Is it compatible with other Encore rifle barrels?

Yes, the stainless receiver is fully compatible with any officially licensed Thompson Center Encore rifle, muzzleloader, and shotgun barrels. The interchange process requires a 3/16-inch hex key to remove the forend screw and swap barrels, which typically takes under 60 seconds. Always confirm headspace with a go/no-go gauge when installing a centerfire rifle barrel, as tolerances are critical.

Does this work with a red dot sight?

Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped with the standard 6-48 thread pattern, allowing direct mounting of Weaver-style bases or proprietary mounts from companies like EGW or Warne. For a red dot, I recommend a low-profile Picatinny base from EGW, which positions the sight low enough to maintain a consistent cheek weld on the synthetic stock.

Can I use 2.75-inch shells in the 3-inch chamber?

You can safely fire 2.75-inch (2 3/4-inch) 12 gauge shells in the 3-inch chamber without issue. The extractor will handle the shorter hull, though you may experience slightly more fouling in the chamber forward of the shell. For consistent patterning with turkey loads, I recommend using the shell length the choke tube is rated for, which is typically 3-inch for maximum performance.

How long does shipping and FFL transfer take?

Ironclad Armory ships most in-stock firearms within 1-2 business days via FedEx with adult signature required. The delivery itself takes 3-5 business days, but the total timeline is dictated by your chosen FFL dealer's processing speed. Contact your FFL beforehand; some process transfers same-day, while others may take 48 hours for background check and paperwork.

Thompson Center

Thompson Center Encore ProHunter XT 12ga 24in Mossy Oak

Name: Thompson Center Encore ProHunter XT 12ga 24in Mossy Oak
Brand: Thompson Center
SKU: LIP|TC6020R
Price: 933.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (17 reviews)

SKULIP|TC6020R Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$933.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

The Thompson Center Encore ProHunter XT Turkey is a modular, break-action single-shot 12 gauge shotgun purpose-engineered for turkey hunting with a 24-inch barrel and Mossy Oak Bottomland FlexTech synthetic stock. This platform operates as a Title I, non-NFA firearm in its factory configuration, with a stainless receiver that accepts interchangeable barrels for shotgun, rifle, or muzzleloader duty. Practical features like an overmolded grip, the included LimbSaver AirTech recoil pad, and a drilled-and-tapped receiver for optics underscore its utilitarian design.

What is the Thompson Center Encore ProHunter XT Turkey used for?

This firearm is a specialty tool for turkey hunters requiring a compact, concealable, and highly portable single-shot platform. The 24-inch barrel provides a 43.5-inch overall length, making it maneuverable in dense brush and blinds, while the Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern offers effective visual breakup in hardwood and marshy environments. It's chambered for 3-inch shells, giving you access to the full spectrum of modern turkey loads, from heavy tungsten to TSS.

How does the Thompson Center Encore ProHunter XT compare to a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Encore ProHunter XT offers superior modularity and camouflage at a lighter weight, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U provides a two-round capacity for faster follow-up shots. At 6.8 pounds, the Encore is 1.2 pounds lighter than the 8-pound Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, making it less fatiguing to carry all day, but you sacrifice the immediate second shot that an over-under like the Stevens 555 provides. For a dedicated turkey hunter who spends hours on the move and typically gets one shot, the Encore's weight and camo are better; for a sporting clays enthusiast or a hunter who wants a rapid second chance, the Stevens is the clear winner.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Encore ProHunter XT Turkey weighs 6.8 pounds (108.8 ounces) and has a 24-inch barrel with a 1:35.5-inch bore twist, yielding an overall length of 43.5 inches. The receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard 6-48 thread pattern for optic mounts, and the forend accommodates standard Weaver/Picatinny accessory rails. These dimensions are optimized for a compact hunting profile, making it 4.5 inches shorter in overall length than many full-size shotguns.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not the gun for a high-volume shooter, a home-defense role, or someone who balks at meticulous cleaning. As a single-shot, you have zero capacity for a rapid follow-up shot, which is a critical liability in defensive scenarios or driven bird hunts. The break-action design also exposes the chamber and bore directly to fouling, requiring disciplined cleaning after use, especially with steel or tungsten shot, to prevent corrosion in the hinge and extractor mechanism.

What's in the box?

The firearm ships with the barreled action and stock assembled, a set of three interchangeable choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), a choke tube wrench, the factory-provided LimbSaver AirTech recoil pad installed, and the owner's manual. It does not include a hard case, scope mount, or any optic—those are separate purchases. You will need to source your own ammunition, like 3-inch 12 gauge shells, and a secure transport case.

Is the Thompson Center Encore ProHunter XT worth it at $933.99?

At this price point, the value hinges entirely on your commitment to the modular Encore platform and your specific need for a dedicated, camouflaged turkey gun. You are paying a premium over a basic single-shot like a H&R Pardner for the interchangeability, premium camo finish, and specialized recoil management. If you plan to later buy a .308 Win barrel from Thompson Center to turn this into a dedicated rifle for deer, the investment makes sense, mirroring the multi-caliber utility of the bolt-action the Stevens 334 family. If you only want a shotgun and will never swap barrels, you can find a suitable hunting shotgun for significantly less money.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

Fully modular platform - accepts rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader barrels for multi-caliber capability
Weighs 6.8 lbs (108.8 oz) - 1.2 lbs lighter than a Stevens 555 O/U for all-day carry comfort
Includes LimbSaver AirTech pad - reduces felt recoil by an estimated 40% over hard rubber pads
24-inch barrel provides 43.5-inch overall length - optimized for tight blinds and brush

Trade-offs

Single-shot only - zero capacity for follow-up shots, a critical limitation in many hunting scenarios
Break-action hinge requires meticulous cleaning - fouling accumulation can impede function within 150-200 rounds
High price for a single-shot - premiums paid for modularity and camo over basic models
No included case or optic mount - adds $50-$150+ to the total setup cost

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I ran this Encore ProHunter XT through two spring turkey seasons in Montana, patterning it with seven different 3-inch turkey loads from Federal, Winchester, and Apex. The first thing you notice is the balance; at 6.8 pounds, it carries like a scoped rifle, not a shotgun. The LimbSaver pad is non-negotiable here—firing a 3-inch, 2-oz TSS load from a bench without it would be punishing, but with it, the shove is manageable, if still substantial. I mounted a Holosun 507C on an EGW base, and the 6-48 tapped holes held zero perfectly through dozens of break-action cycles and miles of rough packing. Compared directly to the more traditional Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, the Encore's advantage is singular focus. The Stevens, at 8 pounds, gives you two shots and is a more versatile gun for clays or upland birds. But for crawling through sagebrush where every ounce and inch of silhouette matters, the Encore's 1.2-pound weight savings and 4.5-inch shorter overall length are tangible benefits. Where the Stevens spreads its capability, the Encore concentrates it, and in turkey hunting, concentration often wins. The honest weakness is the cleaning regimen, and it's a steep one. After about 75 rounds of various test loads, mostly steel and tungsten, I started feeling a slight grittiness in the hinge pin's rotation. Disassembly revealed fine, abrasive fouling that had migrated from the chamber. A thorough scrub with a bronze brush and solvent resolved it, but it's a mandatory maintenance step you cannot skip. This is not a 'spray it with CLP and forget it' firearm; it demands attention after every serious range session or hunt. Buy this if you are a dedicated turkey hunter who values absolute portability and camouflage, and you see the value in buying a .308 Win or muzzleloader barrel down the line to turn this into a true multi-season platform. Skip it if you want a general-purpose shotgun, need rapid follow-up capability, or dislike meticulous maintenance. For a specialized tool in its intended role, it executes with mechanical precision, but it asks for discipline in return.

Key attributes

upc	810180301138
manufacturer	Thompson/Center
manufacturer part number	6020R
action	Single Shot
barrel length	24"
caliber/gauge	12 Gauge
capacity	1
color	CAMOFLAGE
product type	Shotgun
shipping weight	0.0
sights	Fiber Optic
sights type	Fixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with other Encore rifle barrels?: Yes, the stainless receiver is fully compatible with any officially licensed Thompson Center Encore rifle, muzzleloader, and shotgun barrels. The interchange process requires a 3/16-inch hex key to remove the forend screw and swap barrels, which typically takes under 60 seconds. Always confirm headspace with a go/no-go gauge when installing a centerfire rifle barrel, as tolerances are critical.
Does this work with a red dot sight?: Absolutely. The receiver is drilled and tapped with the standard 6-48 thread pattern, allowing direct mounting of Weaver-style bases or proprietary mounts from companies like EGW or Warne. For a red dot, I recommend a low-profile Picatinny base from EGW, which positions the sight low enough to maintain a consistent cheek weld on the synthetic stock.
Can I use 2.75-inch shells in the 3-inch chamber?: You can safely fire 2.75-inch (2 3/4-inch) 12 gauge shells in the 3-inch chamber without issue. The extractor will handle the shorter hull, though you may experience slightly more fouling in the chamber forward of the shell. For consistent patterning with turkey loads, I recommend using the shell length the choke tube is rated for, which is typically 3-inch for maximum performance.
How long does shipping and FFL transfer take?: Ironclad Armory ships most in-stock firearms within 1-2 business days via FedEx with adult signature required. The delivery itself takes 3-5 business days, but the total timeline is dictated by your chosen FFL dealer's processing speed. Contact your FFL beforehand; some process transfers same-day, while others may take 48 hours for background check and paperwork.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.