Difference between Encore and the Contender?

[SuperstitionCoues]

Could someone tell me the difference between these two?  I can't tell by looking at the website.

[Doc T]

The Contender carbines are lighter, probably by 1.5 lbs. or so.  With the Encore you are able to shoot "bigger" cartridges such as .22-250, 7mm mag, .30-06, 375 H&H, etc.  Personally, I like the Contenders better.  I have one Encore and eight Contender frames.

Doc T

[southern utah]

as Doc said Contenders are lighter. They are a smaller version of the Encore. Contenders will shoot either rimfire bullets or centerfire up to 30-30. The Encore is  centerfire only and will handle larger bullets. You can check calibers for each on web site.

[Keith L]

Rimfire barrels for Encore were just announced at the Shot Show a few weeks ago, and will be available soon at dealers.  They are shown on the webpage at http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/encoreRimfire.php.  This narrows the difference between Encore and Contender.  Like the others have said Encores are larger versions of the G2, and can handle heavier loadings.

[contender hunter]

I have 3 contender frames and I don't no how many barrels !! And now I have two carbines also , and I love them and never really wanted a encore,but I don't have and encore so I really can't make a comparison , what I am wondering is , do you think the contender will ever get phased out all together ??  especially now that they have the rimfire bbl,s avail. for the encore , there's really nothing the contender has to offer over the encore except less weight!! Is the Contender on the way out ??

[Keith L]

It all comes down to sales.  If G2/Contenders and supplies continue to be profitable they will continue.  I hope they do as well.

[mjbgalt]

if my G2 Contender carbine had been able to handle more powerful cartridges I would never have sold it and I would never have bought the bigger and heavier encore.

the G2 is compact and light and very handy. I see a niche for both models.

-Matt