Thompson Encore: Suggestions needed for pistol barrel

[Moose-Hunter]

Howdy All!!!

I'm bringing my T/C Encore to another level by purchasing the parts needed for a pistol conversion. I picked up a used set of walnut "stocks" for it and now need to choose a barrel.

My first thought was to pick up a .270 barrel to match the caliber I already shoot in my Browning deer rifle. If I still reloaded, I'd do it in a heartbeat. However, since I now run all factory ammo, I'd like to try something different.

This pistol would be primarily a deer gun. Where I hunt, my shots have been from 30 yards on the ground, to a very rare 150 yarder from a stand.

Like I said, I can always fall back on a .270, but would like to try something different. My current handgun for deer is a S&W 629 44 mag.

Any suggestions for the next phase for my Encore?

Thanks...

[lcornice]

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Howdy All!!!

I'm bringing my T/C Encore to another level by purchasing the parts needed for a pistol conversion. I picked up a used set of walnut "stocks" for it and now need to choose a barrel.

My first thought was to pick up a .270 barrel to match the caliber I already shoot in my Browning deer rifle. If I still reloaded, I'd do it in a heartbeat. However, since I now run all factory ammo, I'd like to try something different.

This pistol would be primarily a deer gun. Where I hunt, my shots have been from 30 yards on the ground, to a very rare 150 yarder from a stand.

Like I said, I can always fall back on a .270, but would like to try something different. My current handgun for deer is a S&W 629 44 mag.

Any suggestions for the next phase for my Encore?

Thanks...

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There's a million opinions out there but I'd probably avoid the long action rounds with a short barrel. The 7mm-08 seems to be a really popular choice. When I was looking for an Encore, I had convinced myself of that caliber but wound up getting a great deal on a .260 Remington instead (same case different diameter bullet). It doesn't kick much at all and is quite accurate. If you want the other end of the spectrum, I also have a .375 JDJ that'll be used on bears this fall. It does kick quite a bit!

In any event, take a look at the .308-based cases (.243, .260, 7mm-08). I think they'd be a better choice than the long action's based on the 30-06.

[Pistol Pete]

Please be aware that if you did not purchase your Encore as a pistol to start with it is illegal to put a pistol barrel on it. I Don't want to see you get in trouble with the law. I know what I'm talking about because I was going to do the same thing. Buy the parts and change my Encore rifle/muzzeloader into a pistol. I called and wrote a letter asking if I could do this. Answer was NO. So I bought a got a permit to buy a pistol and did just that. You can take the pistol barrel off and put a rifle barrel on it and you are just fine. Just can't do it the other way.

[tealitup]

Very good information to know!

[Moose-Hunter]

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Please be aware that if you did not purchase your Encore as a pistol to start with it is illegal to put a pistol barrel on it. I Don't want to see you get in trouble with the law. I know what I'm talking about because I was going to do the same thing. Buy the parts and change my Encore rifle/muzzeloader into a pistol. I called and wrote a letter asking if I could do this. Answer was NO. So I bought a got a permit to buy a pistol and did just that. You can take the pistol barrel off and put a rifle barrel on it and you are just fine. Just can't do it the other way.

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My initial reaction was to raise the "talk" flag.... I said to myself... "Hey, all the parts are available from the factory so it must be okay".... After a bit more thought I believe you are correct.

I used to hold an FFL and I can see what you're saying. Due to the fact my Encore frame had been originally registered as a rifle, in a conversion of this nature, I would essentially be creating a short barrel, pistol gripped "rifle" and not a legally registered handgun. And if memory serves this is at the very least a violation of state law and possibly one or more that go against the NFA.

I do have a permit to acquire handguns as wells as a conceal carry. I will do some checking and see if there is a way to get this done. However, with my Encore frame already considered (legally) a rifle, this project may be doomed.

All things considered, it's not all that bad. I still have one of the most versitle, most accurate rifle/muzzleloaders available. I still have my 629 if I want to hunt with a handgun. AND, I only paid about $30.00 for the Encore pistol stocks which I can always resell.

I'd still like to complete this project (legally) and will continue to do a bit of poking around. If it turns out that it will be impossible, no big deal...

Thanks for the "heads-up" Pete!!!

Note: If anyone else has personal experience with this PLEASE post... Any and all info would be greatly appreciated!!

[Pistol Pete]

I'm not trying to talk you. Trying to save you some possible headaches. I wrote a letter (which is what I was told I had to do) to the ATF. And their reply was a NO, you can't do that. It worked out for me to buy the pistol anyhow. Added a couple more rifle barrels and now my son and I both have an extra prairie dog gun

[Moose-Hunter]

No problems Pete. I really do appreciate the heads-up. Ever since I started shooting my Encore, I always wanted to try one of their pistols. Looks as if yet another addition to my collection is in order. That being the case, I may just pick up one of their complete hunter packages... I've seen them available in .270 and .308. Both scoped and ready to be sighted in. The .308 sounds like it my be what I'm looking for. OR.... Should I just go from a pistol frame and build up from there... Your thoughts?