Howdy all, long time reader, first time writer with a question for the single shot rifle elite. I'm looking to buy a single shot rifle in .270 win. and have it narrowed down to either a T/C ENCORE or RUGER #1B, however, I cannot decide which way to go. Any input on either would be greatly appreciated. I'll be using it for deer in Missouri and possibly elk in Arizona.
Thanks fellas.

If you are going to be happy with just one caliber in a rifle then the Ruger would be a top choice (I was going to say contender).

If you think you might be looking at some other caliber options in the future then the Thompson Encore will be the choice. There is a lot to be said for a rifle with interchangeable barrels. You can have a varmint gun, big game gun and plinker, even a shotgun all in the same frame. And with the intimate relationship of just one trigger system to get used to, one operating mode, and one size stock to get comfartable with, you can only get good with it. As you become familiar with it, your confidence builds, as you confidence goes up, so does your accuracy.

Either one would be a good choice.

Some Ruger #1's have vertical stringing problems, which can be alleviated with a modification to the fore end hanger. Thsi involves tapping a hole for a screw to place pressure on the barrel. Yours may or mayn't have this problem. Of the four that I have, only one exhibits this tendency. As previously stated the Encore is also a good choice if changing calibers is a future option, but go to www.greybeardoutdoors.com and check out the Encore/Contender rifle section of the forum. There are ALOT of people very unhappy with their Encore rifles, and with the response of T/C to resolve their problems. The consensus seems to be to avoid T/C barrels and go with custom Encore barrels from Virgin Valley guns, Bulberry or VanHorn. I only have the 209x50 barrel for my Encore, and a .22 Hornet pistol barrel. The 209x50 gives me good accuracy with Powerbelt bullets, but is lousy with sabots. The Hornet is typical Hornet.