I decided to mount a Leupold VX-1 2-7X scope on my Encore. Over the years I have come to the conclusion that Leupold is the company I prefer to use for my scope needs. They offer superior optics, that are rugged and they back them up with a lifetime warranty. The idea of mounting a $50.00 scope on a $750 rifle does not make good sense to me. Confidence in my equipment is very important to me.
My initial 100 yard testing showed severe vertical stringing to the tune of 3-4”, with the horizontal spread generally around an inch. Of course this is completely unacceptable. This did not come as a complete surprise, considering the amount of fore end pressure that my Encore had. I knew I had to get rid of the fore end contact to correct this problem. Using a deep well socket that had a similar radius as my barrel and some coarse sand paper, I begin sanding to create some space between wood and metal. I also sanded the ears of the fore end to eliminate contact on the receiver. After enough wood was removed I resealed the wood with polyurethane. I then made (2) .50 x .50” x .030” thick plastic shims with thru holes to mount at each of the fore end screws. When I was done I had a fore end that was free floating with the exception of the (2) shims at each mounting screw. This corrected my stringing problem. There are companies out there that make hanger bar systems that will accomplish the same results. If you are hesitant to work on your own rifle I would recommend checking them out. The folks at Match Grade Machine can direct you to a competent company that can do this work for you.
