T/C Pro Hunter?

[MI_TODD]

I've been looking at the T/C Pro Hunter and am wondering if anyone has any reports on them. I would get it with the .50 cal black powder barrel and buy others in the future. Is it really worth $800? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[rantingredneck]

I think the question should be is it worth $800.00 to you. Meaning will you use it enough to realize the potential of such a gun vs. a less expensive model? I personally wouldn't, but you might depending on how and how often you'll use it.

[MI_TODD]

Do I NEED it? NO. Do I want it? YES. Would I use it? YES. It would become my primary choice as I live in Southern Michigan, which is bow/shotgun/BP only for deer hunting. I currently use a T/C Blackdiamond for gun season (far more accurate than my shotgun) and during blackpowder season. I use my .30-06 maybe 3-5 days a year in the UP hunting, but I just had shoulder surgery and would like to get something with a bit less recoil (.243, 7mm-08) and not get rid of my 06. I'd probably end up giving or selling my Blackdiamond to one of my nephews if I were to get this gun. I just have a hard time forking over $800 - and explaining it to my wife isn't going to be an easy task either! Can someone help talk me into this and I can then work on talking my wife into it!! :)

[huntinny]

I think it is a mixed bag, some of these are great and some are just OK. I have seen a number of guys at the range shooting great groups with the black powder barrels at 100yrds. Two of the guys I hunt with this year bought one, both with rifle barrels. One loves it and the other is less than impressed. I think there are some encores out there that are not perfect but I have no idea what percentage- I can only comment on the two I have shot.

[dubyam]

As far as I am concerned, there are great blackpowder guns out there, for a lot less than $800, including the one you already own. As far as need, there is no such thing. We could all get by with one gun, but we live where we can have as many as we want, constitutionally. So the issue becomes one of ROI (return on investment), and in that respect, I can't really find the Encore, Pro-Hunter, or any other T/C iteration of single shot break action rifle to be worth the current price of admission. I have heard and seen these guns shoot reasonably well, but they are not generally more than 1-1.5" guns, in my experience of watching people shoot them at the range, and talking with people I trust. I don't own one. I do own a T/C Hawken muzzleloader, so I am not against T/C altogether.

For my dollars, I think I would consider other guns well before a Pro-Hunter, or even a basic Encore. You can buy a very nice rifle-scope combination at your local gunshop for your $800, or maybe a tad more, and have something that has greater utility, and will be nicer longterm as a firearm, and probably more accurate. I just can't justify the cost of the Pro-Hunter v. other rifles. I think the gains in 'flexibility' of changing calibers are offset by the hassle of single shot, break action, and thus it comes down to a cost-benefit ****ysis, and the ROI just isn't there for me. Your mileage may vary.

[pre6422hornet]

I recently purchased a used pro hunter with a .270 win barrel ( my favorite) from the dundee gun library for 499. I then ordered the ML barrel and it came in last friday. I just got back from breaking in the ML barrel and sighting in for next weeks primitive arms season. I shot 30 times and here is my conclusion.....

It shoots just as well as my TC Omega. My last 2 three shot groups went under 1.5 inches at 100. The difference is the feel at my shoulder. Iam not talking recoil. The pro hunter fits me better than the omega. Furthermore the 209 primers are 100 times easier to remove than the Omega. With the ejector they just slide right out. The speed breech is nice, but then I never had an issue with the screw in type. I also like the intrigue of having one rifle for all seasons. Will I give up hunting with my beloved model 70's??? No. But it will be nice to put the .270 barrel on and go up north to the U.P. and sit on a power line with it. Or let my first born learn the benefits of shot placement by using a single shot when they are old enough.

Hopefully Mr. Buck steps out next week and I can give an update against some fur.

Pat

[dubyam]

To your point, Pat, I think the rifle has merit, but not at the retail prices I see around here, even for used guns. About the best you can find are just under $600 for a black and blue model, and then by the time you scope it, you have more in it than a Vanguard, A-bolt, Tikka, Savage, or some Remingtons, which just doesn't make much sense to me. I am considering an NEF youth combo (22LR, 20Ga, & .243) for my son when he is old enough, because I can get the package for about $300-350, I believe. Anyway, my point is that I like single shots for the safety and teaching aspect, and even for shooting, but not at high prices. I don't own Sauer rifles, either, for the same reasons, even though they are bolt guns. I don't buy Kimber rifles because I can get as good or better results for a lot less money from other guns. That's my only real beef with the Encore/Pro-Hunter - ROI!

[pre6422hornet]

Dubyam,

Beauty definetly is in the eye of the beholder. No offense. Just look at the whole Ford, Chevy, Dodge discussion.

I agree with you on the whole ROI thing. I have an out of the box Model 70 that has been riding around in my gun rack ( atv and truck) for 9 years and 2,000 shots. Just last month I fired an under one inch group at 200 yards with my handloads while sighting in. Not bad for a 600 dollar rig ( rifle and scope). Some people pay twice that much to achieve 1/2 MOA. Funny how that rifle is always in my hands on opening day. I also am confident that when I come to a point in my life when I have to pass that rifle on... It will serve whoever I give it to very well. That is a heckuva ROI.

Pat

[rooster52]

There a nice rifle,not worth the $770 for a muzzleloader to me,but they are a quallity built rifle and if you want one ,buy it!

[ron]

I don't have a TC Pro Hunter but I have the original 209 X 50 Encore. I also have a CVA Kodiak which I just purchased because I got a good deal on it. I bought the Encore about 5 years ago and I love it. The Kodiak never had a chance. Whereas everything on it is totally functional, the difference in worksmanship is phenomenal. The ramrod on CVA's are a joke. They are such an annoying nuisance I will be trying to figure our how to substitute if I ever take it hunting. They both are what they are. The Kodiak is inexpensive but it gets you into the game. Shoots just about as accurate as the Encore. But it is not an Encore. Kind of like comparing a Ford Escort to a Toyota Camry. Maybe you can find an Encore 209X50 around still. Seems like the street price was around $500 (mine is blue w/camo synthetic).