Author Topic: Encore/ contender (Read 684 times)

commando · « **on:** November 27, 2005, 11:50:28 AM »

I have never owned a encore but it sounds like a great gun. i need as much info as possible on this gun. like is there a dif between them encore contender ,what barrels work with what frames,stocks. hand gun frames work with rifle barrels? ect,ect. Im interested in prob staring out with a ml 50 cal. and later down the road a 22-250 and maybe 300 mag. and of corse hand guns. I heard you have to get the handgun first is this true.

Also what kind of price are we talking to start out with and where are some good places to get deals on them

armory414 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 28, 2005, 01:10:14 AM »

The best place to start would probably be looking at TC's website www.tcarms.com

The Encore is capable of handling most centerfire cartridges and blackpowder.

The Contender and G2 handle rimfire and centerfire cartridges. There are blackpowder barrels available for the G2. Contender barrels will go on G2 frames, and vice versa. Contender and G2 barrels will not fit on the Encore frame, which is larger.

New Encore 209x50 blackpowder rifles start around $500 for the blued/walnut version, up to about $700 for the stainless/thumbhole camo stocked version.

There has been quite a debate on this and other forums about the legalities of changing between handgun/rifle configuration (and I am in no way trying to start that debate up again!). To be on the safe side, buy your frame as a pistol frame, then add the barrels you'd like. Rifle buttstocks cannot be used with barrels under 16 inches. Similarly, some local laws specify that a handgun is designed to be held with one hand, so that may preclude use of longer rifle barrels with the pistol grip. It's up to you to make sure you comply with any local, state, or federal laws.

commando · « **Reply #2 on:** November 28, 2005, 07:49:37 AM »

Thanks so much for the info,now I have a little better understanding. I didnt know there was a debate on the hand gun rifle frame,either way it would make more sense to just get the hand gun frame so save the hassle if there was any. So the ml you talked about in the encore is a good one? Im sure I would ask and find out all the legal thing needed to know for my state when hunting here. My main interest is the ml and a lower cal rifle for varmints. And since i may as well do the handgun first Im thinking the 45-70 :grin: or a round for hunting. I really just like the short compact look of it and the ability to change barrels.. Is there any other info about the guns I should know. Also I was hoping the price was a little cheaper,whats a good price on a used one. So I dont pay to much if I find a used one around.

armory414 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 01, 2005, 09:14:53 AM »

Check with Indiana's laws regarding muzzleloaders. The Encore is technically an in-line. Some states allow only sidehammers (more traditional), while other states may allow inlines but not fiber-optic sights or scopes. I believe the Encore comes with fiber-optic sights.

If you've not shot a .45-70 handgun, I suggest finding someone who has one and is willing to let you try it. I use .44 mag here in Ohio. The .45-70 has a heck of a kick, I've been told. I may try .45-70 some day, who knows.

If you look around you can find good deals on Encores. I picked up mine at auction for $325, with 15" .44 mag barrel. Picked up another barrel for another $150. Last weekend I saw a guy walking into the gun show with an Encore rifle in .223 with TC scope for $500. If I had the cash I would have bought it. I've seen used stainless ML's for around $400. It might take you a while, but you'll find the deals if you keep your eyes open.

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 02, 2005, 09:58:39 AM »

A few more pointers.

With the original contender frame if you cock the hammer then drop it back down without firing you will have to "break the action " to be able to cock it again. With the G2 and encore frames this is corrected.

It is my understanding that the new G2 barrels WILL NOT fit the older condender frames. Some of the G2 barrels are calibers that produce more pressure/backthrust than the original frame was designed for. The new barrels supposedly have a lug on them and the G2 frame a cutout that will accept that lug. The original contender frame does not have the cutout.

Some guns (encores) seem to have issues consistency when disassembled or converted often having to do with forend pressure. This can usually be solved by inserting a rubber washer over the forend screws efore attaching to the barrel.

You hear of some problems that are usually due to barrel/frame fit but TC is usually pretty good about fixing it or just selling or trading the old barrel for another often takes care of the problem.

commando · « **Reply #5 on:** December 03, 2005, 01:52:57 PM »

Thanks guys. Im sure we are able to use it in Indiana.I have a old h&r inline and have used it with a scope for years.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #6 on:** December 04, 2005, 05:22:22 PM »

i checked online and YES the g2 barrels will fit the old contenders and vice versa, except the new g2 muzzleloader barrels do not fit the old style contenders, because of the design of the old frames, TC wanted to keep the blowback from the 209 primer out of the frame's innards. apparently the older style was more finicky.

-Matt

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 05, 2005, 04:33:03 AM »

"except the new g2 muzzleloader barrels do not fit the old style contenders"

That must have been what started the rumor that the new barrels would not fit the old frames. I just never took the time to dig into it . Thanks.

armory414 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 06, 2005, 10:39:11 AM »

The G2 barrels will fit most Contender frames, except the earliest ones. All G2/Contender/Encore barrels have a lug. On the very first Contender barrels the lug was flat on the bottom. Later, they changed to a lug that had a slight step to it. The stepped lug was continued on the barrels made for the G2. The early Contender frames (made before they used the stepped lugs) have difficulties with these stepped lugged barrels, hence the difficulty of using the G2 barrels on the very early Contender frames. If you have a later Contender frame, you should have no problems. If you do happen to buy an early frame, I believe TC will alter it for you to accept the newer barrels.