Description
Swapping barrels is what makes the Encore ProHunter platform so much fun, and this 26-inch 223 Rem barrel is one of the easiest ways to build yourself a dedicated varmint and small game setup. It pops onto your existing Encore ProHunter frame by pulling the hinge pin, so you can go from a big-bore hunting rig to a flat-shooting prairie dog gun in a couple of minutes. The stainless steel construction shrugs off weather and holds up to plenty of range time, while the fluting trims weight and helps the barrel shed heat during those long strings of fire.
What the Encore ProHunter 223 Barrel Brings to the Table
This one runs a 1:12 twist, which is right in the sweet spot for the lighter varmint-weight bullets most folks load in a 223. Think 40 to 55 grain pills for zapping ground squirrels, coyotes, and prairie dogs at distance. The 26-inch length gives those loads room to build velocity, and reviewers who have run this exact setup on prairie dog towns have found it plenty accurate for the job. It comes with no sights, but the receiver is drilled and tapped so mounting a scope base and glass is straightforward.
Threaded Muzzle and Real-World Use
The muzzle is threaded 1/2-28 and ships with a thread protector, so you can leave it capped for a clean look or spin on a suppressor or muzzle brake whenever the mood strikes. A quiet, low-recoiling 223 like this is about as pleasant as it gets for teaching new hunters or spending a whole afternoon behind the trigger.
Fitment Notes for the Encore ProHunter
This is a rifle barrel built for the Encore and Encore ProHunter frames. It will not fit Contender or G2 Contender frames, so make sure you are matching it to the right receiver. If you already own an Encore, adding a 223 barrel is one of the smartest ways to stretch a single frame across more hunting seasons and more game.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Thompson Center
- Model: Encore ProHunter
- Manufacturer Part Number: 8150R
- UPC: 810180301220
- Caliber: .223 Rem / 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 26"
- Barrel Finish: Stainless Steel
- Barrel Profile: Fluted
- Twist Rate: 1:12
- Muzzle Threads: 1/2-28
- Sights: None, drilled and tapped
- Product Type: Rifle Barrel
- Fitment: Encore / Encore ProHunter frames
What’s Included
- Encore ProHunter 223 Rem rifle barrel
- Thread protector cap
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this barrel fit my Encore ProHunter frame?
Yes, this is a rifle barrel made for the Encore and Encore ProHunter frames and installs by removing the hinge pin. It will not fit Contender or G2 Contender frames, so match it to the correct receiver before ordering. If you already run an Encore, this is a simple add-on.
What twist rate is the Encore ProHunter 223 barrel and what bullets does it like?
It has a 1:12 twist, which is well suited to the lighter varmint-weight bullets in the 40 to 55 grain range. That makes it a great match for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and coyotes. Heavier match bullets over 60 grains may not stabilize as well with this twist.
Does the threaded muzzle work with a suppressor?
The muzzle is threaded 1/2-28 and comes with a thread protector installed. You can leave the cap on for a clean profile or spin on a suppressor or muzzle brake whenever you want. A 223 like this is already low on recoil, and a can makes it even more enjoyable at the range.
Does this barrel come with sights or a scope mount?
It ships with no sights, but the receiver is drilled and tapped so you can add a scope base and optic. A magnified scope is the way to go for a varmint-focused 223 at distance. You will just need to pick up the base and rings that fit your setup.





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