Encore scope base fit

wallypedal

I've got a Pro-hunter with a non Pro-hunter muzzleloader barrel. The barrel came with a Leupold DD base, and it showed a little daylight between the base and the front. It shoots really well, and I'm enjoying working up loads. I just got a Pro-hunter 25-06 barrel, and tried fitting the same base to it. The base is stamped 'TC Encore' on the bottom. With the centerfire barrel contour, there's a gap up front you could throw a cat through!! Does Leupold or anyone else make a single piece base which actually fits the barrel contour on the Pro-hunter fluted barrels? This thing looks terrible. Yeah, the four screws probably hold it secure enough, but it's not like having the base snug for it's entire length. I hope Leupold, Burris, Redfield, or someone makes a DD or something that actually fits. I don't really care about swapping scopes back and forth, but I'm actually on a project away from home right now, and want to set up the new barrel and see how it does. It will have it's own permanent base and ring set when I find a decent fit.

bpost

I have several Encore barrels. The "flat part" is adaquate to hold the scope. The manufactures can't allow for every possible barrel contour and profile. The four screws will hold the recoil of a .375 H&H mag without moving; over 1/2 of the mount is hanging in the breeze with a cat under it for shade [:D]. If you have concerns just make sure you use 20 minute epoxy under the base and red thread sealer on the screws. It ain't going anywhere.

wallypedal

epoxy, thread sealer, and maybe some matte blue/black sealant for my caulking gun, it will be OK. Thanks for the info, nice to know it's strong enough, anyway...

dfletcher

T/C makes an Encore steel scope base with integral rings that does not extend beyond the chamber area and presents an even fit with the barrel. I think it's fine for most applications, but using a Weaver base allows for use of more than two rings should they be needed on heavy recoiling handgun bbls like 500 S & W, 45/70, etc.

bpost

dfeltcher; I think my .243 barrel has a TC base on it. It does indeed fit smoothly over the chamber with no overhang on the barrel. I will be home Friday and try to post pictures with my new digital camera. However,I do not like it much.

It forces the ringsto be very close together. My Burris 3X12 scope has a lot of unsupported scope hanging out of the rings. During recoil the scope has to be subjected to a lot of bending forces. Thank God Burris makes a tough scope.

amblerrl

use the encore duo mount. fits perfect and shorted than the chamber area

dfletcher

bpost

The short space between rings can be a problem for adjusting the scope to your eye. I have the base on a 15" bbl Encore in 350 Remington Magnum and have not had a problem with tube flex, but the scope I use is a fairly short Weaver 2.5 to 8X.

tsr1965

For accuracy, and looks, ANY base I install on a rifle or handgun, for optical sights gets special treatment. It is called Brownells Steel Bed. It is filled 72% with atomized stainless steel. It has one of the lowest shrinkage rates of ANY epoxy. By bedding the bases, you give the base to reciever interface, a 100% contact fit. The excess can ve neatly trimmed off in a couple hours or so with an exacto knife. Surgically clean the base, and coat the reciever or barrel with a good wax based release agent, unless you wish to have it permanantly affixed to the base.

wallypedal

I like the Brownell's idea. I would like to make use of the rings, even though they don't represent much cost. Still curious about my original question - does someone make a proper fitting dual dovetail base that the Leupold/Burris/Redfield rings will work with? As far as manufacturers not making bases to fit the contours - that's what the business is all about! Considering TC can't make enough Prohunter barrels to keep their distributors stocked with rifles and barrels, someone should get a clue. Meanwhile I'm headed to the web looking for the stainless looking goop.

tsr1965

It has really been like that with the fit of bases to the Encore from day one(I have one of the first Encore muzzleloaders off the line). I am not sure if Leupold, Burris, Redfield, or Millet makes the dual dovetail 2 piece bases as you mention. It seems that with the short distance for the mounting holes in the barrel, it would not leave much room for adjustment for eye relief, unless they were used in conjunction with extension rings. With extension rings over the front, the gap there, you would be able to throw a garbage truck thru, not a cat.

tsr1965

Both Burris, and Leupold list dual dovetail bases, but they are one piece bases, and most likely will have the gap we have talked about. The Brownells Steel bed is a medium gray in color, but comes with brown, and black dye, to match a wood color for bedding actions and barrel's, or bluing from a rifle, and base combination.