I own both. Had the H&R/NEF 1st, then bought the Encore when I had more money to spend and was sure that a single shot rifle was for me. I kind of " graduated" to the Encore. The H&R/NEF served it' s intended purpose. That said, the Encore is in a whole different class. More accurate, more barrels, more stocks, just more options. With the H&R you are limited to what you can do as far as barrel switching, and you have to send in your gun to have the barrels " fitted" to the receiver. Now you are at the mercy of the company as to when you get your stuff back!
In conclusion, the H&R/NEF is OK to get started with, but if you like the whole single shot, switch barrel thing you will eventually get the Emcore or even the new G2.
Good luck and good hunting.

Hey lonegun! Ever heard of the Mossberg SSi-ONE? It' s a nice looking rifle, real black walnut stock and forearm, interchangeable barrels like the Encore, and seems like the price is roughly around 400 to 500 dollars. Never owned one or seen one but they look like a possible choice for you if you see one around.

The Encore hands down. Once you shoot it and feel how it naturally mounts to your shoulder you' ll be hooked. You can also do so many things with it, from black powder to bison hunting to handgun shooting.

I have both. I agree the finish of the Encore is better. I do think the Handi Rifle shoots just as well and is the better value. By the time you buy additional Encore barrels you could get yourself another Handirifle. If you are on a budget the H & R is the way to go.

I agree with Soarkrebel

I have the NEF handi-rifle and its a pin pusher. For the cost of the Encore, you can have a number of barrels for the Handi-rifle.

I have 2 Handi-Rifles one is made by NEF it is a .223 w/ bull barrel. It will shoot decent groups (1 1/4" routine has shot 7/8" very often with a handload) at are local 125 yd range. I know good (fairly exspensive) bolt actions will better this, I would expect the Encore to do so as well. The other is a H&R SB-2 Ultra it is a .35 Whelen w/ bull barrel and it shoots equally well. Having said that, I would buy the Encore if money wasn' t an issue. I just printed the custom barrel list of the calibers availalbe, it is impressive, though most likely exspensive.