I just purchased a TC ENCORE KATAHDIN PRO HUNTER in 45-70. What barrels will fit the FLEX-TECH stock? Thinking about ordering a couple different caliber barrels. But I want to stay with the FLEX-TECH. Who should I order them from (Bergara, Bullberry, eabco, MGM, SSK or TC)?

I'm a Contender guy but I believe your stock is fine for anything. The only concern I could see would be the need for different forend depending on barrel profile/size. I've had good luck with MGM barrels but I doubt you could go wrong with Bullberry. I did a quick Google of your model and that is a pretty slick looking package you have there! I like it

You will need a different fore end with the older contoured barrels. The forend on the pro hunter series is made for the newer barrels which are heavier "bull" barrels.

I been considering an encore and planning the pistol frame and grips might be a more versatile route. That would allow me to buy a rifle butt stock and rifle barrels. And pistol too.

Now what I really want is a 45/70 15" barrel. Perhaps with a brake. The choice of barrels seems quite limited. Well limited in some respects. Lots of hot center fire rounds like 243 to 308. Not much interestign stuff like big bore. The do a 500 s&w but rilfe only again, no pistol. I guess worse case a barrels could be cut down for pistol. Then need to be threaded, for a brake,. I think pretty much needed for a 500 pistol.

Can anyone suggest a good source of after market encore barrels? I dont want to pay more the TC prices. Less would be nice. By good, I mean value.

The classifieds are a great source for T/C barrels at excellent prices...just be patient for the caliber and barrel style you desire.

Doc

45/70 does not create enough muzzle velocity to properly actuate a muzzle brake in a 15" barrel.

That makes sense and simplifies life. I was going by what I saw on some old contender barrels. I dont like brakes,
when I say perhaps, I meant I would take it if it came that way. The brake can be a modern fashion statement and
even if it really does nothing, it may still be a hearing damage liability.

I sent an email to s&w asking if they plan to re-inroduce the 45/70 encore pistol barrels. I dont expect an answer. I saw
a 45/70 pro hunter stainless 15" sell on ebay for 300. I might have been a bidder,but: I dont have the encore yet. And if
I did bid the price would have been higher. That was a nice clean (breakless) barrel with iron sights.

S&W maybe flogging the 460 now at the expense of the 45/70. I hate these cartridge war games. A 500 pistol would
be interesting - NOT available?