RE: Encore handgun for deer hunting
I'd go with either the 7-08 or 308. Both of them seem to shoot better out of the Encore pistol than the 260. The 7-08 is a great round, but I'm a big fan of the 308 and with the heavier bullets available for it, I went with the 308. Like oldhunter said, a solid rest, a good scope and lots of practice will make it an honest 250yd deer gun. As for barrel length, the longer the better. My Encore pistol barrels are 15". CD, where did you see Encore barrels offered in 14" and 16"? I'm not trying to step on your toes, but was just wondering. The Contender barrels are offered in those lengths, but the factory Encore barrels should be in 12 or 15 inch unless its a custom barrel. Whichever caliber you get, I can promise you'll love hunting with the Encore pistol!! Just be careful, they are very addictive.lol Good luck and let us know what you decide.