I love my Encore rifle/pistol/shotgun.lol To me, the interchangeable barrels is one of the main reasons that draws me to them. I like the thought of having only one trigger pull whether its on a pistol, rifle or shotgun barrel, and in my opinion, that'll make you a better shooter. They're not cheap, but spend another $250 or so on another barrel and you've got another rifle. As for the cost of one, around here, I can walk out the door with a stainless frame and one rifle barrel for $530. As for additional barrels, it depends on which barrel it is. Muzzleloading(stainless) barrels will run $275-285 through www.edstc.com depending on caliber. The 12ga turkey barrel is the most expensive factory barrel I know of.($330) Good luck and I hope 'ol Dad comes through for ya.