If you've ever tried to tool the hammer on a scoped Thompson/Center rifle, you most likely recognized pretty fast that a hammer extension for TC Encore frames much more of a requirement than an choice. It's among those small, inexpensive parts that will completely changes exactly how the gun grips, especially when you're out in the particular woods and items are happening fast. The Encore is a legendary platform for a reason—its versatility is unmatched—but that wide hammer spur and the particular low-profile scopes all of us prefer to mount upon them don't constantly play nice together.
Why that extra reach in fact matters
The particular struggle is real when you've obtained a big 50mm objective lens or perhaps a standard 3-9x40 sitting down low on the particular receiver. You would like that scope mainly because low as possible for a great cheek weld, but the lower this goes, the much less room your thumb has to obtain a solid hold on the hammer. In the summer season at the variety, it's a minimal annoyance. In The fall of, when your fingers are numb and you're wearing heavy safety gloves, it can be the difference between a clean shot plus an overlooked opportunity.
The hammer extension for TC Encore basically offsets the particular contact point out the particular side. It gives your thumb the "porch" to sit on that clears the ocular bell of the range. Instead of attempting to wedge your thumb in to a tiny 1/4-inch gap, a person just flick the particular side-mounted extension. It makes the whole procedure smoother and, frankly, a great deal safer due to the fact you're not risking a slip whilst the hammer is definitely under full springtime tension.
Choosing the right aspect for your style
Most of the extensions you'll find on the market today are reversible. This is usually a huge win because it doesn't matter if you're a righty or perhaps a lefty, or in case you just prefer in order to cock the weapon with your non-dominant hands. When you're searching for a hammer extension for TC Encore , you want to make certain it's designed to be switched quickly.
Several people like the particular extension on the right side therefore their thumb may naturally still find it since they move through the grip to the hammer. Others choose it on the left to allow them to maintain their trigger ring finger exactly where it needs to be plus use their support-hand thumb to cock the hammer. There's no wrong method to do it, yet having that flexibility is key.
Material choices: Steel vs. Aluminum
You'll see a few different components being used for these parts. Most associated with the high-end options are made through heat-treated steel or high-grade aluminum.
Metal extensions are great mainly because they're incredibly durable. They won't bend or strip out easily if you get a bit intense with the set screw. Drawback is they put in a tiny bit more weight towards the hammer. In theory, a heavier hammer may slightly affect fasten time, but for a hunting rifle like the Encore, we're talking about milliseconds that 99% of shooters may never notice.
Aluminum plug-ins are usually lighter and frequently are available in different finishes like matte dark or silver in order to match your body. They're plenty strong for what they do, however you possess to be cautious to not over-tighten the set screw plus strip the threads. If you're the "buy once, be sad once" kind associated with person, the steel ones are usually the way to proceed.
The installation "secret" nobody tells you
Setting up a hammer extension for TC Encore is around as easy as this gets, but there's one mistake I see people make all the period: they your investment line locker.
The Encore is a single-shot, but it can kick like a mule depending on what caliber you've got chambered. That will recoil, combined along with the vibration from the hammer dropping, can eventually shake a tiny set screw loose. I've seen guys get to their particular deer stand only to realize their particular hammer extension dropped off somewhere within the brush.
When you glide that extension on to the hammer spur, use a tiny fall of blue Loctite (the removable kind) within the set screw. Tighten it straight down firmly, but don't go "gorilla" on it. Let it sit down for a couple of hours to cure. This guarantees that no issue how many. 30-06 or. 45-70 models you put through it, that extension isn't going anywhere.
Does it impact the trigger pull?
This is a common question among the TC crowd. Since the extension sits on the hammer, can it mess with the particular sear engagement or the "crispness" associated with the trigger? The short answer is not any.
The hammer extension for TC Encore is purely an external ergonomic upgrade. This doesn't touch the internal firing mechanism. Nevertheless, as I stated before, it will add a tiny bit of mass to the hammer. If you're a competitive benchrest shooter trying to squeeze away every single ounce of performance, you might value hammer speed. For the rest of all of us hunters and focus on shooters, the benefit of getting able to securely and easily tool the rifle significantly outweighs any theoretical change in locking mechanism time.
Basic safety first: The fall test
Whenever you add something to the hammer of a firearm, you need to make certain it's not interfering with the safety features. The TC Encore has an inner hammer block, yet you should still do a function check after setting up your extension.
With the gun totally unloaded , cock the hammer and make sure the particular extension isn't hitting the scope or the frame in the way that stops it from locking back securely. After that, pull the cause and ensure the particular hammer falls freely with no extension pulling against anything. This sounds like typical sense, but in case your scope bands are exceptionally low, the extension may actually graze the particular scope body. If that's the case, you may want to change the extension somewhat or look in slightly higher rings.
Really want to simply use higher bands?
You could definitely just slap several high or extra-high rings on your Encore and call it up a day. That might provide you with plenty of thumb room. Yet most of us hate that "chin weld" feel exactly where you're barely touching the stock whilst looking to look via the glass.
Using a hammer extension for TC Encore enables you to keep that scope good and low, which usually helps with precision and consistency. It keeps your head inside a natural place. It's a $15 to $25 fix that solves the problem that could normally require you in order to compromise on your own rifle's ergonomics.
Buying advice: What to look for
When you're shopping around, you'll see brands like Uncle Mike's, Carlisle, and some others taking up. Here are a few points to keep a good eye on:
- Knurling: You desire an extension with some decent structure on it. If it's smooth, your own thumb will slide right off in the event that it gets moist or bloody.
- Fitment: Make sure it specifically says it's for the Encore. The Contender hammer is slightly various, and while several extensions claim to be "universal, " an ardent hammer extension for TC Encore will always fit better plus stay tighter.
- Finish: In case you have the stainless Pro Hunter frame, a dark extension might look a bit out of place. Most manufacturers offer both blued plus stainless-look finishes.
Wrapping it up
It's funny how such a tiny piece of metallic can make this kind of huge difference in how a rifle feels. If you're working a scope on your Encore, you really shouldn't be without one. It's among those "set it and forget it" improvements that makes each trip to the range or the hardwoods just a small bit smoother.
Forget about fumbling, no more pinched thumbs, and no more awkward perspectives. Only a solid, optimistic grip on the particular hammer all the time. In case you haven't found a hammer extension for TC Encore yet, perform yourself a favor and grab one particular before your following hunt. You'll wonder why you waited so long in order to do it.