T/C Contender VS Encore

[ScratchnDent]

I don't know much about these 2 guns, and I'm hoping you knowledgeable folks can help.

What I'd like to have is one receiver with a shoulder stock, and for starters, barrels in 22WMR and .357 Mag.

I also think I'd like to have barrels for .45 Colt, .223, and perhaps a large rifle cartridge like 338/06 or 35 Whelen.

Can this be done, and if so, which platform would be best?

 

[heathen]

The Contender will handle all of the rounds you listed except the 338/06 and the Whelen, I believe. You will have to step up to the Encore if you want to shoot those rounds. The contender will be better for you if you want to shoot rimfires though.

 

[highorder]

The Encore is a larger frame than the Contender.

If you intend to shoot larger rifle cartridges, the Encore is the way to go.

 

[JFrame]

About the most powerful calibers you can shoot in the Contender, without going to wildcats, are the .30-30 and the .45-70.

I love my ol' 1st generation Contender, BTW...

.

 

[ScratchnDent]

Ahh, so that is the primary difference...the Encore is a larger/stronger receiver?

Would a Contender safely handle "Ruger only" 45 Colt loads?

 

[NCsmitty]

Would a Contender safely handle "Ruger only" 45 Colt loads?

Yes, Hodgdon's site list two different load levels for the 45 Colt. one covers Ruger, Freedom Arms, and TC Contender/Encore at 30,000 CUP.



NCsmitty

 

[ColeK]

To shoot the calibers you want to shoot you will need one of each.

 

[jbkebert]

the Encore will handle everything you have listed above and larger. Be careful they can become very addictive. I have 9 barrels for my Encore and 2 for my contender.

 

[Phoenix 6.0]

how is the trigger between the two? i heard the encore trigger is a bit heavier

 

[jbkebert]

I have a older Contender and the trigger is pretty light 3.25# and crisp. The Encore breaks at just over 4# but seems to have a bit of over-travel.

 

[Damon555]

Go with the Encore...My prohunter .223 is very accurate. The trigger is nothing to write home about but it works. You can get barrels in any caliber you like.

But......they are expensive. For the price of a stainless 28" fluted barrel you could own another bolt action rifle.

 

[ScratchnDent]

Be careful they can become very addictive. I have 9 barrels for my Encore and 2 for my contender.

I'm already looking at 5 barrels, and I could very easily double that!

 

[ScratchnDent]

To shoot the calibers you want to shoot you will need one of each.

This is where I get confused. T/C lists certain configurations as standard on their website. Then I open up my Midway catalog, and they seem to list anything I can think of, at least for the Encore. I do see now that the available chamberings for the Contender top out with the 30/30 and 45/70. Is one of the calibers I listed not available for the Encore?

 

[Skylerbone]

Scratch, here's a link for you http://www.eabco.com/. My father just got a custom 300Win Mag barrel with break from them to go with a previous .223Rem he ordered. (Encore) They carry and custom make TC accessories and really know their stuff.

 

[LoonWulf]

as of right now T/C offers .22lr and .17hmr barrels for the encore, but not the .22WM. If you want that round right now (they may add it in the future), your looking at needing a contender and barrel.
Personally i only have one barrel for my contender pistol 7-30 waters. I dont shoot it often enough to be decent at it so ive been thinking about getting a rimfire barrel to practice with.

 

[Olympus]

Wait til around Christmas time and T/C might offer another $50 rebate on the barrels like they did last year. Natchez was the place I found the barrels cheapest last year and throw in that $50 rebate and it's actually not that bad of a deal. You might still be able to buy a Stevens for the price of the barrel, but I personally wouldn't.

 

[Skylerbone]

Why wait when the rebates are available now?