I am sure this is a dumb question but I have no idea. I assume it is not, but it would be great if it was.

Thanks for your input.

Don

Yes - it is the same frame. The only difference is the butt stock vs the pistol grip and the forearms are different for the rifle barrels. But remember, to comply with BATF regs you cannot put a barrel less than 16" on the frame with the butt stock installed. If you already have an Encore pistol, all you need to buy is the butt stock, forearm, and rifle barrel of your choice of caliber.

How about the older Encore rifle, will the Pro Hunter barrels fit on the Encore frame?

I have read that the Pro Hunter barrels will fit the Encore.

Yes, and Yes to the second question also. Tom.

There are no differences in the frames, but if I understand the "law" correctly, a frame that is "registered" as a rifle can not be legally used as a pistol and vice versa. Unless someone runs the serial numbers, who is going to know though?

The frames are not registered at all. In fact you can purchased them seperately without a pistol, rifle or muzzleloader barrel. All encores are interchangeable as far as barrels and stocks are concerned. As mentioned before, it is illegal to use a rifle buttstock and a barrel less than 18" in length on the same frame. It is printed on the end of all rifle buttstocks. The Prohunter is just a newer version of the encore.

Contender barrels will not exchange with Encore barrels, and visa-versa. Good luck.

The reason I asked is I see there are a few more options in barrel selection for the pro hunter. One more off topic question, do you think a 28" barrel wouldshoot better than a 24" barrel? in .243cal.

They do sell Encore pistol barrels so my assumption is that as long as I bought one of those barrels (not a contender) that it will work; correct?