Description
The Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter Shotgun Slug Break Open 12 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3″ Black Synthetic SS is a single-shot, break-action shotgun designed for precision slug shooting. It features a versatile, interchangeable barrel system on a robust stainless steel frame, housed in a durable black synthetic stock. This configuration is built for hunters who demand accuracy and reliability with sabot slugs at extended ranges.
Key Features
- Interchangeable Barrel System: The core of the Encore platform. Swap to a rifle barrel in minutes for a different season—no gunsmithing required.
- 28″ Rifle-Style Slug Barrel: Features a fully rifled bore for stabilizing sabot slugs, maximizing downrange accuracy when you need a clean, ethical shot.
- Stainless Steel Frame: Provides corrosion resistance for Missouri’s damp deer seasons and long-term durability.
- Black Synthetic Stock: Durable, weatherproof, and low-maintenance, perfect for dragging through brush or sitting in a rainy blind.
- Break-Action Simplicity: Ultra-reliable, easy to clear, and inherently safe. The action locks up tight for consistent shot placement.
- Adjustable Trigger: Allows you to tune the pull weight for a crisp, predictable break that won’t pull you off target.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber/Gauge: | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length: | 28 Inches |
| Barrel Type: | Fully Rifled |
| Action: | Break-Action, Single Shot |
| Frame: | Stainless Steel |
| Stock: | Black Synthetic |
This isn’t a scattergun. The 28-inch rifled barrel is the key to its performance, transforming the shotgun into a dedicated slug-launching platform. It’s designed to handle high-performance 3″ magnum sabot slugs, which can deliver rifle-like ballistics out to 150 yards and beyond. The price point of $741.56 reflects its specialized role as a precision tool, not a general-purpose field gun. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your local FFL transfer.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the hunter in a straight-wall cartridge state, or anyone facing regulations that require a shotgun for deer. It’s for the marksman who appreciates the simplicity and rock-solid lockup of a single-shot action. If your hunt hinges on one carefully placed shot through dense timber or across a picked cornfield, this is your tool. It’s also ideal for those who already own an Encore frame and want to add a dedicated slug-shooting capability to their kit—compatible with all standard Encore barrels and accessories.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional accuracy potential with the right sabot slugs. The interchangeable system offers incredible versatility—one frame can be a shotgun, a .308 rifle, or a muzzleloader. The synthetic stock and stainless steel resist harsh weather. The single-shot design promotes disciplined shooting. It’s drop-in ready for a scope mount, turning it into a true long-range slug gun.
Cons: It’s a single shot. Follow-up shots require reloading, which is a trade-off for the action’s rigidity. The 28″ barrel can be cumbersome in a tight treestand. This is a specialized firearm; if you need a gun for ducks, dove, and deer, a smoothbore pump is more versatile. The investment is significant for a single-purpose tool, but you’re paying for precision engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot regular birdshot or buckshot through this rifled barrel?
A: You should not. A rifled barrel is designed specifically for sabot slugs, which have a plastic sleeve that engages the rifling. Firing traditional shot or foster-style slugs through it will damage the barrel’s rifling and produce poor, potentially dangerous patterns. Stick to sabot slugs for optimal performance and safety.
Q: Is the barrel easy to change at home?
A: Yes. The system is designed for user-level interchangeability. With the provided tool, you can remove the forend and swap the barrel in a few minutes. It’s a straightforward process that requires no specialized gunsmithing skills, making it practical to reconfigure for different game or seasons.
Q: What kind of optic mount does it use?
A: The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base. It uses a standard setup, compatible with popular one-piece bases from brands like Warne or Leupold. Mounting a low-power variable or a dedicated slug scope is the best way to unlock this firearm’s accuracy potential at distance.
Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. If you’re ready for a dedicated, accurate slug gun that forces good habits and delivers results, this Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter is the definitive choice.
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