The ruger is the heavier rifle which makes it nicer to shoot in the magnum class. I personally can shoot the ruger No1 alot more consistant. And the No1 has a much better off hand shooting balance. But this is strictly how the two guns fit me personally. For me its the ruger no1.

I'll tell you another fine shooting single shot is the browning 1885 highwall. Its not as tough of an action at the ruger and the stock and forearm are thinner and not as tough. But it is a real shooter with a 28" barrel you have to watch loading it to hot. I've seen signs of pressure with hot loads in that rifle. It's a fine shooting rifle and good off hand shooting.

I would like to shoot and NEF handi rifle just for the fun of it. But if they shoot like the shotguns they are gonna stomp your butt in a large caliber.

You may really like a single shot rifle after awhile. And in need they can be loaded just as fast as a bolt with practice. I'm going to have my next bench rifle made from a Ruger No1.