highdesertwolf this is the only exception where I'd get a bolt action hands down to the Encore. When you shoot prairie dogs you're already at a bench or hood of your truck and with a bolt gun you just rock and shoot again. The Encore has to be picked up, opened, pick out the brass because there's no automatic ejector, reloaded, closed and reset on the bench after each shot before you even get back into shooting position yourself. On top of all that you usually have to stand up to have best control of the weapon. When I'm sighting in at the range I have to stand up/sit down repeatedly but once it's sighted in I get off the bench and try offhand, prone, and sitting shots with my twin cartridge holder strapped on my gun arm so I can practice fast reloads. If you're strictly shooting prairie dogs from a bench you don't want the Encore (imho) but for regular hunting methods from big game to smaller critters including varmints like crows and coyotes it's an easy gun to carry and loads of fun.