Decided to go a different way- I have a used 223 barrel for an Encore- Stainless-24"- standard contour. I bought it used from one of the members here and never put a round through it myself. Barrel has low round count and I was told it shot Black Hills ammo really well. I'll sell it for what I have in it- $175 plus shipping. Barrel has no marks on it and looks like new.