So am I the only one who prefers the older Contender to the G2?

[jmlv]

I really LIKE the dryfire option on the Contender as well as its habndling abd the wood avaiable for it. I already havwe a varity of grips and forends as well as a couple of carbine conversions. I resent them not fitting the newer G2 frame. Its just not worth it to add the newer gun and have all that just be obsolete for it. also I notice that even through they said it never would happen there are barrels out now which they say not to put on an older contender frame,  sorry for the tuypos but it I hit the backspace button on this sevver not it will wipe out my whold post.

[Swampman]

I really like the old Contender, and hunted with one for years.  I do not like anything T/C makes right now.

[David D.]

I have several of both and have no preference for one over the other. I do like the recock ability on the G2.  As far as grips and forearms I build my own so it dosent bother me that the grips will not interghange. Forearms can be made to work with both models. Even factory forearms can be made to interghange between the models. Encore grips can be redone to fit the smaller G2 frame.

[hunterspistol]

  No, you are not. Where I'm at, there are 3 of us that haven't switched to the new G2 because we shoot silhouette with them. The G2 is okay, just not as adjustable as the old type 2. I have more than one of these frames and outfit them just like you describe. I have several scoped too.

    Anybody can say what they like about the mountain lion picture on the side, I don't see it when I shoot anyway. What I do see is several calibers that hit a quarter($.25) size dot at 100 meters-there is no turning back!

[Darrell H]

I like both Contender models and the Encore.  If I had to pick a favorite T/C it would be the G-2. 

[Hopalong7]

I bought one of the first Encores I saw(4-digit frame)...am just now warming up to it as a hangun(love it as a muzzle loader rifle)...still don't have a G-2....just don't see a reason to have one.  I guess if I live long enough to wear out my 5 old Contender frames, I'd have to get used to one. GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 

[Keith L]

I have some of each and like them all.  If I were forced to choose only one it would be one of my stainless G2s, but all of the frames are great.  The G2s have just as good a trigger as the old ones and open like a dream.  The older ones are great shooters.

[Dezynco]

I have shot all of them, lots and lots of times.  The Old Contender has the best trigger pull without any doubt.  I've got 3 of them.

The G2 is pretty dang good (I've only got one of them) in general if you don't mind fiddling with it a bit - almost any Old Contender forearm can be sanded a little and made to fit, although the grip is different.  The trigger pull on my G2 is a little heavy, but I drilled and tapped the trigger guard with a 6x32 set screw to stop overtravel, my groups were cut in half!  Three 30-30's touching at 100 yards, fairly often.

As for the Encore.....
Fantastic as a rifle (I've got 2 of these) by anyone's standards!  But heavy as a pistol for me (I'm a skinny little fart! .

I'd rather have my G2 or Old Contender as a pistol, Encore as a rifle - which is what I think that TC had in mind in the first place.

[ftw]

I like the older Contenders, If I want a G-2, I might as well buy an Encore.

[Dezynco]

I like the older Contenders, If I want a G-2, I might as well buy an Encore.

The Encores are about a pound heavier than the G2, that's why I still prefer the G2 and Contender as a pistol, the Encore as a rifle.

[HAMMERHEAD]

I prefer the G2.

It handles recoil better for me. The trigger is a more realistic 4 pounds, which fits in with the rest of my firearms. The grip angle and trigger reach also seem better.

[jmlv]

I prefer the fully adjustable trigger of the Classic design. I also prefer the trigger design that allows dryfire practice with out using the hammer(the classic guns allow this but the newer designed G2 does not). I don't really like the grip on the G2 either but thats not really too much of a problem. Mostly for me its trigger issues. As long as the classic frames are easily avaiable I doubt I will ever waste good money on a G2 frame. susposedly the G2 is stronger than the classic frame but if I want to shoot hotter loads I will just buy an Encore. (Hav'nt yet so I guess I have no need for anything beyond what a classic Contender offers.)

[Keith L]

I have never seen anything from TC that indicates the G2 is stronger than the original Contender, and I think it is a mistake to assume it is.  The changes to the G2 seem to be intended to make a strong connection with the Encore.  And that they did.

I keep seeing from fewer and fewer folks the argument about the superior trigger in the originals, and in my experience unless you are one of the folks that wants a six ounce trigger for target work the G2s can easily be made creep free and light.  All of my Contenders have great triggers for hunting, in the 2 to 2 1/2 pound range, and all but one haven't had any real work done to them. I clean up/deburr any gun that is new to me, and lubricate as appropriate when I get them. In my opinion also the dry firing without cocking the gun is smoke as well.  While it may simulate the trigger pull it is not the same feel as with the gun cocked.  Snap caps are cheap.  And I like the grip angle on the G-2.  No question that it opens easier.

All your points are subjective and easily countered by those who wish to.  In reality I am happy you like the older ones, because some day I may be getting top dollar for mine from someone like you.  It does concern me that people may not get a Contender, or stay away from a perfectly good G2 because they read that some folks don't like them.  Truth is that Contenders are great guns, original or G2.  And the purchase of either frame style is a good use of money and not a waste.

[jmlv]

Now Now its never a waste to spend money on a Contender, ever. but I would rather have more barrels than a G2 frame just personal preference. I like the Dry-fire aspect. It just plain works for me. I also have one of those light target triggers. It was origionally set up for IHMSA but now it is used mostly for 22 lr target practice with the odd indoor 22 match thrown in for fun.  Still the trigger is a lot lighter and crisper than anything I have felt on a G2.  Still I have been shooting Contenders for a while now. I know what I like. I would never discourage a newbie from any Contender G2 or Classic, just give them the info on the various diferences and let them make the choice. The main thing is that they get started in the collection of Contenders<VBG> not which type they prefer. Sorry karl, I won't be buying any of your frames. I only buy them whan I get them Cheap!(the last one I bought was a 30-30(irons sights on barrel),223, both super 14  barrels, the 223 with scope plus the frame & dies and brass for the 30-30 all for $350.)

[slabsides]

Getting into the discussion better late than never. I acquired my Contenders pre-G2. One of my two frames is easy open, the other not. I have six barrels, and am set up both in pistol and carbine for anything from mice to moose. I added to my original frame and barrel because I liked the handling of the Contender. When the G came along, I examined the specs, and decided there was no reason to get rid of my 'outmoded' frames and stocks, or for that matter to add to them.
Pistol:10" .22 long rifle and 7mm T/C-U; and Super 14 .35 Rem.
Carbine:16-1/4" .44 Magnum; and 21" .223 Rem and 7-30 Waters.
Pachmayr and factory walnut stocks. All my barrels but the .35 Remington are scoped. I'm considering a compact reflex sight for that barrel.
I consider this a pretty versatile battery of standard factory calibers for hunting and shooting in Maine.

[Dezynco]

Hey guys, if you poke around some of the online auctions, you'll notice that USED Encore, Contender, and Contender G2 frames are nearly the same price.  I've paid around $250.00 for each recently, and sold an Encore frame for $250.00.

Tells me that it's all a matter of "druthers".  I'll stick to the Contenders - whether original or G2 - for handgun.  I'd use the Encore if I need a rifle (that can't be chambered in the Contender, ie 30-06, etc)

[David D.]

Me I like all three, Contender, G2, Encore. Like all three as rifle or pistol. I'll take all I can afford no matter which one. For me the Encore serves a very good function as a pistol. I shoot a lot of cartridges the Tenders will not handle. Yes they are big heavy pistols. I dont particularly like a braked barrel even tho I do have a couple, and the extra weight with the big full barrel helps tame the beast.  Encore pistols are still lighter than packing a rifle. My biggest problem is making up my mind which one to take on the next hunt.  My opinion is one can be made as good as the other.

[Flatlander.54]

 I prefer the original Contenders myself. They just flatout look and handle better than the G2 in my opinion, and to me there is just no beating the triggers on them as well. I have a SS Contender frame and an "Old Style" blued frame in near mint condition.

[Blackhawker]

They both have their ups and their downs.  I like the re-cock-ability of the G2 but the hammer draw is horrible.  On the contrary, the ease of opening the chamber on the G2 far outweighs the old contender.  If I'm out for the day and do a lot of shooting, I've noticed that my hand will begin to cramp from pulling the action release lever on the contender.  This never happens when I'm using my G2.  If only they could make a "G3" with both of the good qualities! 

Other than these two qualities, I think overall they're the same.

Oh yeah, how could I forget......I love the inscriptions on the old Contender.  Looks better that way.

[MS Hitman]

No, you are not the only one.  I have never been enamored with the Encores nor do I expect to ever do so.  Same for the G2s, just doesn't do anything for me.  I'll keep my Contenders just the way they are.

[338JDJ]

You said it hitman. I guess I might be an ol'e timer when it comes to my contenders. Been killin critters with them for 23 yrs now and don't feel the need to change. The g2 nor the encore offer me anything that I can't get done with my contenders. That's almost like being unfaithful...LOL...to the gun who has been so good to me.

[Hopalong7]

There are several of us Ol' Timers still hanging around.  Here's to us hanging around for a while to come.  I still got 5 GOOD frames and I plan on wearing out every one of'm.  Trouble is, I show a h__l of a lot more wear than they do. GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 

[Bullseye]

I have five originals and plan on sticking with them.  Do not really have anything against the G2, I have just collected these over the last 15 years and have grown fond of them.

I hope I still have 5!  My original frame had a broken firing pin and laid on the desk for a year.  I have not been able to find it since we got the house finished and made our last move and I have tore this place apart more than once.  It is the frame I always deer hunted with, maybe that is why my deer hunting luck has been terrible.  Sure hope it shows up!

[Jim Stacy]

Have both and like different qualities about each. It seems like TC is telling us they think the G-2 is stronger than a non G-2 Contender by offering a 6.5 Grendel barrel (for G-2 only not to be used with original contender) their statement not mine. On the other hand Standard Contender frames will usually take 45K with 30/30 sized rounds with out any frame stretching. However over that level and the non G-2 frames will stretch.I know I bought two used , knew what they shot in them and they do have a tiny amount of stretch. I use them with straight walled rounds or 223 sized heads and have no problem with them. Would I shoot one of the 307 winchester or 444 Marlin based wildcats out of my Contender frames, no I would not. I do have a couple of Encores and they are fine for some of the 308 sized rounds. I will admit up front that a G-2 or Encore from the factory will never have as good of a trigger as a typical Old styled Contender frame --I know I have about a dozen Contender frames. Now there are gunsmiths that specialize in Encore or G-2 trigger jobs and they can make a great pull on either, but not real cheap. If you are handy you can improve the G-2 and Encore quite a bit but not a task for every one. Some of my high pressure rounds I use in the G-2 most of my stuff I use a standard contender frame .    
Both are good and useful. Would not turn up my nose at a good deal on either frame.

[Keith L]

It seems like TC is telling us they think the G-2 is stronger than a non G-2 Contender by offering a 6.5 Grendel barrel (for G-2 only not to be used with original contender) their statement not mine.

Where do you find that?  I just went through the factory and custom shop offerings and didn't see it.  What am I missing?

[SD Handgunner]

I started shooting and hunting with Contenders in 1982.

Which do I prefer the Original Contender or the G2 Contender ? For me the answer is BOTH. I think each has their place.

I have a Stainless-Steel Original Contender Frame that has one of the sweetest triggers I have ever felt on any gun. It is 1 1/4 pounds and so crisp it doesn't feel like it is 1 pound. I don't know who did the work on this frame or where the trigger spring came from but it is awesome.

I also have a Stainless-Steel G2 Contender Frame that has been smoothed up and the trigger spring replaced. This one is really crisp at 2 1/4 pounds.

My Stainless-Steel Original Contender Frame mainly sees use with a Stainless-Steel Super 14 .22 LR Match Contender Barrel with 3x12x Burris LER Handgun Scope. Gophers are in serious trouble when I have this Contender in my hands provided I can find a good rest to shoot from. I also use this Contender in the winter months at our Indoor Shooting Range in our clubs Bench Rest Competition. I am the only guy shooting a Handgun in this competition as all of the rest of the guys are shooting .22 LR Rifles. No I haven't won yet but they indeed know the capabilities of this Contender Handgun. When it comes to Bench Rest Shooting the Original Contender Frame is my choice hands down.



My original Contender is set up with the T/C Herrett Finger Groove, Thumbrest Walnut Grips with a T/C Walnut Contender Carbine Forend that I modified to fit the Super 14 Barrel. 

I actually prefer the G2 Contender Frame I have for hunting. I just love the Rubber Grip and Forend T/C supplies with the Stainless-Steel G2 Frames. I also like the ease of opening the G2 Frames as well as being able to recock the hammer (which I needed to get my first Whitetail this year due to a misfire).

I sent a G2 Frame that I used to have to a Gunsmith that specializes in Trigger Jobs on these frames. He did a super job on the Trigger Job but it still is not as good for Bench Rest Shooting as the Trigger on my Original Contender Frame. I used the G2 Frame for Bench Rest and ultimately ended up trading the G2 Frame to a buddy for the Stainless-Steel Original Contender Frame I now have. My scores are not much different but it does seem easier to shoot the Original Contender Frame when I am concentrating on holding the crosshairs on a bullseye that measures .100" than it did the G2 even with the great trigger job.

As stated at the onset I believe each has their place and always will.

Larry

 

[Jim Stacy]

Where do you find that?  I just went through the factory and custom shop offerings and didn't see it.  What am I missing?

Keith  I saw it on a blurb announcing the release of the 6.5 Grendel barrel for G-2 only and had the little caveat with it. It also seems that would be logical comparing the metal at the weak point on a Contender frame VS the G-2 frame at their stretch point. i will see if I can find the quote for you. Jim

[Keith L]

Thanks.  I can't even find the caliber on their web page.

[jmlv]

  I saw it on a blurb announcing the release of the 6.5 Grendel barrel for G-2 only and had the little caveat with it.

Funny that, I remember that when they announced the new Contender frame"G2" they repeatly made the statement that "All contender barrels will work on the G2 and all G2 barrels will continue to work on the origional Contender" the "Grendel" is not the first "G2" only barrel the 45 x ? Blackpowder barrel also has this designation for some reason as well. So much for not trying to obsolute the older Contender models.

[SD Handgunner]

I didn't see anything on the T/C Web Site either. However I did see the 6.5 Grendel listed as being available for the G2 Contender only on Bullberry's Web Site FWIW.

Larry