I wish the above post was closer to the truth, PRICE WISE. The Encore costs at least twice as much or more than an NEF. Of the rifles that we are talking about here, I also prefer the No l for looks and weight. However I also would pick the H&R as a hunter and economical quality gun. I have a 44 Mag, 45-70 and 280 in the Handi Rifles. All are very good shooter. I also had a 223 Synthetic stocked 223,30-30 243 and 30-06 in the NEF's. I Have an Encore in 45-70 as well and plan to add another barrel or two. For me the best thing about the Encore is the available barrels and calibers. Its almost impossible to find a barrel and caliber combo that is not available including calibers that are most likely only avalable in the Encore. I have had several No l's as well but don't right now. I Love single shots and have a few NEF'S in 12 Ga. All in All, another vote for the NEF's