[Dirtpile]

Just wondering what the difference is. Besides the obvious barrel length choices and caliber availability.

So basically I'm interested in what the differences are that justify two model lines.

Also between the two, if you were looking to get one that has a common caliber and barrel length, say 12" .44mag, is either better than the other?

[Taurus 617 CCW]

The Encore was designed to handle higher pressure calibers like the .22-250 and .308

[jbkebert]

The Encore weighs a little more and helps to absorb recoil. The G2 uses a selector switch to go from rim-fire to center fire. The encore uses a offset chamber and does not use a selector switch. They are both fine guns and would serve you well.

[oklahoma caveman]

the t/c contender was the original model. it has an adjustable trigger and is made for light pressure cartridges up to the 30-30 and 35 remington. its downside is that if you lower the hammer you have to recock the gun by opening the action. this and the g2 are made with a rimfire/centerfire selector on the hammer.

the G2 contender is the "improved" version of the contender which you are able to lower the hammer without the need to recock. its trigger is not easily adjustable. it also has a slightly different grip angle to help with recoil. otherwise it ws made to the same general specs as the original so that the original contender barrels would fit the new g2 frame. it is also made for the lighter pressure loads.

the encore is an entirely different animal. it is made to hold the stronger pressure of most rifle rounds. it will not accept standard contender/g2 barrels, is made with an offset chamber for rimfire rounds, and is a heavier beefier model.

i personally have the original contender and find it a fun gun to shoot, extremely accurate.

[JFrame]

the t/c contender was the original model. it has an adjustable trigger and is made for light pressure cartridges up to the 30-30 and 35 remington. its downside is that if you lower the hammer you have to recock the gun by opening the action.

I just want to add that this is a very minor inconvenience. You can hold the barrel down on the frame, work the trigger guard release until you hear the click, and be good to go in an instant. :)

[PO2Hammer]

A G2 Contender in .44 Rem Mag is going to buck pretty good. In .44 I like the Encore.

The G2 has a manual safety, the Encore does not.

I prefer the G2 to the Encore and the original Contender.

[Lucky]

Why isn't the encore available in bigger pistol calibers than .410? If it's stronger they should sell a 12" .308Win?

[oklahoma caveman]

Why isn't the encore available in bigger pistol calibers than .410? If it's stronger they should sell a 12" .308Win?

the encore is available in any number of rounds up tp and exceeding the 308 winchester. it is most likely not offered in a 12" barrel due to the lose of velocity/power that it would sustain in such a short barrel, although i know it is offered in a 15"

I just want to add that this is a very minor inconvenience. You can hold the barrel down on the frame, work the trigger guard release until you hear the click, and be good to go in an instant.

i will agree, once you learn how the contender operates and become familiar with it then it is not a disadvantage