I finally got the scope and set it up to shoot on the 460 barrel on my Encore. I shot 20 rounds of 454 and 20 of 460 and by the time I was done, my hands were bleeding in four places. Two on my left and two on my right. BTW, this was WITH a good pair of Mechanix gloves on.
After about the first 10 shots I found a good position (away from that damn trigger gaurd!) and things went better, but I still took a pounding!
Before we go farther: a little background on me
I am a pretty decent sized guy. I am 6', 200 lbs and go to the gym about 4 times a week. Im not bragging, but I am in pretty good shape. I shoot alot and really enjoy it. I shoot a .300 win mag and a 12 slug gun regularly and have no flench. I have shot 338's and even a .375 h and h. I dont mind big recoil, but to put it honestly this thing with 460's in it scares the HELL out of me.
I got it on the paper decent with the 454s and then tried the 460s. of course they hit differently, but I done a little better with the 454. I seem to be still very inconsistent as a rule though.
I done this all at about 40 yards. I shot off a table with bags and tried to keep my hand and forearm placement consistent.
The best group I pulled off was with the 454 and was about 5" with 3 shots.
The barrel has no brake and I know one would help, but I just dont have the $$ to put into it right now.
My immediate thought was to sell it or trade to someone (like Jhunter) that has more experience with these big bore handguns. I was wanting to go with a .243 or 7-08 or even a .308
Here are my concerns/questions:
1) yeah, it could be the cheapo NCstar scope, but going on my inexperience with big handguns (this is my first) I am leaning more towards the shooter.One thing is it didnt seem to track well. I would hit say 10 inches low at 35yrds and then adjust about 40 clicks with like 2" of difference. I know the adjustments are 1/4"@ 100, but shouldnt I see more movement than that? Even at 35? but then again I am worried this is just my form or something.
2) Although trading for a .243 or the like would make it a little more affordable to shoot, is the recoil between that and the 454's in this gun gonna be that different. If its not that much different than maybe I should stick with the 454s (I actually found them somewhat pleasureable to shoot) and as my experience grows, work my way up to the 460?
I did offer Jhunter a trade, but I havent heard back from him. I am sure he is just busy with the holidays so I decided to get some feedback while I wait.
Please help!!! I really wanted to hunt with this thing this year, but I am afraid I have bit off more than I can chew with this hand tearing, forehead knocking sum beach!!