November 23, 2010 - 30mph sustained winds with gusts in the upper 40's. I was in my stand in a red-pine before dawn and chose to leave the Contender G2-.30-30 pistol at home. I first caught a glimpse of a doe approaching the stand from the west at approximately 40 yards. Her tail was held out and she was checking her back-trail.

The buck followed several yards behind breathing in the scent of her every step. I considered taking him with a .44Mag revolver that I had brought as back- up but decided against it.

I lifted the Encore, settled the cross hairs and squeezed. The buck dropped in his tracks. This is the second deer that I have taken in 4 days with a Thompson/Center, this one being a 205lb. 8 pointer. I will try to round out the season in several weeks when I put the 209/muzzle-loader barrel on and try my hand at the late season.

Thank you again everybody at Thompson/Center and Fox Ridge Outfitters; the muzzle tamer that you installed did the trick!


Gregg Taylor