Not sure about the newer Encores, but about 20 years ago I bought one in stainless and walnut with a 50cal muzzle loader barrel. Then I got a 12ga riffled slug barrel blued, then a 30.06 in stainless. I love that gun and have killed well over 100 deer with it. I've never messed with the trigger, so I can't help you there, but it shoots nice. The 12ga slug barrel kicks like a mule with 3" shells though.