Hi I saw a new encore handgun in 7mm08 stainless steel and syntheic stocks for 518 with a 15" barrel. since i'm new to handgun hunting i was wondering if this would be a good buy? i hunt deer and elk out to about 200-300 yards. whats the kick like? also can someone recommend a scope for me? sorry for all the questions.

As far as pistol scopes go, with the larger calibers you want either a Leupold or a Burris pistol scope. The cost is more than offset by the quality of the optics and the no-hassle lifetime warranty.

For a NEW encore that isn't too bad. You will need a scope rail, as well. I would recommend the same manufacturer, Leupold or Burris. And there is the "tsob" from ssk industries.

Naturally, there are many other calibers available after your initial purchase....

As far as recoil goes, its not as bad as some...everyone has their own idea of what bad recoil is...ME? I personally think life only gets interesting after 300 grains. :)

After you get the Encore...you will be a junkie...I know...only I am into Contenders, the little brother.


Darrell

Caution! Cookiemonster is right. You'll become a junkie. :D

I have an Encore in .270 Winchester with a 2.5-7X32 T/C scope. I can place three shots in just over 3/4 inch at a lazed 110 yards using factory ammo. (I haven't had time to reload for this caliber yet.)

Some old-timer friends at the range assure me this is a 250+ yd gun _IF_ I rest the pistol properly before taking the shot. For now, I'm limiting myself to about 150 yards. I'll practice a lot this summer to extend the range (and my confidence).

I don't think a 7mm-08 will kick much. The Encore is a heavy pistol, with most of the weight in the barrel. My .270 hardly kicks at all (IMO), but I'm used to shooting hot 300 grainers out of my Blackhawk.

I chose Encore because I wanted something that could hit at distance, but I was tired of lugging a rifle around. My Encore fits nicely behind a compression panel of my hunting backpack. Since I won't take a shot without a sure rest, I have to take off my pack, pull out the pistol, find a good position/rest, and take the shot. This limits the Encore to anything over 50 yards. Anything under 50 yards is work for my Blackhawk.

Price is about right, not a deal. If you intend to hunt elk out to 300 yards, they do make bigger calibers. Check Foxridge their custom shop and http://www.tjgeneralstore.com/encore.htmt as well a Bullberry for more info. Recoil in the 7/08 is manageable but then I also shoot 45/70. They come in 12" AND 15" barrels. Go with the longer 15" barrel to max out velocity. At least a 2 power EER scope, preferably a 4 or even 2-7X. I use Leupods and Burris in my single shot handguns. On the heavy kickers like 45/70 I use a Weaver base and 3 Burris Z rings.

Price is about right, not a deal. If you intend to hunt elk out to 300 yards, they do make bigger calibers. Check Foxridge their custom shop and http://www.tjgeneralstore.com/encore.htmt as well a Bullberry for more info. Recoil in the 7/08 is manageable but then I also shoot 45/70. They come in 12" AND 15" barrels. Go with the longer 15" barrel to max out velocity. At least a 2 power EER scope, preferably a 4 or even 2-7X. I use Leupods and Burris in my single shot handguns. On the heavy kickers like 45/70 I use a Weaver base and 3 Burris Z rings.

i too got hooked on single shot pistol hunting.
my first contender was a 375 winchester 14" with muzzle brake. first deer i shot with it was within 50 yards caught it high in the chest lifted it off its front legsand spun it around in a quarter circle and made me go deaf for about 3 days after. the recoil from that particular round is heavy, now i shoot a 308 and 454 and it dosn't feel as bad but then i use handloads for my specific needs. i also use the burris scope and rings and they seem to handle the recoil better than a regular handgun scope.

When I dropped an ear plugs I was attempting to install before shooting a bear with my 45/70 Contender, I knew a change was in order. A set of electronic ear muffs that magnify and shut down load sounds was my solution.

Well, I'm curious to see if you bought the handgun barrel or not?
Also, have oyu hunted with it yet?
I love specialty handguns and enjoy shooting them at long range.