Author Topic: Contender or Encore (Read 388 times)

RupertBear · « **on:** March 03, 2005, 11:46:20 AM »

First post, so thought I would ask the "newbie" questions. Going to buy frame real soon (next two weeks). I had Contender in the past and liked it and now looking to get back into the TC's.

I will primarily be hunting whitetails/mulies and elk, with possibility of black bear and cougar.

Everyone I hunt with shoots .308 Win for all of the above. My original thought was 15" .308 Win, but not sure.

I don't currently reload, so standard factory ammo is "best" for now, plus I have never fire formed any rounds so think the JDJ stuff is out of my league right now.

Any suggestions? Which one and what caliber? I have read the forums a lot the last week and know you guys will give good advice. And, can't afford both, yet.

Edited because of the questions.

Thanks!

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2005, 11:55:00 AM »

well thers one simple 4 letter word that will answer this an its an easy answer
an it is
BOTH!!!!
any true tc lover would hehe
now u have to deside on the caliber you what to shoot out of your new toys
oh yeah when u get both some time folowing soon you will get this burning sunsation in the back of your neck
thats ""ineadmorebarrellsites""
but its an easy remady to take care of ask any one around here lol

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2005, 11:55:33 AM »

Not exactly sure what your asking for, but if its a 308 you want it will have to be an Encore. Contender wont safely handle that round. I have one in 15" and its a real good shooter. I have several 100yd 5 shot groups you could cover with a quarter. Thats with hand loads. KN

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2005, 12:04:11 PM »

An Encore in .308 Win. would do fine for all your needs mentioned.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2005, 12:07:45 PM »

My vote goes to the Encore for what you a looking for.

flyfisher · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2005, 01:14:23 PM »

Yes, .308 Encore sounds about perfect for your needs. Since you have Elk on the list, the .308 is probably needed. Since you don't currently reload, ammo availability shouldn't be a problem.

My advice...get the Encore in .308 and just imagine the options you have made for yourself. If you end up not liking the .308, sell it and get another barrel. Heck even if you like the .308, get another barrel (just in case...you can never have too many).

RupertBear · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2005, 01:26:41 PM »

You guys have given me my current plan... .308 Win in 15".. and already have plans for either a 15" in either .223 or .204 for varmints.

Thanks for the recommendations!

Also.. as I have small hands (only 5'2").. do you recommend the new rubber grips over the wood ones?

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2005, 01:50:46 PM »

I will suggest that rather than the .308, consider a 30/06 15" Encore. I have a couple and planning to use them for elk this year if drawn. The 30/06 will do pretty much everything the .308 will in additon to allowing heavier bullet weights wtih the bullet protruding into the case.

I also have smaller hands and find those all rubber grips fit better. In additon they also take some of the sting out of the heavier loadings and are much more comfortable.