Thompson/Center has added to the versatility of its popular Encore pistol and rifle lines by offering two additional high-performance calibers in both the pistol and rifle versions.

New to the pistol lineup for 2001 are 15-inch barrels in .22 Hornet and .25-06 Remington, and the same calibers will be added in 24-inch rifle barrels equipped with a fully adjustable, leaf-style rear sight and a ramp-style, white bead front sight. The .25-06 is also available in a 26-inch length.

The Encore is the most versatile big-bore firearm in the world with long-range performance and value unequaled by any other. It is a single-shot firearm with a break-open action, interchangeable barrels and a patented, automatic hammer block. Barrels are polished, blued and    button-rifled. The barrel lug is welded by an electronic beam welding process for maximum strength. All barrels are drilled and tapped for scope mounts.

The two new calibers are offered as either a complete pistol with blued finish and walnut grip and forend or as a blued accessory barrel that fits any Encore action and stock. Blued rifle versions come with a choice of walnut or composite stocks or may be purchased as accessory barrels.

Suggested retail prices of the new Encore pistol versions are $551 for a complete gun or $253 for a barrel only. Pistol frame assemblies sell for around $303 blued or $331 stainless. Complete Encore rifles sell for approximately $582 with composite stock or $602 with walnut stock or $257 for a barrel only. Suggested retail prices of rifle frame assemblies are $327 for blued/composite, $349 for blued/walnut or $365 for stainless/composite.