Omega is the sound choice unless you plan on buying expensive barrels & forearms for the Encore later-on.

The NEFs are a good entry-level ML, but they fall short of the Omega in quality, resale value & overall warranty.


The Pursuits, Kodiaks & Optimas must be examined thoroughly for bad triggers & sloppy hinge right at the counter. Then you roll the dice later-on & cross your fingers you got an accurate one at the range. Some Optimas & Kodiaks shoot very accurately & owners are real happy. But your odds of getting a bad Encore or Omega are very low -- plus T/C Inc has the best ho-hassle warranty in the business if you suprisingly do find something wrong with their rifle.

When window shopping, I look at T/C & Knight exclusively even though my former CVA Plainsman, Traditions Tracker 209 & Cabelas Rolling Block were excellent shooters. All had some issues with me that turned me off for more looks at those makes in the future.