Ruger No.1, Eabco 97D, or TC Encore For single shot rifle ?

[375rifleman]

Which would be the best single shot rifle a Ruger No.1, Eabco 97D, or a TC Encore (I left out the Rossi,NEF, and H&R handirifle in this comparison) target shooting, hunting, and practicing? I like that the No.1 doesn't have an external hammer that would need to be cocked before every shot like a Eabco 97D or the TC Encore. Although a TC Encore can be chambered in many more cartridges/calibers and switched by a simple barrel change I'm mainly looking for a rifle with a designated cartridge like many of the bolt action rifles. The TC Encore also has a greater parts avability than either the No.1 or the 97D.

375rifleman

 

[HARPERC]

EABCO has always intrigued me, but currently they've cut the number of cartridges they chamber for. Not sure if that's a deal breaker for you or not.

My preference is the No. 1, which depending on which cartridge you seek can be an issue. I think the laminate stock is the way to go.

TC, has only ever interested me in a pistol, and I know very little about the Encore, as I've been satisfied with the No. 1's I haven't looked further.

Each has their unique issues.

 

[Deleted member 48126]

Only experience is with the TC contender. I really like how accurate they are, the different barrel styles, cartridges, and furniture offerings they have. My dad has a 7mm TCU, 300whisper, and .223 barrel all on a beautiful frame with pretty wood. Recoil isn't that bad either.

 

[375rifleman]

Thanks HARPERC. To be completely truthful I've always kinda favored the No. 1's, the price has lessened my desire to get one. Not to mention there have been (possibly still are) accuracy issues in the past. There are many gunsmiths that will rechamber a No.1 to almost anything that you could want (except maybe 408 Cheytac, 50 BMG or the like).

375rifleman

 

[HARPERC]

The issue of $$$$ in the used No.1's can be problematic. As much as I enjoy them the price tags are such many sit forever. Especially if you want a donor to start from scratch.

Some of the issues of "accuracy"is really shootability, they could be a lot better stocked. So many of them are owned by folks too in love to make necessary changes.

Like any other mass produced firearm some come with "how'd that leave the factory" issues. Difference being not every smith out there is versed in the remedies as there are for the bolt guns.

I've had good luck with them, the current .30-06 took a little bit of doing but it functions well now. Just like some bolt guns I've had.

 

[375rifleman]

Generally are No.1's MOA or what modifications would be nessesary to make them MOA capable ? I'm looking at having a gunsmith build me a bench rest/hunting No.1.

375rifleman

 

[Marine24]

I owned a 97D in 6.5BRm about 6 years ago. Fit and finish were exceptional and was a very accurate rifle. I thought about rechambering it to 260 Rem but couldn't get a local smith to bite on the opportunity. Falling block action was very smooth and I enjoyed shooting it, but would have preferred a more conventional caliber.

I also have a Ruger #1 in 374 H&H, but my preferences lean more towards the Winchester High/Low Wall rifles or Browning equivalents. Just like the lines much better.

 

[AZ Elk Hunter]

I have used a #1 for many years. I can attest to the accuracy problem. But...the problem is usually vertical due to the barrel getting hot. If you tune it correctly and give the barrel time to cool, works like a champ. Can't say about the TC or the Eabco, having never dealt with either.

 

[sea2summit]

Have you considered a Luxus Arms? I've got one in 300 WM and it is an impressive rifle. To chicken to carry it in the woods yet though

 

[375rifleman]

Thanks AZ Elk Hunter. I'm thinking of using a 50 caliber cartridge (50 Alaskan, 510 Whisper, 500 Whisper or the like). With 750gr A-Max's or similar bullets at 1500fps-2000fps.

 

[HARPERC]

.......Generally are No.1's MOA or what modifications would be nessesary to make them MOA capable ? I'm looking at having a gunsmith build me a bench rest/hunting No.1.........

Yes. I had a .375 Winchester cast bullet rifle that I put 10 into an inch, stock #3.

My current .30-06 is there now, but round about. I bought it as a donor, and since restocking it, it shoots so well I'm not as clear about re-barreling.

If you're replacing the barrel someone capable of building you a base will be necessary. The stock is generally the issue with these rifle. 1) There isn't a factory version with a good flat fore end that rides the bags well, generally for me the comb needs to be raised for a comfortable cheek weld. Those graceful rounded stocks some get gaga about can be improved upon as shooters. 2) Pillar bed the fore end, and butt stock. This will keep POI from wandering, as well as a big kicker will pull the fore end screw through the wood with enough repeat use. 3) The triggers, can be improved, but there isn't currently an after market readily available. 4) Search WildBillG posts he got one with with about everything wrong that can go wrong, to give you an idea from the downside.

 

[elimsprint]

TC all the way for me. I owned a couple of No1's, .243 and 30-06 way back but they both shot patterns, not groups so off they went! I have an Encore with 7RemMag , 22-250 and 50BP barrels and a Contender with .223 and 7-30 Waters barrels. All are very accurate and have taken loads of game. And if you ever have a hankering to try a new cartridge between TC and all the aftermarket barrel makers there is nothing you can't get.

 

[375rifleman]

As far as price wise A TC Encore beats both the No.1 and the 97D. It also appears that the TC has better beginning accuracy and is easier to accurize than at least the No.1 (not sure about the 97D).

375rifleman

 

[JWM]

I have #1's in .223, .220Swift, 5x35SMc, .243, 6mmAI and 7mmAI, and they all seemed capable of half minute groups. (My .243 is a 6mmAI now, so two of those. A good way to eliminate an eroded throat.) When I am, that is. The light sporters will shoot higher as the barrel heats, but then, it's a single shot. But they don't shoot off sand bags as well as when held, so I always keep my hand between the fore stock and the bags. But I never free floated a barrel, either. Go figure, but Ruger said the same thing. Light barrels are supposed to shoot better with a damper, any how. The heavy barreled Swift never needed help. And when resizing, leave the shoulder long enough so that there is a little pressure on the block when it comes up, with factory loads there is always a bit of slack. It's very important that the butt stock fits exactly.