1st time on GBO site, 1st time Contender buyer ~ help!

[Mirage]

Have encore 209x50 and .243 rifle bbl. combo. Would like to get into the T/C handgun arena. Could use some input to make my decision.  Please help the process.

1. In order of preference i would like to target shoot, shoot varmint, hunt deer. Would i be better served by an encore pistol (leaning towards .260) or a contender (leaning towards 6.5 / 7 tcu).

2. Called T/C factory today and spoke with Customer Service and the manager of Customer Service. They both assured me that actual production will commence in April and units will ship by May to distributors. The manager advised to get the order in with dealer now to reserve initial releases.  Was I sold a line or is it really happening?

3. basis #2 being true heres my dilemma. Am thinking about placing
order with Bullberry for 6.5 tcu bbl with wood forearm, also place order for g2, hope both will be in possession app. June. I this foolish?

4. If i order BB, how would a bull 14" bbl. feel and balance on the contender in hunting sitiations?

5. What length / width forearm would be practical (i.e. 2" wide?, cover 2/3 bbl length etc.?

Inquiry is long but I am cherishing your collective experiences.

thanks, Mirage

[Hopalong7]

Let's see...target shootin...varmit....deer.  Yep, OK you got the bug!!  You've hit on my favorite caliber, the 6.5mm.  Now Contender or Encore...A year ago or even less I wouldn't have hesitated...CONTENDER.  But here lately I've had a little change of heart and the main reason is a 15" .260Rem barrel.  I hate to admit it, but I'm beginning to take a shine to this thing called Encore,even after all my bad mouthing 'bout it.  Now I still think that if it had to be one and only one ( God Forbid ) I would pick Contender in 6.5JDJ, but the above mentioned .260 in Encore just might not be far behind.  You mentioned 6.5TCU and Bullberry.  6.5TCU is maybe a little on the light side for deer,  might talk to Fred at Bullberry 'bout his Bullberry series ( I think he has one in 6.5mm ). It's based on 30-30 instead of .223.
   Now, if I got you completely confused w/ all my jibberish on the above and you're wondering what to do next, RELAX you are now right at home w/ the rest of US.  Well most of us anyway.  Welcome to the club.
    GOOD SHOOTIN',   Walt    :-D    :-D    :-D

[SingleFan]

Mirage-  Welcome aboard.  There's a lot of 'preference' type responses to your questions.

Would I base timing of a handgun purchase on G2's projected production/release?  Don't think so.  It has slid too many times, although it does seem real this time.  Also, have BB make the appropriate barrel to fit an older style frame as well as the G2.

Encore vs. Contender; tough call.  You already own the Encore.  If you like it...select the caliber of your choice.  I like the 7-08; very versatile and accurate.  Still, my first preference is for the contender in 7-30.  Excellent round.  You'll find myriads of glowing reports of the 7-30.  Great round.  The accuracy of the combination will surprise you; even with factory Fed premium Sierra Gamekings in 120 GR.

Go with the bull barrel and I like the length to be 12".  Anything longer tends to be unwieldy for me.