Rash of Bad Encore Barrels
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a

My gunsmith in Westminster, MD has 5 barrels that his customers has brought back in, in the past year. They claim they won't group. One of the range officers at my range is one of the owners. He got 4"-5" groups with federal match ammo at 100yards with 308Win. Usually all guns like that stuff. He tried many other brands also. He got tired of it and bought a bullberry and now is almost a target rifle. But paid alot for that barrel. Anyway, my gunsmith has been fighting with T/C to replace them. They range from .223 to 50cal muzzleloader barrel. Complains range from bad headspace, rough barrels, crown out of round, whatever. He has even took legal action with a lawyer prelimaryly starting procedings. T/C hasn't replied.
I feel kinda bad. I have shot a few encores with decent groups. Nothing outstanding but very decent. So I talked my sister in law into buying my brother one for Christmas. Now he is getting one, and I will be to blame if it doesn't shoot.
Has anyone else seen this in the last year? I am not talking about 2 year or 3 year old encores. So don't bother posting about that. I am talking late 03, and 04 rifles. My smith said something drastic happened the barrels making this year.
I feel kinda bad. I have shot a few encores with decent groups. Nothing outstanding but very decent. So I talked my sister in law into buying my brother one for Christmas. Now he is getting one, and I will be to blame if it doesn't shoot.
Has anyone else seen this in the last year? I am not talking about 2 year or 3 year old encores. So don't bother posting about that. I am talking late 03, and 04 rifles. My smith said something drastic happened the barrels making this year.
#4

I have not seen that yet but I have been shooting mostly Contender barrel for the last quite a few years. Does this problem include the Contenders as well. Thanks for the heads up.
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Chester Pa USA
Posts: 39

Never had a problem, hope i won't, i know of 3 encore 50 ca; muzzleloaders that have no problem , maybe it is just 1 caliberhaving the problem ? or maybe just the loads the guys are trying to shoot thru them .
#7
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: central Ky
Posts: 601

I'm interested in hearing what T/C has to say too. Its strange to hear that they won't replace them. T/C has always stood behind their products with a guarantee and seems to have always backed that up well.
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a

Well, T/C wants him to send them in. He did that once with one barrel, but the same problems persist. Now his lawyer wants him to not send anymore in. He's an intense dude to say the least. Definatly a man of principle. He knows his stuff. Yea, I can't figure out exactly what happened for him not to send back the rest of them and just work with T/C.
#9

if the barrels were fixed i would ask for the test target so that it would show the groups. its funny how you say they wont replace them or honor some kind of warranty. i called about a 10 year old muzzleoader that needed the barrel re-finished and they said to send it in and that it is covered for life.the wear is a combination of age and bad weather .
#10
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Jenks Ok USA
Posts: 345

Not had a problem. I have an '03 50 cal and a 22-250. Shoots great. Sounds like scope issues perhaps. At the least check for slop in the hinge pin first. Get other guys at the range to fire it to see if they can get it to group.
That lawyer doesn't want to be reasonable. Not sending in the merchandise can get the case thrown out of court for lack of sincerity. The owner hasn't been damaged if TC can't have more opportunity to respond and offer to replace.
That lawyer doesn't want to be reasonable. Not sending in the merchandise can get the case thrown out of court for lack of sincerity. The owner hasn't been damaged if TC can't have more opportunity to respond and offer to replace.