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Could use some suggestions on Thompson issue
11/13/2011 9:22:49 AM
My brother-in-law is just starting to get into hunting bought a Thompson Encore muzzle loader. This is actually two separate issues that I have questions about. I would like to preface these questions with - I have been shooting firearms since I was a kid and have a ton of experience with centerfire rifles, but I am not a muzzle loader guy. I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to muzzle loaders, so that is why I am coming to you. 
First issue: He had Cabela's mount a scope with a Thompson mount. I am not sure of the rings, but I will check today. It's a Nikon scope. At 50 yards, he is running out of adjustment for elevation. He took it back to Cabela's and they told him the scope was bad and they replaced it. Now, he is still running out of adjustment at 50 yards. They told him the scope mount needed to be shimmed? I told him to hold off until I could find out more information. Shimming scope mounts is not something that I have ever had to do and it sounds like a half-assed answer to me. Any suggestions?
Second issue: I was not there and I have not seen the firearm yet, but he managed to fire a 50 cal slug (with 3 50 gr. pellets IIRC) with the packing rod still in the barrel.
After he got out of urgent care and had his face glued back together, I told him not to fire the weapon again until it could be looked at and he had more training on the proper handling of the firearm.
My questions is - he said everything looks fine and wants to keep shooting it, but I think he should send it back to Thompson for an evaluation? He said he feels like the breech block absorbed the pressure. I know these firearms are built differently than an AR, and maybe handle high pressure differently, but I am concerned about a weak area somewhere in the firearm? Any suggestions that I could take back to him would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
First issue: He had Cabela's mount a scope with a Thompson mount. I am not sure of the rings, but I will check today. It's a Nikon scope. At 50 yards, he is running out of adjustment for elevation. He took it back to Cabela's and they told him the scope was bad and they replaced it. Now, he is still running out of adjustment at 50 yards. They told him the scope mount needed to be shimmed? I told him to hold off until I could find out more information. Shimming scope mounts is not something that I have ever had to do and it sounds like a half-assed answer to me. Any suggestions?
Second issue: I was not there and I have not seen the firearm yet, but he managed to fire a 50 cal slug (with 3 50 gr. pellets IIRC) with the packing rod still in the barrel.
After he got out of urgent care and had his face glued back together, I told him not to fire the weapon again until it could be looked at and he had more training on the proper handling of the firearm.
My questions is - he said everything looks fine and wants to keep shooting it, but I think he should send it back to Thompson for an evaluation? He said he feels like the breech block absorbed the pressure. I know these firearms are built differently than an AR, and maybe handle high pressure differently, but I am concerned about a weak area somewhere in the firearm? Any suggestions that I could take back to him would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
11/13/2011 9:32:20 AM
I have an encore and I had issues with scope mounts. I tried several and they all had issues similar to those you listed. I finally went with T/C 1 piece scope rings. They are rock solid and have been excellent. I have it on my .50 black powder barrel, .308 barrel and my .243 barrel. They are a bit expensive at $80, but are 100% no fail.
As for the other issue, I would send it back to T/C to have it checked out or buy another barrel but have the receiver checked out by a qualified gunsmith. My encore can easily handle 3 pellets, but usually use 2 because I get more consistent groups with it. I am not sure why, but perhaps it has something to do with not all of the powder in 3 pellets being burned off.
As for the other issue, I would send it back to T/C to have it checked out or buy another barrel but have the receiver checked out by a qualified gunsmith. My encore can easily handle 3 pellets, but usually use 2 because I get more consistent groups with it. I am not sure why, but perhaps it has something to do with not all of the powder in 3 pellets being burned off.
11/16/2011 6:40:04 AM
If he had to have his face glued back together how is the rifle still in one piece?
As for the mounts, I don't have an encore, but is it possible to put the base on backwards. Some bases have a bit of elevation built into them, if you put them on backwards they shoot low.
As for shimming scope mounts, that used to be common 40 years ago. Now days with modern manufacturing it rarely has to be done.
I'd send the gun back to tc , they used to hasbe great customer service, not sure how things are now.
As for the mounts, I don't have an encore, but is it possible to put the base on backwards. Some bases have a bit of elevation built into them, if you put them on backwards they shoot low.
As for shimming scope mounts, that used to be common 40 years ago. Now days with modern manufacturing it rarely has to be done.
I'd send the gun back to tc , they used to hasbe great customer service, not sure how things are now.
11/16/2011 10:26:13 PM
Originally Posted By VaFish:
If he had to have his face glued back together how is the rifle still in one piece?
As for the mounts, I don't have an encore, but is it possible to put the base on backwards. Some bases have a bit of elevation built into them, if you put them on backwards they shoot low.
As for shimming scope mounts, that used to be common 40 years ago. Now days with modern manufacturing it rarely has to be done.
I'd send the gun back to tc , they used to hasbe great customer service, not sure how things are now.
If he had to have his face glued back together how is the rifle still in one piece?
As for the mounts, I don't have an encore, but is it possible to put the base on backwards. Some bases have a bit of elevation built into them, if you put them on backwards they shoot low.
As for shimming scope mounts, that used to be common 40 years ago. Now days with modern manufacturing it rarely has to be done.
I'd send the gun back to tc , they used to hasbe great customer service, not sure how things are now.
The firearm did not come apart... the entire weapon had enough recoil to pop him right between the eyes. He had a nice gash on his forehead and top of his nose.
I can't imagine the mount is on backwards, but I will have him double check that, as that could make sense.
I agree - I cannot see shimming any mount. If that is required there is a problem.
