Author Topic: Contender vs. Encore Pistol (Read 1924 times)

nautilusranch · « **on:** February 22, 2003, 03:57:48 PM »

Embarrased to ask this but ya can't find anything out without asking!
My husband and I are both huntes but only recently got a Thompson
Encore Rifle and I got a Thompson Contender pistol.

Two questions if someone can help: 1) In your opinion which is better a Contender pistol or a Encore pistol (Hopefully you'll say Contender
since I just got one with a .44 barrel). 2) This pistol has an
engraving of a mountain lion/courgar on it. Was just wonder if this
was indicative of a particular model ? does that make it more or less
of a value.

I know this is a bit dumb...but...we are new to this and searching the
internet even on Thompson arms site did not get these two questions
answered. Thanks so much for any opinions !!!!

KYODE · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2003, 04:12:44 PM »

howdy mam, 1) as far as quality, it's my opinion that they are equal. the encore is built stronger to handle high pressure calibers. the contender has a more loyal following, since it has been around a lot longer. it is now discontinued, but the G2 contender should be here as replacement soon. WE HOPE :roll:
2)to the best of my knowledge the cougar was unchanged, except for those that was last produced. they have a cougar head instead of the leaping cougar. hope i answered your questions accurately and to your satisfaction.
any rate, you have one fine handgun :wink: and the encore is another

Gregory · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2003, 05:00:29 PM »

Welcome to the world of TC's. Here are some links you may want to check out:
http://www.singleshooters.org/tclinks.htm0

helobill · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2003, 06:18:16 PM »

Some of the very earliest frames have a different engraving (I think it was an eagle for the first year or so from what I've read, but I've never seen one). And some of the earlier years has extended engraving. Lots of good links out there. Read what you can on this site, it's the best out there. Background info requires some mining on your part. If you're wondering when your frame was made, check the serial number against the list at http://www.handgunhunt.com/noframes/tech/t1/manuf_bl_tc.html

Contender vs Encore...Redhawk vs Super Redhawk...Python vs Anaconda
same idea, larger frame, a little heavier, able to hadle heavier loads. ONly bad thing about an Encore is it NEEDS a trigger job, Contenders are acceptable usually (can be improved, but are okay from the start).
Helicopter Bill

Bullseye · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2003, 06:24:06 PM »

Both are great pistols. It just depends on what calibers you want to shoot and how the gun fits your hands. The contender is a bit smaller and lighter and I like it better since I have small hands. As the other poster said the newer frames have just the cougers head. I have one of each and they both shoot fine and I do not think there is any difference in the value of them. There were also some other modifications made through the years that the web page the other poster gave you will hopefully explain.

Hopefully your 44 mag is a shooter. I have a 10" barrel that will shoot 5 holes touching at 50 yards with a scope. I don't shoot it much any more but keep putting ofs selling it. I just hate to sell a barrel that shoots that good.

jamie · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2003, 08:32:04 PM »

Ma'am, this is my true opinion and I own a Encore pistol/rifle. If you are going to hunt game up to deer size with a pistol then the Contender is the one. If you were going to do it with the rifle the the Encore is the one. A 7x30 Waters barrel will kill as farther than most can shoot a handgun. 150-200 yrds is nothing with a rifle but it is far far away with a pistol. The Encore is larger and heavier than the Contender and can handle high pressure rounds, but the Contender feels alot better in the hand. The quality is the same. As far as the trigger goes, the one on my Encore is lighter than any Contenders I've tried. Don't know if I just got lucky or what but everyone keeps telling me not to mess with it. Enjoy your Contender.

Bim · « **Reply #6 on:** February 23, 2003, 02:16:52 AM »

My two cents worth. The encore was made for some of the larger rifle calibers. The Contender was made for the lighter calibers. If you notice the barrel slection you'll see what I mean. Even though you can get a 45/70 barrel in the Contender I don't know if I'd want to shoot full house loads in it. To be honest I don't think I would want to shoot full pressure 45/70 loads out of and Encore pistol either but for different reasons. :-)

Gregory · « **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2003, 03:15:14 AM »

Quote from: Cisco

Gregory,

The link won't open for me.

Cisco
Try:
http://www.singleshooters.org/
you can get to the links page from here