Thompson/Center 12 Gauge Muzzleloader Owner's Manual Supplement ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ DANGER The material in this booklet must be read and understood before attempting to use your Thompson/Center firearm. If pertinent safety information is not read, and the - WARNING - statements are not understood and adhered to, death or injury could result. READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE USING YOUR FIREARM. ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ Thompson/Center Arms Co., Inc. P.O.
Table Of Contents Subject: Page Number Installation of Choke Tubes in Your T/C Muzzleloading Shotgun..............................................2 Illustration of Loading Your T/C Muzzleloading Shotgun ........................................................5 Charging Your T/C Muzzleloading Shotgun ..............................................................................6 Steps Involved in Loading Your T/C Muzzleloading Shotgun ....................................................
This booklet contains information that is essential to the safe use and maintenance of Thompson/Center’s modern-style in-line muzzleloaders with removable breech plug. You must read this material in its entirety and fully understand its significance before you can safely use your muzzleloader. If a Thompson/Center muzzleloading firearm is loaned or sold (by an individual or a dealer), this booklet must accompany the firearm. Replacement booklets are available at no charge from our factory.
Encore 12 Gauge Muzzleloading Supplement This supplemental booklet contains specific information regarding the charging and priming of the 12 Gauge Encore Muzzleloading Shotgun. The primary Owners Manual for the Encore 209x50 must be read and fully understood before attempting to use either the muzzleloading rifle or muzzleloading shotgun variation of this firearm. Thompson/Center’s Encore 12 Gauge Muzzleloading shotgun is equipped with a screw-in “turkey” choke tube.
3. (See diagram at right) Wrench Shown engaging slots in choke tube. To insert, turn clockwise. To remove, turn counter clockwise. Choke Wrench Diagram T/C Choke Wrench 4. Thompson/Center’s screw-in choke tubes are appropriately marked; IMP CYL, MOD, FULL and TURKEY. Only the IMP CYL, or MOD can be used with steel shot without damage to the choke tube. FULL or TURKEY tubes SHOULD NOT BE USED WITH STEEL SHOT.
Never attempt to install a choke tube on a “primed” muzzleloading shotgun. When charging the muzzleloading shotgun with powder and shot, make sure the muzzle is pointed away from yourself and others, and in a safe direction.
T/C Encore Shotgun Loading Diagram Stay mentally alert. This task requires your complete attention. IMPROPERLY CHARGING YOUR T/C MUZZLELOADING SHOTGUN CAN BE DANGEROUS. STUDY THIS PHOTO CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING. Eyes, ears & arms protected. Barrel held securely with muzzle upwards - directed away from your body. Do Not Smoke while loading any muzzleloader. Remove Choke Tube Use Black Powder or Pyrodex ONLY! Use a T/C graduated powder measure only and do not overcharge.
Charging Your T/C 12 Gauge Muzzleloading Shotgun When charging your T/C Muzzleloading shotgun, the procedure will vary depending on the particular choke tube installed in the barrel. Although the Encore 12 Gauge Muzzleloading shotgun comes equipped with a TURKEY choke tube, other accessory T/C 12 Gauge choke tubes are available and will fit the Encore 12 Gauge barrel. Using 12 Gauge Natural Wads T/C’s Natural Wads are prelubed woven wool wads; lubed with T/C’s Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter.
a safe direction and snap several 209 primers in the breech plug before charging. This will ensure ignition by clearing away any oil that may be accumulated in the ignition channel. With the hammer of your 12 Gauge Encore Muzzleloading shotgun in the “at rest” position and the gun is unprimed - it is now ready to charge. The Steps in Charging are as Follows: Step 1.
Photo B Photo B Use two T/C Natural Wads (placed together as one) over the powder charge. Start the wads into the muzzle with your fingers as pictured. Push the wads down flush with the muzzle. Photo C Caption Hold the ramrod (as pictured) and push the wads down (about 4") into the barrel. Photo C Photo D Caption Using short strokes, push the wads down slowly, allowing time for the trapped air to bleed off.
Pour the premeasured charge down the barrel and strike the side of the barrel several sharp raps with the heel of your hand to settle the powder in the chamber area. Start the over the powder Natural Wads into the muzzle as shown in photo “B” When using T/C’s Natural Wads, put them together and insert them “as one”. Once they are started, they will move easily down the barrel. Holding the ramrod about 4" up from the bottom, push the wads down the barrel as shown in photo “C”.
Photo “F” Mark your ramrod at the muzzle. Use a marking pencil to mark the ramrod. This will allow you to ensure that each charge is seated to the same depth. Erase and remark each time you adjust the charge, or change shot charges. When you arrive at the desired charge, cut a clean notch in the ramrod so you will have a permanent reference mark. This reference mark will serve as an indicator only with the powder charge and shot charge used when it was marked.
Illustration ”G” Shotcup Diagram One Over The Shot Wad { Step 5. Seat (1) T/C Natural Wad (or similar wad) firmly over the shot. See Illustration “G”. Shot in One Piece Shotcup The Shotcup and Over The Shot Wad MUST be seated firmly against the powder charge.
Priming Your Encore 12 Gauge Muzzleloading Shotgun If you have followed the preceding instructions, your muzzleloading shotgun will now be charged with FFG Black Powder or RS Pyrodex, and the wads and shot charge will be firmly seated against the powder charge as illustrated on page 9 or 11. Your ramrod will be marked to the exact seating depth ensuring that the following charges are seated in the same careful manner. The hammer of your Encore will be in the “at rest” position.
When firing, hold the shotgun tightly against your shoulder allowing your body weight to absorb and buffer the force of recoil. Held improperly, a firearm can “kick” causing facial injury and/or bruising. Should you decide not to fire the Encore 12 Gauge Muzzleloading shotgun after the hammer has been cocked, then you must take the following steps: Step 1. Keeping the Encore shotgun pointed in a safe direction, lower the firearm from the firing stance. Step 2.
Lead Shot Loads Only For T/C Muzzleloading Shotguns 12 GAUGE TRAINING & CLAY TARGET LOAD Containing approx. 1 1⁄8 oz. of shot, this load approximates a 20 gauge field load and is most effective when used with #8 or #9 lead shot. POWDER 80 Grains FFG Black Powder WADS An Acceptable Shotcup/Wad Combo Or Two 12 Gauge Natural Wads Over The Powder And One Over The Shot. LEAD SHOT This load uses approx. 1 1⁄8 oz. of shot. When your powder measure is set to dispense 80 grs.
12 GAUGE SMALL GAME LOAD Containing approx. 1 3⁄8 oz. of shot, this is a good all around load for the muzzleloader hunter. It has respectable working velocity and the heavier shot charge (more pellets) improves pattern density--allowing use of some of the larger shot sizes. Most effective when used with #6, #71⁄2, #8 or #9 lead shot. POWDER 100 Grains FFG Black Powder WADS An Acceptable Shotcup/Wad Combo Or Two 12 Gauge Natural Wads Over The Powder And One Over The Shot. LEAD SHOT This load uses approx.
Steel Shot Loads Only For T/C Muzzleloading Shotguns Not Recommended For Guns With a Full Choke Tube FOR STEEL SHOT ONLY! Do not use when shooting lead shot. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. 12 GAUGE LIGHT TARGET LOAD FOR STEEL SHOT Modified, Improved Cylinder or cylinder bore choke only! Full choke not recommended for steel shot loads.
12 GAUGE HEAVY HUNTING LOAD FOR STEEL SHOT Modified, Improved Cylinder or cylinder bore choke only! Full choke not recommended for steel shot loads. POWDER 100 Grains FFG Black Powder WADS An Acceptable Shotcup/Wad Combo Or Two 12 Gauge Natural Wads Over The Powder And One Over The Shot. STEEL SHOT ONLY Use T/C powder measure set to measure 100 grs. of FFG powder. This will deliver the correct amount of shot by volume.
Thompson/Center Arms Co., Inc. P.O.
