In my Encore rifle owner’s manual it does state that it’s prohibits the use of the firearm with a smoothbore barrel shorter than 18” or a rifled barrel shorter than 16” under federal law. I’m curious to hear how it turns out for you.

I talked to a local dealer and he placed a call to ATF. In order for me to legally put a pistol barrel on my Encore muzzeloader I have to get approval from ATF. So on Friday I sent a letter to the Chief of Firearms Technology Branch in West Virginia explaining what I want to do. From what the dealer told me it is on a individual case by case procedure. And there are no set rules. If I get turned down then I will probally just go out and buy a Encore pistol. I don't think I would have had this much trouble if I had originally purchased the gun as a pistol, not sure. It might be easier to get approval to switch from pistol to rifle. You can't call ATF, you must write a letter in person is get approval. Now its a waiting game.