Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

T/C Encore .308 not accurate

losttrail
Hello
I have a T/C Encore in .308 that I inherited several years ago.

This is my first experience with T/C product.

At this point, I am not very impressed with its accuracy.

Let me say first, that I can group all my other rifles, .243, .270, .30-06, under 1.5" @ 100 yards, no problem.

When I received this T/C, it had an old Weaver 4x scope. I tried shooting it and was all over the place.

I replaced that scope with a Busnell Elite 3200 3-9x50, and it is better, but still not able to group 5 shots under 3", and there is usually one shot that flies away, not in a consistent direction.

My last attempt was last week and I was also shooting from a vise in order to ensure stability.

Any suggestions?

Is the Encore just not up to the task?

Thanks.
0

Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • 22hipower
    losttrail,
    Do you know if this barrel ever shot well? If not, could be a problem with it from the factory. I have several Thompson barrels in both the Contender and Encore and all shoot within 1.5 inch at 100. However, a couple years ago I bought a new Encore fluted stainless barrel in 7 Rem Mag. It wouldn't shoot consistently in to a five inch circle at 100. Tried different scopes and several different handloads as well as factory loads. Finally sent it back to Thompson and they sent a new barrel; which shoots in to an inch or so. They didn't say what was wrong with the first one but obviously it had some kind of factory defect. If all else fails, send it back to the factory.
    0
  • losttrail
    Thanks for the info.

    I don't know the shooting history. This was one of a bunch of rifles that my brothers and I divided up after Dad died. No one else knows the shooting history of it either.

    The oldest brother is not a fan of T/C's and he has been shooting match competition for decades with more ribbons and trophies than I can fit in my truck. But that's just his opinion.

    I will try contacting T/C.
    0
  • 11b6r
    Just a thought- 1. Examine the crown for any damage, dents, dings. Will put accuracy in the toilet real fast. 2. Clean the daylights out of the barrel (assuming you have not already done so) as fouling will also louse it up pretty badly.

    IF those two are not the problem, then call T/C.
    0
  • losttrail
    11b6r,
    Thanks. I had already gone through both of those check items. No issue with the crown, clean the daylights out of the barrel. Even tried cleaning after ever 3 shots on one occasion; after every 5 on another.

    Have been allowing 3-5 minutes between shots even.

    BTW - the results are the same using factory or handloads; 150gr BTSP.
    0
  • dfletcher
    Here's a link to a fellow who works on the T/Cs - there is also some background information regarding what makes the T/C accurate and what can cause problems. http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/

    From what I've read and having bought a few products from him, Mike has a sort of "love/hate" relationship with T/C - he is very good at what he does as a custom maker, sometimes the T/C factory product does not measure up.

    I have a fair number of barrels, mostly handgun but some rifle, and have found T/C factory barrels are in general very good. Not as good as the custom shops which I think is entirely understandable, I haven't experienced any real disasters myself. I would say 3" groups are definitely well outside what the rifle should do. You might check the forearm or perhaps shoot without the forearm attached to isolate the problem.
    0
  • losttrail
    dfletcher,
    WOW! What a great source of info for T/C.

    I think there are a couple of inexpensive things I can try that may well help.

    This Encore is in like new condition so I think it won't take much to get it on target.

    Thanks for the URL.
    0
  • dannej
    I bought a TC in .308 about six years ago. It shot as poorly as yours and TC eventually replaced the barrel and it shot better, but still about 2 inches......
    0
  • bpost
    I have custom barrels for my TC Encore that will shoot 1/4 inch groups.

    First. Check the scope base, they need to be on right, epoxy helps, so does thread lock compound.

    Second. Check the crown as mentioned.

    Third. Get a GOOD scope, Burris, Nightforce or top line Leupold and see if that helps, you changing scopes and seeing improvement makes me wonder.

    Fourth. technique is VERY important with a TC. The front bag should be close to the trigger guard and not touch the barrel. Try a loose hold then a tighter hold to see if it helps.

    The worst TC barrel I had still shot about 2" groups

    Are you shooting factory ammo?
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity