New guy with questions

[North Nick]

I was at my favorite toy store this weekend and picked up an Encore 209x50.  It was sweet.  The stock fit me great and it seemed to point very well.  I had to set it down and walk away because I did not know enough about them.  So I have a few questions if you don't mind...

1) What is the difference between an Encore rifle and a Contender rifle?

2) Does an Encore rifle have the G2 enhancments?

3) It seems like I can buy a frame and barrel cheaper than buing the entire gun from a gun shop.  Am I dreaming?  

3) Can I buy a .22 lr barrel for an Encore rifle?  I did not see one on TC website?

I really liked this rifle.  Thanks for the help,

North Nick

[KN]

The Contender is lighter than the Encore. The Contender is only chambered for the lower powered rifle callibers and most pistol callibers. The Encore can handle all the way up to 300win mag. There is a company making a rimfire barrel for the encore but I'm not sure of the name. If you use a factory rimfire barrel you need an adapter. The aftermarket one you dont. The G2 was made after the Encore so it is basically a scaled down encore to replace the contender. As far as price theres not much difference between buying complete or in parts. Hope this helps.   KN

[Gitzit]

Let's see,

1.  The Contender was the original and was offered as a handgun only.  Later a Contender Carbine was added, it was never really touted as a full size rifle.  The Encore came next with a larger frame capable of magnum rifle cartridges and some safety enhancements.  The G2 is the latest addition to replace the Contender and has the safety enhancements of the Encore.

2.  It should be said that the G2 has the safety enhancements of the Encore since the Encore came before the G2.

3.  I think you are dreaming.  I've not been able to do it.

4.  Not from TC.  The Encore, as it comes from TC, is centerfire only.  It only has the one firing pin.  There are conversion kits from Virgin Valley Guns and others that do allow          rimfire cartridges in the Encore.  As such TC does not offer any rimfire barrels for the Encore.  They are however available from VVG and others.

I hope this helps.