I use Pachy Gripper grips, makes all the difference in the world on recoil pain. I really don't like the Rynite grips with the rubber backing, my fleshy hands tend to get rubbed hard where the rubber and the rynite meet.
If I had first bought a 10 inch 44 with factory stocks and no scope, that would have likely been the end of my contender days right away, but I have continually worked my way up. As for comparision of Encore Vs Contender, well since the typical Encore weighs about 2 or more pounds than the typical contender, well that makes as much difference as the types of grips you have on it!!!
Love to hear about everyone's experience.
regards,
graycg