Is a Thompson Center ( T/C ) Encore worth it for the ability to switch barrels .50 cal to Shotgun

[Aim1]

Need to buy a new muzzleloader and was looking at the Thompson Center FX .50 cal. which is strictly a .muzzleloader. After later contemplation I thought perhaps the XT model which is a switch-barrel could be a better idea because I could get a .20 gauge shotgun barrel later for it for my kids to turkey hunt with or a rifle caliber if I ever got the itch to try some odd caliber.

However, I looked at the price of spare barrels and they are expensive. $300-$500 a barrel almost. At that price I could buy an entire Remington 870 .20 gauge youth model for my kids and a Ruger American Rifle in whatever caliber most likely for under the price of the extra barrel.


So, is there any benefit to buying the TC Encore XT rather than the FX muzzleloader that I'm missing?

 

[WestKentucky]

Need to buy a new muzzleloader and was looking at the Thompson Center FX .50 cal. which is strictly a .muzzleloader. After later contemplation I thought perhaps the XT model which is a switch-barrel could be a better idea because I could get a .20 gauge shotgun barrel later for it for my kids to turkey hunt with or a rifle caliber if I ever got the itch to try some odd caliber.

However, I looked at the price of spare barrels and they are expensive. $300-$500 a barrel almost. At that price I could buy an entire Remington 870 .20 gauge youth model for my kids and a Ruger American Rifle in whatever caliber most likely for under the price of the extra barrel.


So, is there any benefit to buying the TC Encore XT rather than the FX muzzleloader that I'm missing?

As a owner of a TC Contender, I will honestly say that the encore is an appealing gun but as you so eloquently described, the cost of barrels often exceeds the cost of complete repeaters. It’s all in what you prefer, and personally I like single shots, but for kids I would absolutely say that the repeaters are likely a better gun, and as such I would look away from TC altogether as there are equally good muzzleloaders with less wallet drainage.

Remember with kids, chamber empty and load from the magazine when ready. Teach safety early when it is most likely to stick.

 

[Fyrstyk]

I too prefer single shots, and I have an Encore with 12 gauge, 338-06, and 270 barrels. You can pick up used and new barrels on Flea Bay for less than $300 most times, and sometimes for much less and they sometimes include scope mounts and scope. I like the idea of one gun with multiple switch barrels, Very versatile, but then again, you have to like single shots. Most younger folks prefer something that fires off 15 rounds in less than 10 sec.

 

[Aim1]

I too prefer single shots, and I have an Encore with 12 gauge, 338-06, and 270 barrels. You can pick up used and new barrels on Flea Bay for less than $300 most times, and sometimes for much less and they sometimes include scope mounts and scope. I like the idea of one gun with multiple switch barrels, Very versatile, but then again, you have to like single shots. Most younger folks prefer something that fires off 15 rounds in less than 10 sec.

Thanks. My kids are young, too young to even shoot so when they do they will learn on a single shot like I did.

I remember learning on the single shot chipmunk bolt action. lol.

 

[buck460XVR]

While I think SS are a good learning tool for kids, from experience I know they soon want something with more capacity. I too once considered the TC line with multiple available interchangeable calibers/gauges, but as has been said, for the same price of a barrel, one can have a complete firearm. Which IMHO, is more value down the road, and easier for the boys to divide when I'm gone.. I've been hunting turkeys for almost 40 years and one thing I have found most valuable, is a quick second shot.

 

[rdnktrkr]

For my grandson I found a 20ga Winchester 1400, a 22lr revolver and a mini 14 for $400, (an older lady that likes him and with the families grace), I think you could find individual guns for less than barrels

 

[doubleh]

The combo would make sense for me but I'm an old fart and kind of a single shot junkie to boot. None of my grandsons or one grand daughter would care for it. My oldest grandson likes my single action revolvers but that's as slow as he's willing to go. My great grand daughters like to shoot their Crickett 22 but they prefer the bang, bang ,bang type firearms also. Even I prefer a two row shotgun over a single barrel. No advise here really, just relating my personal experience with kids and guns.

Contender and Encore rifle barrels are expensive but every one I have owned has been excellent in the accuracy department and the first shot is the one that counts the most..

 

[Aim1]

Thanks for all of the help guys. Ended up going with the Thompson Encore Pro XT with a muzzleloader barrel since it was only $100 more. I watched some videos and it is easier to clean than the Pro FX muzzleloader only which is nice and if I ever wanted to change it to a different caliber or pistol I could look around for a deal. Could be fun to experiment with later on.