I have been shooting my T/C Encore for about 12 years now, and I just love it. I started out with a .243 barrel and the walnut grips. The .243 was very accurate, but after shooting 6 or 7 deer I decided it just didn't have the punch I was looking for, and I realized it wasn't so bad to hang on to so I moved up to a 30.06 , after shooting quite a few deer with the new barrel I am very pleased and most deer go down so hard they bounce! Last year I bought Pachmayr grips and forend for my gun. They might not look as good as walnut, but preformance wise they are great! I think they are much more comfortable than the wood grips, and the gun just feels more secure. If anybody has ever thought about trying them I would suggest you do!