First let me say that I have been an archery and rifle hunter for more years than I care to remember. Secondly I have been viewing this site for quite some time and find it very informative. Now, I believe that I wish to become involved in the muzzle loader craze. I have been placing bids on EBAY for .50 cal. barrels for my Encore but so far no luck. Where else would be a good place to search for barrels at a fair price???

www.foxridgeoutfitters.com (TC Custom Shop) (New)
www.cabelas.com($269.00)
www.gunsamerica.com (used)

Dondo, I would strongly suggest you check this site out. http://eabco.com/They have one of the largest selections for TC encore barrels you willfind and they are a widely known company.

You can also try this site:

http://www.gunbroker.com

Sometimes you will find a good deal.

Dondo,

You do realize you also need a differentforearm for the Encore ML barrel?I've seen the Encore 50cal barrels sold both ways, with and without the forearms.Not many are walnut, mostly the black synthetic. Both the Gunbroker and Guns America sites have had these in the past. Gonna cost you 250+ easily.

There is a blued one for sale with walnut forearm on the forums. Its in the GUNS section for trade or sale.
http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1375110

Thanks for all the help.. Over the weekend was able to pick up a barrel off of Ebay for $212.00. Listed as used but never fired - includes walnut
forearm, Tru Glow front/rear sites,2nd cleaning rod. Now onto buying other needed items.Suggestions welcome as this is all new to me.

Glad you found the barrel at a good price!
As far as the "other stuff" you'll need, you're basically looking at developing a good load for your rifle. If you do a search of this forum, you should be able to come across many posts that tell what other people have found that works for them.
OR - you could start a post of your own, specifically asking what other Encore owners use - that way it'll be real specific to what you have.
Then there are all the acouterments - you'll just have to pick up on these as you go - or maybe find a good book or video to really get you a head start on muzzleloading.
Keep asking questions - and have a blast!

IM jaybe