Handi Rifle vs Encore


johnf

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Other than obvious differences ie. the neater stock and more caliber selection. Why does the Encore cost so much more than the handy rifle.

From what I've heard on here and read in a lot of articles, the Encore is no more reliable or accurate then the Handi or ultra riffle. Even on here most people recomend the Ultra slugger as the best value slug gun.

For the price of an Encore I can buy a handi rifle with a muzzle loader, shot gun and 2 extra riffle barrels.

Why such a discrepency in price?

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Re: Handi Rifle vs Encore

there is some differences in overall craftsmanship but the guns will both do the same thing and one is a very simple gun made made for money concious people. the handi gun will do you a good job if that is what you want and i know a lot of people who shoot them but for me the encore was what i was looking for in both a rifle and muzzle loader.

if you put both rifles together and looked over from top to bottom you would see the differences in the two. good luck either way you go

rob k

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Re: Handi Rifle vs Encore

Cosmetics. Thats it. Buy a Handi-Rifle, send it back for a trigger job, and enjoy it forever. I had one and it shot great. Will buy another one some day. I am not a big fan of the Encore. Most people that own them like them though, so thats good. I just like the Handi-Rifle better. I have not bought a gun based on looks. Never will.

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Re: Handi Rifle vs Encore

While there is a bit of differences between the two guns, they are basically similar. I own both and actually prefer the NEF/H&R over the Encore. I have never really fallen in love with the Encore. If it was not for the handgun capability, I would not own it. My NEF outshoots my Encore with any of its barrels. It's an amazing gun. For the price, the Encore does not have a chance at comming close the Handi Rifle.

One thing on the Encore's plus side is the availability of any barrel. You can buy a barrel from factory or aftermarket or Joe Schmuckatelli and it will fit any Encore. This is not so with the Handi. I own 3 frames and all have different measurements from the hinge pin to the breechface. This means barrels are not interchangable between guns.

The Encore does have better fit and finish than the Handi. For $300 more, it should have something.

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Re: Handi Rifle vs Encore

i've had both and for me the difference comes in being able to change out a barrel with no problems and also i found the encore to be a very good and accurate gun no different than the handi. i think it is all personal preference and looks does have something to do with what makes a person buy whether you think so or not looks being something pleasing to the customer is a real thing and they will buy for looks and feel and also will listen to others and people int he know. if you say looks don't mean a thing then you wouldn't own anything just simple logic there pard

rob k

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Re: Handi Rifle vs Encore

[ QUOTE ]

if you say looks don't mean a thing then you wouldn't own anything just simple logic there pard

[/ QUOTE ] I do not have a clue to what that means??? lol... My ugly 700 adl synthetic outshoots pretty much all of my buddys guns. Perty means nothing. If I drop my gun in the mud I will wipe it off and blaze on, not cry because I got my perty gun muddy. To each there own, but to me a gun is a tool. Thats it. No one I know has bought a rifle because it is nice looking.

[ QUOTE ]

i've had both and for me the difference comes in being able to change out a barrel with no problems

[/ QUOTE ] You have to send the gun back to NEF to get a fitted barrell right? The new barrell will be interchangable the same as the Encore then.....At Around $100.00+ less money.

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Re: Handi Rifle vs Encore

[ QUOTE ]

Do you ACTUALLY have to send the Handi back, or are they just trying to make some extra $$$?

Josh

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, you do. The Handi Rifle receiver and forend has to be sent back to the factory to get extra barrels. You can not buy a barrel from someone else and expect it to fit. Often they will not even close. As to making extra $, they are the least expensive accessory barrels I know of. You can see the barrel prices here.

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Re: Handi Rifle vs Encore

I already own a handi rifle in 243 and a Ultra-rifle in 25-06. The 06 has a 26" barrle that I don't like a lot just because of the added weight out front. I've had the triggers done by the factory on both of them and they are down to about 3lbs. They shoot great, and I got both of them for under $150 at pawn shops.

I just always wandered why the Encore cost so much if it was basically the same thing.

The only thing that I can see is the easier chage of the barrels. With the great service that I got when I had the triggers done, I'll just stick with my nef's.

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Re: Handi Rifle vs Encore

John, NEF is to a savage 110 package gun as an Encore is to a Weatherby or Browing Abolt Medalion, Much of what your paying for is the name, however there is really no disputing the craftsmanship of a high quality rifle. As has already been mentioned: a gun is a tool (unless your a collector). If it does the job, it is good enough, just like a vehicle. To some, they must drive a new one every year w/ all the bell's and whistles (and that's fine)... to others, they'd rather drive the same 1986 ford escort that they've had since they were sixteen (and save on payments and gas), to each their own.

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Re: Handi Rifle vs Encore

You have several opinions on this so far John. I will give you one more. Dead is dead. Spend that extra $300.00 towards another barrel and a good scope. The NEF is not the nicest looking rifle around, but neither is the Encore in my eyes. But either way, the animal you shoot is not ever going to know what killed it and what didn't.

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