Total noob here, whats the diff between a contender, encore, and g2?

[piero]

I am new to T/C and am unaccointed with their product line.  I'm used to handi rifles and want to check out the compatition.  Also, do these rifles have any quarks like the handies?

[dave29]

Contender: Lower pressure frame

G2: Updated Contender frame, also a lower pressure frame

Encore: High pressure frame, lower pressure barrels are also available for it. Frames are quite a bit bigger and heavier than Contender frames.

The Contender barrels do not work with an Encore, and vise versa.

All excellent firearms.

Biggest difference between a Handi and a T/C is the fit and finish. Much nicer on a T/C, and barrels will fit between frames without any fitting, but a T/C costs roughly 3 times as much as a Handi. Don't get me wrong, I like Handi's a lot, I own several of them. But, both T/C and H&R have different uses for me.

The main thing I like about T/C's is the aftermarket support. Their are several custom barrel and stock makers. You can get about any caliber or stock set you want. You can get about in caliber you want in a Handi as well, but you are looking at a stub or a re-bore, aftermarket stocks aren't really widely available either.

[piero]

That's just what I was thinking.  I like my handi too but having to send it in and wait 4-6 weeks to get it back is kind of anoying...  I have heard though that encores were lacking in the accuracy department, though after seeing the picture thread, I find that hard to believe.  Thanks so much, that helps me out a lot!
 
Hold into the wind, piero

[dave29]

Glad i could help.

[kynardsj]

I've had Encores that shoot as good as a quality bolt rifle, my 20 inch 45 LC Encore will do it now at 100 yards. Easy to touch 3 shots if I do my job. On the other hand I've had a couple that I just couldn't make shoot as accurate as I thought they should. I've also had a couple of Handis that shot well but my overall experience with them hasn't been good. Just speaking for me personally, I'll pay more for the Encore and will expect more from it. JMHO

[Sourdough]

I have two TCRs, one old style Contender, a G2Contender, and an Encore.  The Contenders are great, considering they are strictly low pressure cartridges.  Accurate, and I love hunting with them.  The Encore makes a great muzzleloader, reaches out 250 yards with no problem.  As for a Centerfire rifle, the Encore is a piece of crap.  I've had .223, .243, 7MM, 30-06, and .338 Win Mag barrels for it.  They shoot fair out to 250 maybe 300 yards, beyond that no.  I got rid of all the Encore barrels but the 30-06, it was the only one that shot to my standards, and that I could hit something something with beyond 300 yards.  Still does not shoot as good as my Handi 30-06.

I did not mention the TCR since it is no longer made.  The Encore was replacement for the TCR, it does a sorry job of doing that.  The only thing the Encore has going for it is that it has a hammer, like the Contenders.  The TCR does not have an external hammer.  Wish they all had ejectors like my Handi.