Encore/Contender newbie questions

[leadthrower]

I am new to this forum and recently decided that I would like to purchase either an encore or contender.  Can you give me pluses and minuses of both and what to look for when buying either.  

Thanks,
LT  

[throttleman]

LT,
 
I have owned both in the muzzleloader versions.  The Encore was a very nice gun and the Contender is a very nice gun.  I opted to go with the Contender due to its size and weight.  I have since purchased a .45-70 barrel for it which makes a wonderful carry gun with a VX II 1-4 Leupold.  Naturally, the Contender is not able to handle the high pressure loads which the Encore can, but I know that the Contender can do anything that I care to do in a much smaller and lighter package.  

I have regretted letting the Encore go due to its ability to handle the hotter cartridges.  It just depends what you want to do and what your style is.  Just my opinion.

Good luck,

Throttleman

[leadthrower]

Which did you like better in a muzzleloader?

[Thomas Krupinski]

I am new to this forum and recently decided that I would like to purchase either an encore or contender.  Can you give me pluses and minuses of both and what to look for when buying either.  

Thanks,
LT  

Your question sounds a lot like the way most folks buy a personal computer and software.  They first decide what hardware and software then try to find a use to put it to.

The essential difference between Contenders and Encores are size and strength.  So depending upon the use you intend to put it to, that really what should be decided first.  Then match the platform to meet the need.

I have and use both Contenders and Encores and depending upon the task, that's the tool that is chosen.  So why would you like to purchase a Contender or Encore?  Then depending upon that answer the you can determine which will be more suitable for the intended uses.

[Redhawk1]

Given the choice, I would go with the Encore. The Encore can take a lot stronger rounds and it is just built a lot stronger IMO.  

[leadthrower]

Redhawk1

In my case I am leaning towards the encore because in the future I would like to try some of the higher pressure rounds.  I would like to start out using it as a muzzleloader and then pick up a varmint round, not sure what cal yet probably 22 of some sort.  Do you have any suggestions?  Eventually I might try something bigger and also even try some of the pistol rounds.  

Thanks for your input.
LT

[iiibbb]

Many more options in the Encore.  If you're thinking varmit rounds especially.

Encore's already a pretty light rifle in its own right.

[Thomas Krupinski]

From what you said about a muzzleloader first, then Encore is probably the better choice of frames.  The increased weight of the Encore compared to the Contender in rifle/carbine configurations is substantial.  So if carry weight is not a consideration, the heavier the package the often steadier the hold will be.

For a varmit rifle configuration I have both Contenders with 21" barrels in .223 and Encores with 26" heavy barrels in 22-250 and 25/06.  They all shoot very well and it comes down to convenience of carry and stability to hold after you heart and lungs are pounding from a climb.  
Those 26" heavy barrels really hold tight and point well.  The Contender with that light weight take a fair amount of effort to keep steady on target especially in a good wind and after exertion.

I particularly like to 22-250 for a pleasant round through the 26" heavy barrel.  I also shoot it in a 15" pistol along with .243 and 30/06.

[leadthrower]

Thanks for the feedback and helpful info everyone.  Looks like I will start looking for an encore.  If you know of someone or are looking to get rid of an encore let me know.  Thanks,
LT

[Gregory]

Thanks for the feedback and helpful info everyone.  Looks like I will start looking for an encore.  If you know of someone or are looking to get rid of an encore let me know.  Thanks,
LT

 
A view from the other side of the fence:
 
I've owned Contenders since the mid 1980's and still have two frames and six barrels, I shoot them both as a carbine  and pistol.  In a pistol it's my choice for deer hunting in areas that don't allow rifles.
 
Had an Encore, tried it as a handgun and rifle, did not like it.  
 
Contender fits my hand better, trigger is easily adjusted without sending it to a gunsmith.  And the Contender handles rounds as big as I want to shoot as a handgun.
 
See if you can try both before deciding.

[Thomas Krupinski]

I have a few more Contender frames and barrels than Greg does in addition to my Encores, and did have a problem with the grips on the Encore being too large for me.  That changed when T/C came out with those new all rubber grip and forearm for the Encore.  Fits almost as well as the Contender.

Nothing wrong with Contenders as they handle many nice chamberings.  The Encores are for the times when you want a heavier chambering and are willing to sacrifice weight and bulk for the powder.  It's just a matter of matching the tool to the job you want to accomplish.

[flatlander]

C'mon LT! If you'd quit working so much and come down to the range once in a while, I'd get you spoiled on a 7-30 Contender.  

[leadthrower]

As I recall your last visit to the range wasn't all that pleasant.

[flatlander]

Yeah, well....I'm feeling much better now. At least you could have come and laughed. Besides, I like pulling bullets and reloading.    :-D