TC Encore Pistol Advice Needed.

[riverwalker76]

The wife gave me the nod tonight, and said I could get another Encore pistol barrel to add to my collection.

Here is the predicament that I am running into.

I'm wanting a good deer / elk cartridge handgun, and am thinking along the lines of either a .308 or 7mm-08 barrel.


The only thing holding me back is the fact that I've never shot a 7mm-08 and have no idea how it handles or what the ballistics are on the cartridge. However, I've heard of several deer being taken with them, and am thinking of giving it a try.

Also, I'm wanting something that will not flip in my hands when I fire it, so I've ruled out the larger cartridges like 45/70 and 500 S&W.

What are your thoughts? Which should I go with? 308 or 7mm-08.

 

[Doyle]

7mm-08 in a rifle is towards the low end of an acceptable elk caliber. In a pistol, it is definately too weak. If you really want to shoot elk, I'd lean towards the .308. Recoil will be a little more stiff than the 7mm-08 but not unmanageable. If you put a brake on it, then it will be even more managable.

 

[riverwalker76]

Well, I'm not worried as much about the caliber as much as I am the muzzle control.

WHich one shoots lighter out of a pistol?

 

[hoghunting]

Get the 15" barrel. The 7mm will have a little lighter recoil, but in the field, you won't notice any difference between the two. The 308 isn't bad in the 15" barrel, and will work very well on elk.

 

[riverwalker76]

I was hoping that the .308 wasn't bad recoil wise.

After all, if it's too much I can always get it Magna Ported, or go with a break.

 

[aaalaska]

I don't see the 308 recoil as to harsh, but it is about the limit for much bench use.

 

[OkieCruffler]

Between the 2, .308. If the field was wide open, .358.