I'll toss my opinion in too, although it is biased as everybody here knows. I'd opt for the original frame of the easy open vintage (after serial number 195,000 in the blue - all original stainless were easy open). To touch on some of your points...
Triggers... all of my frames are 1 1/2 pounds or less with no creep, a couple as low as 6 ounces. So the older triggers can be made whatever you want them to be, and safely despite what TC (or the Schwarzenegger Republik) thinks.
Weight... I guess a matter of personal choice. None of your planned barrels require any extra "beef", so the original will be your lightest option. Not important for something you will shoot off the bench, but it will be for carrying in the field all day and shooting balance off-hand. Encore frame is about a full pound heavier than a "C" frame.
Cost... very good to LNIB old models can be found for under $200, sometimes well under that amount. Compare that to buying a new G2 or even a used Encore frame.
Carbine use... again lighter, and shorter with factory barrels so easier to swing and carry. Composite or factory wood easy to find cheap - lots of options custom if you want nicer wood and these also often available used for more savings (not so the G2 on later point).
I also agree the original has proved and improved itself since 1967 - been using them myself since about 1969-70. TC without a doubt has lost much of the quality control they started out with - I know the last version of the "C" frames left a lot to be desired - expect the same from the G2 (especially since they really never even wanted to produce it but finally yielded to public pressure - but that another story and I won't go there). Tons of parts and accessories for the "C's" have been produced over the 33-34 years that they were made, and so can usually be found for a good price used and with lots of selection. Not much available for the G2 yet, and so probably very few options being offered used for some time to come.
The recock thing after letting the hammer down was memtioned concerning the G2. Well, it can also be done very simply with the original frames also, and without opening the barrel to do so. So is not a factor.
Although your chosen barrels will not have the recoil to require it, you may find as I have, that the original frames are quite comfortable with the Pachmayr Decelerator or Gripper grips on it (but hate their Presentation) ... don't believe Pachy is making them for the G2 since they also are not making them for the Encore (and heard they never plan to BTW). Grip angle of the old frames I guess I am so used to after all these years that the G2's would be the odd man out for me. But as a new user, it is something to consider I guess.
Guess I also better add the required warning... you're only fooling yourself if you think those are the only barrels that you'll ever have for your TC!
Still remember when I told the new wife about 1969 that I just wanted to try one Contender frame and barrel to see if I liked them... adding the dollars spent between all the factory barrels and frames, custom barrels, wood, accessories and reloading dies for them owned over the years, bet I could just about walk in today and pay cash for the top dog pickup of all pick em ups, and have enough left over for gas to drive the Alaskan Highway both ways several times. Hmmmm? Maybe THATS what that divorce was really about 17months ago :roll:
Oh well, at least I can have all I want now (and have replaced her with about a new toy a month since) Think they call that - priorities! :wink:
Whatever you do decide to do pard, enjoy your "new" TC and welcome to the brotherhood.
Ladobe
