T/C Encore Pro Hunter 14” Barrel 500 S&W mag Single Shot Pistol & Scope
SOLD FOR: $1,051.00
LSB#: LSB251028TC011
Make: Thompson Center
Model: Encore Pro Hunter
Serial Number: 536081
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: 500 S&W Magnum
Action Type: Break Action, Single Shot, Hammer Fired Pistol.
Markings: The barrel is marked with the T/C rollmark and caliber marking along with “FIRST PRODUCTION”. The sides of the frame are marked, “ENCORE”.
Barrel Length: 14” Threaded, 15” W/ muzzle device.
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the barrel has a scope mount with a nickel Burris 2-7×32 handgun scope in Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This contender has a two piece checkered Pachmayr rubber overmold set with a schnabel forend and finger grooves on the pistol grip. There are moderate rub marks throughout. There are no rips or chunks missing. Overall this furniture set rates in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel Frame, Blued Barrel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some light stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish.There is faint handling wear throughout. The action has light wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins unmarred. Overall, this Encore rates in at about Very Good + condition.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Thompson Center Encore Pro Hunter pistol represents the extreme end of modern single-shot handgun design, pairing the strength of the Encore break-action platform with one of the most powerful handgun cartridges ever commercialized. Developed as part of Thompson Center’s modular Encore system, the Pro Hunter configuration was intended for serious handgun hunters who demanded rifle-like accuracy and the ability to chamber cartridges far beyond traditional revolver limits. The 14-inch barrel, marked First Production, underscores the early position of this example within the model’s lifecycle and reflects the company’s emphasis on premium fit and finish during initial release. Chambered in .500 S&W Magnum, the cartridge itself was introduced to deliver unprecedented energy and penetration in a handgun format, originally conceived for large game hunting. When paired with the Encore’s solid locking system and single-shot design, the platform allows the cartridge to be used in a controlled, precision-oriented manner that emphasizes accuracy over rapid follow-up shots. This example remains in very strong condition, retaining approximately 99 percent of its original metal finish, with only faint handling wear and light action marks noted. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9 out of 10, with only light fouling present. The Pachmayr rubber furniture remains intact and serviceable, showing moderate rub marks consistent with careful field use.
The inclusion of a Burris 2–7×32 handgun scope mounted to the barrel further reinforces the pistol’s intended role as a dedicated hunting platform, offering appropriate magnification and eye relief for long-range handgun shooting. Markings throughout the barrel and frame remain clear, with sharp screw heads and unmarred pins indicating attentive ownership. As configured, this Encore Pro Hunter stands as a capable and purpose-built example of Thompson Center’s philosophy, combining modular versatility, extreme cartridge capability, and precision-oriented design into a single, formidable handgun package. -R.E.
