I am just getting my first Encore. It happened to have a 45-70 barrel on it. I am going to get a longer 260 barrel for it. My 260 Ruger just has a 22 inch barrel. The 260 really shines with a 24 or 26 inch barrel. I think 260 will be my first pistol barrel as well. That or a 7mm-08. The 250 Savage is another possibility for a handgun barrel.