Author Topic: New huntin handgun, T/C (Read 2105 times)

Noreaster · « **on:** August 16, 2009, 09:01:35 AM »

NH hunter here lookin at buying a Thompson Center handgun for whitetalls. I've gotten caught up between the G2 contender and Encore. I picked up an Encore and the trigger seemed kinda far away for me. Anyone have experience with a T/C handgun. Do you prefer the G2 or Encore.

Noreaster · « **Reply #1 on:** August 16, 2009, 09:39:31 AM »

Quick explanation. I live in a shotgun zone. I can use shotgun, muzzleloader, or handgun in calibers; 357 mag, 10mm, 41 rem mag, 44 mag, 45 long colt, 480 Ruger, or 50 mag (?). I hunt an area over a marsh that has shots out to about 120 yards. The only way to hunt this area is from a tree stand. The marsh grass is pretty high. I would like to use a scoped handgun from the tree stand. This would open up allot for me. I have allot of handgun shootig experience. I use a single action 22 mag for small game. I've never taken a deer with a handgun. I'm a hunter ed instructor and T/C offers a discount program for us. I want to take advantage of the program and buy an encore or G2 and scope it out.

kynardsj · « **Reply #2 on:** August 16, 2009, 10:00:01 AM »

IMHO, I'd go with the G2. Also do you reload ? Reloading would open up more calibers to you. If you were going with just store bought ammo I'd recommend a G2 in a 44 mag or 30-30. Those two would handle any 120 yard whitetail situation you might run into. Good Luck and good hunting with your choice.

dant · « **Reply #3 on:** August 16, 2009, 10:37:13 AM »

If you like the Encore other than the reach to the trigger I would suggest trying a set of Pachmayr replacement grips. Makes all the difference in the world. Factory grips allow just the tip of my finger to reach the trigger, The Pachy's allow me a MUCH better reach. The G2 is nice, more compact and lighter....I have both, as long as you never intend to use the high pressure cartridges the G2 would be fine. The Encore can handle them all.

Noreaster · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2009, 10:48:25 AM »

Thanks for the replys. The pach grips sound like the way to go, as does the G2. I wouldn't mind the encore though, I'd like to be able to move up in caliber if I ever needed to. I'm stopping by Fox Ridge Outfitters tomorrow to handle a G2 and compare it with the encore. I haven't found much of a selection in the local shops. I want pick up both and see how they feel. The T/C discount program is really helping me out with the purchase. I wasn't planning on buying something new until after the season and hopefully getting a deal on a used gun.

Keith L · « **Reply #5 on:** August 16, 2009, 12:13:06 PM »

If you plan to hunt those NH moose, that I so love to see when in your state, consider moving to the Encore. You will have more options for that and still have a great frame for a whitetail barrel.

Welcome to TC handguns and also to this forum on GBO.

Noreaster · « **Reply #6 on:** August 16, 2009, 05:41:47 PM »

Keith your killin me. I was all set for the G2 until your moose comment, (yeah I put in for the lottery and would love to tag one with a handgun.) I gotta take a closer look at both frames. Dant told me about the pach grips so I'm not as worried about the trigger reach now.

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 17, 2009, 12:45:19 AM »

Solution to the Moose problem...put a 45-70 barrel on your Contender(either G-2 or, as I would much prefer, original Contender) and let him have it!!! Seriously, it has been well proven that there is no animal on this planet can't be stopped with a well placed shot from a Contender. If it 's not a good shot it doesn't matter what you're using anyway.
GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt

skylar957 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 17, 2009, 06:06:10 PM »

Seriously, it has been well proven that there is no animal on this planet can't be stopped with a well placed shot from a Contender. If it 's not a good shot it doesn't matter what you're using anyway.

I concur....Couldn't have said it better myself.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2009, 01:30:57 AM »

Personally, I prefer the pre-G2 Contender to either the Encore or the G2, because of the lighter weight, adjustable trigger and it's appearance, but that's a personal matter. You can't go wrong with any of the 3.
I also have short fingers, and the Encore is a bit of a stretch for me. The Pachmayr is a definite improvement...but at about a $55 extra aftermarket cost. Several of my friends have converted over completely to Encores, because of their desire to use higher intensity bottlenecks. My Contenders have enabled me to take game as heavy as 2200 lbs., though, and that's power enough for me.
I'll confess I do own one Encore, with barrels in .308 and .375 JDJ, but seldom use it. My Contender frames easily handle my .45-70 and .375 JDJ loads.
For the deer hunting you describe, a 7-30 Waters, .30-30, or .44 Mag. would probably be my choice. Believe me, you'll end up with more than one barrel.

irold · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2009, 02:46:57 PM »

I have both ,SS Encore and a blued Contender..........the Contender wears the rimfire barrel , a 14" , 22lr, scoped..........Its much more accurate than I can shoot, enuf said about that. The Encore has had many barrels on it , 460 , 308 , 44mag , 454/45C to name some. As it is now , the only barrel I own for the Encore is the 44 Mag. , a 12" SS Bull barrel. It wears a red-dot. I like the Encore because of the weight....HEAVY 44 loads seem mild with the heft of the Encore. My Contender , when I had a 44 barrel for it , would certainly let ya know how heavy the load was. Bottom line....personal opinion...I like the Encore for big game , Contender for the squirrels. Good luck....regards, irold

smong2000 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 19, 2009, 06:18:33 AM »

I had an Encore 7-08 pistol barrel with intentions of using for whitetails but let it go this past spring. Now I'm considering a Contender maybe in 7mm-30 or 30 Herritt. The Encore is a fantastic weapon and I could bench shoot it as well as many of my rifles but the thought of shooting it unsupported is what turned me off to the thought of ever hunting with it. I didn't have the skill or confidence to shoot it offhand at deer any furthur than my SW686 so my logic was why carry a 5 1/2 lb handgun when I could get away with 2 lbs in a much more convenient package. You are talking about shooting from a stand and I'm a tracker/still hunter so that may not be a consideration for you, but you should try to hold a 15" scoped Encore on target then do the same with a 12 or 14" scoped Contender just for the experience before you make up your mind. The Encore is pretty big and heavy in comparison. Just a semi-educated opinion.

Noreaster · « **Reply #12 on:** August 20, 2009, 11:23:10 AM »

Going with the G2. Picked one up at Fox Ridge and didn't want to put it down, it just felt right. I was going for the SS/rubber but the blue/wood combination looks great. Soon as I can decide I'll put in my order. I found a once piece scope base/ring set and wondered how it would hold up with the 44 mag.

Keith L · « **Reply #13 on:** August 20, 2009, 11:32:17 AM »

I don't recommend the one piece ring/mount. The time I tried on was on a 30-30 barrel and the scope slipped. I would recommend a weaver style base and Burris Signature rings with the inserts. Or perhaps one of the three ring setups if you are really going to juice up the .44 mags.

kynardsj · « **Reply #14 on:** August 20, 2009, 11:51:51 AM »

The TSOB mount with three rings would most likely hold a scope over a 44 mag without acting foolish. That stainless G2 is a pretty thing ain't it.

Kal52 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:06:16 PM »

Dont forget to pick up your .45/410 barrel for that, Its not complete until you have one you know

Just incase you have to pop a grouse while walking out of the stand. also makes quick work of those squirrels that chatter behind ya.

good luck with the G2 youll love it.

Dave

fyrepowrx · « **Reply #16 on:** August 21, 2009, 01:21:58 PM »

the contender would get my vote for sure..if you want power, look towards either the 45/70 or .375JDJ for the big stuff. those will do about all you 'd want out of a handgun. i shot through both shoulders of a bull elk with 350 grain hornadys out of my SSK 45/70, and used the same on a buffalo....killed a cow elk with my 375jdj in the last season, so i think any moose you choose to pop is going to feel mighty ill.

as for bases, i've had best luck with the SSK TSOB or the MGM-Stratton base. both will accomodate multiple rings if you have problems with scopes slipping. i added extras to keep my glass in place when shooting 400's out of my SSK:

Tommyt · « **Reply #17 on:** August 23, 2009, 02:16:37 PM »

Congrats on your Purchase
You never stated weather you reload or not
But you did state "Shotgun Muzzle loader Only area" I would thing or similar
If I'm correct this will exclude any so called rifle cartridges with Bottle necks
so straight wall only area

If this is the case have you considered the 357 Max only reason why I say this
The 44mag IMHO it a Spanker in the contender ,it has to be the most uncomforting round
I've shot with a contender including bottle necks
Good Luck in what ever you choose
The contender is a Building Block
Welcome to GBO where the Knowledge wealth
of the TC line is the Best on the Net
again IMHO

Enjoy
Tommyt

Check the classified here on GBO you may find something
that fits your need at a fair Price

Noreaster · « **Reply #18 on:** August 23, 2009, 02:46:21 PM »

Nice looking handgun Fyrepowrx.

Just North of here, (about 20 miles,) there is no limit on catridges so I could use a 45/70 or 375JDJ. If I ever got the moose ticket I would most likely be North of here and able to use anything.

Tommy I haven't ordered the gun yet. I will be placing the order this week. I don't reload, not yet. RE the 357 Max can I shoot 357 mag out of a Max barrel? I have a ton of 357 mag ammo.

Noreaster · « **Reply #19 on:** August 24, 2009, 03:16:29 PM »

Put my order in today. G2 SS 44 mag, 14 inch barrel, (would have gotten the 12inch but it's not offered in the SS.) Tough choice, I liked the looks of the blue and walnut but it's gonna be a hunting gun so I went with the SS. Can't wait for it to come in. Probably going with the weaver mount and maxima rings. Buddy of mine is lending me a 2x Leopold handgun scope to use until I get the $ for my scope.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #20 on:** August 25, 2009, 02:24:42 AM »

fyrepowrx,
Well by gosh, I've been around a bit, but now I've seen something new!

I've got an Encore and a few Contenders wearing 4 rings on T'SOBs, but by gosh, I've never seen one wearing FIVE!!!

I can pretty well guarantee that Leupold isn't going anywhere NOW!

HHI-7420 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 26, 2009, 09:56:00 AM »

Noreaster, you never answered the question about whether or not you reload, so this may be a moot point. You should consider the .375win.. I've read on this site where some in Alaska have used it on moose. Really a good overlooked round(and a straight-walled case). Contender or G2 can handle it too. Pat

Noreaster · « **Reply #22 on:** August 26, 2009, 10:56:11 AM »

I don't reload, (use to reload shotshells for trap.) In this specific area I'm limited to, per statue/law, 357 mag, 10mm, 41mag, 44mag, 480, or 50mag (Fish & game doesn't have the definition of this one yet, probably a 500 S&W or 50 A&E.) Just up the road, (most of the rest of NH,) I can use any caliber. I'm already looking for another barrel in either .22lr, 17hmr, 22 hornet, or 223 (I have a ton of 223 ammo.) I haven't even got the gun yet .

hunterspistol · « **Reply #23 on:** August 30, 2009, 12:19:31 PM »

uh, oh,
You said 41 Mag!! That's the sweetest big bore in the world loaded in a Contender!

The picture is a 7mmTCU, on a Contender (for 200 yard target shooting)