As my quest for a custom Thompson Center Encore pistol continues, let’s take a look at Match Grade Machine (MGM), another Utah-based company with a reputation for class and precision. Similar to other makers in the Encore realm, MGM offers a plethora of chamber offerings and unique options.

I was able to talk briefly with MGM owner Dylan Sip over email about his team and their work. “Our focus here at MGM is only to provide the best barrel for the T/C enthusiasts. We by far have the most options as far as caliber and blank selection, contours, barrel fluting, and rigid scope mounting systems.

And he’s not kidding. When you use the MGM barrel builder, the caliber and chambering options are impressive. Plus ordering up a customized barrel is about as easy as ordering a new holster. Pick your options and hit go.

Barrel blanks waiting to be called up for MGM magic.

For my build, I’m considering a 12″ barrel with a full length forend. Of course, this pistol is going to need a threaded barrel for the obligatory suppressor – it’s called being polite. So in that same vain, I’m leaning towards a full bull barrel to match the outer diameter of most rimfire silencers.

Match Grade Machine @ TFB

MGM Barrel Lengths And Pricing:

• 6.5″ – 13″ $250 for Chrome Moly Blued Finish
  $275 for Stainless Steel Finish
• 13.125″ – 15.875″ $300 for Chrome Moly Blued Finish
  $325 for Stainless Steel Finish
• 16.25″ – 27″ $370 for Chrome Moly Blued Finish
  $395 for Stainless Steel Finish

Match Grade Machine @ TFB

MGM EncOre Chamber Options:

(Too many to list here.)

http://matchgrademachine.com/chambers/

Match Grade Machine @ TFB

Barrel Profile And Fluting:

• Full Bull – 1″
• Heavy Factory .810
• Taper Factory .725

Match Grade Machine @ TFB

Fluting Options:

• Six Flutes
• Eight Flutes (full bull only)
• Spiral
• Octagon
• Interrupted
• Barbed wire
• Diamond

Match Grade Machine @ TFB

Match Grade Machine @ TFB

Match Grade Machine @ TFB

Match Grade Machine @ TFB

Match Grade Machine @ TFB

Match Grade Machine @ TFB

Depending on selected options, delivery times range from 4-6 weeks.

What barrel and options am I leaning towards? No idea. For now I’m content to keep building guns “virtually”.

Unlike most other barrel makers, we built the entire thing in house, using a Fadal VMC 15 machining center. You can’t make a top quality barrel if you are using inferior parts. The underlug, extractors, and locking bolts must fit perfectly in order to achieve a consistent and solid lockup on the frame. Because the Encore rifle is already at an accuracy disadvantage being two pieces, it is imperative that the lockup be the same every time you close the gun. We achieve this by machining our parts out of solid aircraft grade steel. Because we build the parts ourselves, we are able to keep closer watch on the process making adjustments where needed. That allows us to hold tighter tolerances than if we hired the work out.

Match Grade Machine – http://matchgrademachine.com
2410 West 350 North Bld 2
Hurricane, Utah 84737 U.S.A

Phone: 435-628-0071
Fax: 435-674-7196

sales@matchgrademachine.com

MGM on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Match-Grade-Machine