Could be a forend to barrel contact issue or even the torque on the forend screws. These encores are famous for vertical stringing, and many insist on resting the forend on the bench bag way back towards the receiver for best results. Some experts say the vertical stringing is also caused by headspace issues. My encore had vertical stringing with several factory loads, but finally shot black hills gold 85gr tsx into tiny groups with no evidence of stringing. Patience is a virtue with these break action guns. But, man, they sure are a joy to carry in the field, and versatile too.
