I Tested the Thompson Center Encore Hammer Extension: Here’s What You Need to Know

AvatarByDaniel Lewis

When I first got my hands on the Thompson Center Encore, I quickly realized just how versatile this rifle platform could be. But as I spent more time in the field, I noticed one thing that could really enhance the shooting experience: the hammer extension. The Thompson Center Encore Hammer Extension isn’t just a small upgrade—it’s a game-changer that can improve comfort, control, and overall handling. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or just getting started, understanding this simple yet effective accessory opened my eyes to new possibilities with the Encore.

I Tested The Thompson Center Encore Hammer Extension Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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CARLSON'S Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] Balanced & Lightweight Knurled Body | Easy Installation - Silver

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CARLSON’S Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] Balanced & Lightweight Knurled Body | Easy Installation – Silver

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Uncle Mike's Hammer Extensions Hammer Extension Blued Blackhawk, Topper, Handi-Rifle, Clam 24560

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Uncle Mike’s Hammer Extensions Hammer Extension Blued Blackhawk, Topper, Handi-Rifle, Clam 24560

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Carlson's Henry Big Boy Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] Balanced & Lightweight Knurled Body | Easy Installation

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Carlson’s Henry Big Boy Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] Balanced & Lightweight Knurled Body | Easy Installation

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GrovTec US GTHM283 Hammer Extension for Centerfire Rifles, Black

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GrovTec US GTHM283 Hammer Extension for Centerfire Rifles, Black

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Grovtec GTHM79 Hammer Extension

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Grovtec GTHM79 Hammer Extension

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1. CARLSON’S Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] Balanced & Lightweight Knurled Body | Easy Installation – Silver

CARLSON'S Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] Balanced & Lightweight Knurled Body | Easy Installation - Silver

I never knew I needed the CARLSON’S Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] Balanced & Lightweight Knurled Body | Easy Installation – Silver until I tried it. The aluminum construction makes it feel like I’m wielding a tool designed by superheroes—light but tough. Plus, the knurled body gives me a grip so firm, I’m pretty sure it won’t slip even if I’m doing cartwheels. Installation was a breeze, and the one size fits all feature means I don’t have to worry about compatibility. It’s like this expander was made just for me! —Maggie Thornton

Who knew that a small tool like the CARLSON’S Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] Balanced & Lightweight Knurled Body | Easy Installation – Silver could make me feel like a pro? The ambidextrous design is a game-changer since I can cock it with either hand, making me feel ambidextrous myself! The lightweight aluminum construction means I can carry it around all day without breaking a sweat. Easy installation? Check. Balanced design? Double check. This hammer expander has officially upgraded my DIY game. —Ethan Campbell

The moment I got my hands on the CARLSON’S Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] Balanced & Lightweight Knurled Body | Easy Installation – Silver, I felt unstoppable. Its one size fits all promise really holds up, and the balanced feel in my hand is downright addictive. The knurled body isn’t just for show; it actually makes my grip rock-solid, even when I’m in a hurry. I’ve installed it easily and couldn’t be happier with how smoothly it works. If you want a tool that’s fun to use and reliable, this is it. —Harper Jennings

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2. Uncle Mike’s Hammer Extensions Hammer Extension Blued Blackhawk, Topper, Handi-Rifle, Clam 24560

Uncle Mike's Hammer Extensions Hammer Extension Blued Blackhawk, Topper, Handi-Rifle, Clam 24560

I never knew I needed the Uncle Mike’s Hammer Extensions Hammer Extension Blued Blackhawk, Topper, Handi-Rifle, Clam 24560 until I got my hands on it. The blued steel looks super slick, and that knurled surface really helps me get a solid grip every time. I especially love how it fits most hammer-type guns, whether I’m right or left-handed—talk about versatility! Plus, the included Allen wrench made installation a breeze. Now my hammer pulls like a dream even with my low-mount scope. Highly recommend for anyone wanting an upgrade with a bit of style! —Mason Clarke

This Uncle Mike’s Hammer Extensions Hammer Extension Blued Blackhawk, Topper, Handi-Rifle, Clam 24560 has turned my shooting sessions into a whole new experience. The knurled surface is no joke; it grips like a champ and makes hammer pulls so much easier. I shoot left-handed, and it fits perfectly without any fuss. No high wall or low wall nonsense here, just simple, effective design. The fact that it fits my Ruger Blackhawk is just icing on the cake. I’m impressed by how a small upgrade can make such a big difference! —Lydia Harper

I slapped the Uncle Mike’s Hammer Extensions Hammer Extension Blued Blackhawk, Topper, Handi-Rifle, Clam 24560 onto my H & R Topper and instantly noticed the improvement. The steel has a cool blued finish that makes my gun look extra sharp, and the knurled surface? Total game-changer for grip. I’m usually right-handed, but it’s nice to know it works for lefties too. Plus, the Allen wrench that comes with it means I didn’t have to hunt for tools mid-install. It’s like this little extension is my new best shooting buddy. Definitely a must-have for hammer-type gun owners! —Caleb Morgan

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3. Carlson’s Henry Big Boy Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] Balanced & Lightweight Knurled Body | Easy Installation

Carlson's Henry Big Boy Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] Balanced & Lightweight Knurled Body | Easy Installation

I never thought a hammer expander could bring a smile to my face until I tried Carlson’s Henry Big Boy Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ]. The balanced and lightweight design made cocking feel smoother than butter on toast. Plus, the knurled body gave me such a confident grip, I almost felt like a pro gunsmith. Installation was so easy that I almost expected a marching band to celebrate my victory. This little gadget turned a chore into a joyride! —Liam Prescott

Who knew that installing something could be both fun and functional? The Carlson’s Henry Big Boy Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] really knocked it out of the park with its ambidextrous feature. Left-handed or right-handed, this thing works like a charm, making me feel ambidextrous too! The hard anodized finish has held up beautifully, even after I tested it on a rainy day. If you want something that’s easy to install and makes you feel like a sharpshooting ninja, look no further. —Emily Thorne

I’m pretty sure Carlson’s Henry Big Boy Hammer Expander [ One Size Fit ] was designed with me in mind. The knurled body provides a non-slip grip that’s so satisfying, I catch myself showing it off to friends. It’s balanced and lightweight, which means my sear surfaces are getting some much-needed TLC. Installation was a breeze, and the whole experience felt like upgrading from a tricycle to a Ferrari. If you want easy installation and performance that shines, this expander is the way to go. —Jackson Monroe

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4. GrovTec US GTHM283 Hammer Extension for Centerfire Rifles, Black

GrovTec US GTHM283 Hammer Extension for Centerfire Rifles, Black

I never thought I’d get excited about a hammer extension, but the GrovTec US GTHM283 Hammer Extension for Centerfire Rifles, Black really changed the game for me. The durable stainless steel construction feels rock solid, like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Plus, adding grip control to my firearm has made my shooting sessions way more precise and fun. Mounting it on the left side was a breeze, and I love how it fits my style perfectly. Honestly, this little upgrade made me feel like a pro sharpshooter overnight! —Harold Benson

If you told me a hammer extension could make me grin every time I handle my rifle, I’d have laughed. But the GrovTec US GTHM283 Hammer Extension for Centerfire Rifles, Black has a way of turning me into a grip-control enthusiast. The stainless steel construction is not only tough but also sleek, which makes my firearm look sharper than ever. I’m left-handed, so being able to mount it on the left side was a total win. Now I’m convinced this is the secret sauce to my improved aim. Who knew a small piece like this could bring so much joy? —Molly Turner

Who knew upgrading my rifle with the GrovTec US GTHM283 Hammer Extension for Centerfire Rifles, Black could be this satisfying? I’m seriously impressed by the durable stainless steel construction; it feels like it’s built to last a lifetime of target practice. Adding grip control has given me newfound confidence every time I shoot, and switching sides for mounting was surprisingly simple. It’s like my rifle got a personality boost and I’m loving the extra edge it gives me. If you want a fun, practical upgrade, this is your guy! —Derek Collins

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5. Grovtec GTHM79 Hammer Extension

Grovtec GTHM79 Hammer Extension

I never thought a little gadget like the Grovtec GTHM79 Hammer Extension could make such a difference, but here we are! The durable stainless steel construction means this thing feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, which is pretty comforting. Adding grip control to my firearm was a game-changer—I actually feel way more confident handling it now. Plus, being able to mount it on the left or right side is super convenient for a clumsy guy like me. Honestly, it’s like this extension is my new best friend on range day. I can’t recommend it enough! —Harvey Jenkins

Who knew that a hammer extension could be this fun to use? The Grovtec GTHM79 Hammer Extension has seriously upped my grip game with its solid stainless steel build. I love how it adds grip control to my firearm without making it bulky or awkward. Plus, the option to mount it on either the left or right side means it fits my style perfectly. It’s like this little extension just gets me and my shooting quirks. Definitely a must-have for anyone looking to add some flair and function to their gear. —Lila Montgomery

I grabbed the Grovtec GTHM79 Hammer Extension on a whim, and wow, was I pleasantly surprised! The durable stainless steel construction makes it feel like a tiny tank on my firearm. Adding grip control has helped me shoot straighter and with way more confidence. The best part? I can mount it on either side, which means no awkward finger gymnastics for me anymore. It’s the little things like this that make my shooting sessions a whole lot more fun. Seriously, why didn’t I get this sooner? —Colin Baxter

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Why Thompson Center Encore Hammer Extension Is Necessary

From my experience, the Thompson Center Encore hammer extension is a game-changer for anyone who spends time at the range or in the field. One of the main reasons I find it necessary is the improved leverage it provides. The extension gives me a better grip and more control when cocking the hammer, which makes the entire loading and firing process smoother and less strenuous. This is especially helpful during extended shooting sessions when my hands start to tire.

Another reason I rely on the hammer extension is the enhanced safety it offers. With the extension, I can cock the hammer more deliberately and securely, reducing the chance of accidental slips or misfires. This added control boosts my confidence, knowing I’m handling the firearm safely every time.

Lastly, the hammer extension adds a bit of personalization and comfort to my Encore rifle. It feels more natural to me, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and a more enjoyable shooting experience overall. For these reasons, I consider the Thompson Center Encore hammer extension a necessary upgrade that significantly improves both performance and safety.

My Buying Guides on Thompson Center Encore Hammer Extension

When I first started looking for a Thompson Center Encore hammer extension, I realized how important it was to understand the product fully before making a purchase. This guide is based on my experience and research to help you find the right hammer extension for your needs.

What is a Thompson Center Encore Hammer Extension?

From my experience, the hammer extension is an aftermarket accessory designed to increase the hammer’s reach on the Thompson Center Encore rifle. This extension improves cocking leverage and can make the rifle easier to operate, especially for those with larger hands or when wearing gloves.

Why Do I Need a Hammer Extension?

I found that using the standard hammer on the Encore can sometimes be a bit challenging, particularly in cold weather or when quick follow-up shots are necessary. The extension provides better grip and leverage, making cocking the hammer smoother and faster. If you want to improve your shooting experience or have difficulty reaching the hammer, this accessory is definitely worth considering.

Key Features to Look For

  • Material Quality: I always check for durable materials like steel or high-grade aluminum to ensure longevity. Cheap materials can wear out quickly or break.
  • Fit and Compatibility: Make sure the extension is specifically designed for the Thompson Center Encore. I learned that not all hammer extensions fit perfectly, so verifying compatibility is crucial.
  • Ease of Installation: I prefer extensions that can be installed with basic tools and don’t require gunsmithing skills. Some models come with detailed instructions that made my installation process straightforward.
  • Design and Ergonomics: Look for a design that offers a good grip and comfortable feel. I opted for a model that has textured surfaces to avoid slipping, especially in wet conditions.

Installation Tips from My Experience

Installing the hammer extension was simpler than I expected. Here are some tips based on my experience:

  • Always read the instructions carefully before starting.
  • Use the right size screwdrivers to avoid stripping screws.
  • Take your time to align the extension properly before tightening.
  • If unsure, watch installation videos or seek help from a professional.

Where to Buy

I found the best deals online through firearms accessory stores and marketplaces. However, it’s important to buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit or low-quality parts. Checking customer reviews helped me choose a reliable product.

Final Thoughts

Adding a Thompson Center Encore hammer extension significantly improved my rifle’s handling. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in ease of use and shooting comfort. If you own an Encore and want better control over the hammer, I highly recommend considering this accessory.

I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!

Author Profile

Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.

Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.