BM the Encore centerfires I have used were danged fine guns. Some shoot less than 1" groups and most shot 1.5-2" groups @ 100yds. I think to many folks are worried about 100yd groups instead of being able to put a bullet in the kill zone at whatever yardage you want to. If you can put the bullet in a lung @ 300yds consistently, who cares what the thing "prints"? For comfort (shooting wise) IMHO there is NO OTHER! The Encore is truly a "ambidextrous thumbhole rifle". I like to shoot off both shoulders as it makes it much easier to shoot from a tree-stand. Once you get over the mental aspect of doing it that way (most of the time those who say it cant be done have actually never tried it!) you will see its quite easy and certainly more effective. Add in the fact that with its deep drop stock you basically have the EXTREMELY comfortable and more natural grip position like that of a thumbhole. And not that its a concern with a 7mm/300mag in the Encore, but when you get your hand down and behind the pistol grip area of the stock you are really able to cut the recoil down.

FINE guns,
RA

ps
Oh yeah, trigger wise being a hammer gun they typically are very comfortable and light. More so than the typical bolt gun trigger set heavy for liability reasons. I dont remember ever testing one on a scale but just by pull I would say most Encore's are in the 3-4# range.