Help! Too many choices

[centershot]

I'm new to the T/C contender / encore thing but am very interested. My brother had a contender in 7mm tcu 20yrs ago and we shot it a bunch, but now there are more options. I want a frame and probably 2 barrels to start with a varmint size shooter .22 hornet or .223 rem maybe and a deer size critter shooter 30 Herrett or 7-30 waters (light kicker w/ 200 to 250yd range). What is the differance between the G2 and Encore - other than size and weight? Any opinions and help would be appreciated. I'd like to do it right the first time. - P.S. I handload so odd calibers are not a problem. Thanks.

[PA-Joe]

G2 uses contender barrels and is much lighter. The encore is very heavy.
You didn't say what length barrels. 223 and you can use soft reloads called gopher loads that mimmick 22lr and 22 hornets. www.jamescalhoon.com.

Then you you get a 7mm08 for everything else. 24 inch for long range hunting.

[armory414]

The Encore is a stronger frame, capable of handling cartridge pressures that would tear apart a Contender or G2.  The G2 is the new version of the Contender, for lack of a better description.  The Encore is centerfire only, while the G2, like the Contender, can be switched from centerfire to rimfire.  

If you like to shoot a lot or want to practice inexpensively, then the G2 or Contender may be better for you as it can shoot the .22 LR without special barrels or adaptors.

The Contender and G2 can handle many cartridges up to about .45/70, including .223 and .204 Ruger for varmint hunting.  For higher pressure cartridges (.243, .22-250, etc.) then you would have to go to the Encore.  Another advantage of the G2 is that it will take most Contender barrels.  The Encore only takes Encore barrels.

[Gregory]

First of all I'm an old f*rt and set in my ways.  I tried the Encore and didn't like it.  It just doesn't fit me and the trigger is horrible from the factory and only tolerable after being worked on.  I've never tried a G2, but I suspect the trigger to be like an Encore since the design is similar.  
 
I own two frames of the "old" style Contender.  I deer hunt close range in   woodlots and 44 Mag and 357 Max type cartridges have served me well over the years.  
 
If I lived out west like you do and money wasn't a concern, I'd look at an SSK 309 JDJ and mate it with an old style Contender frame.    
 
Add a factory 14" .223 and a 22LR for cheap practice and you'd be set for life (in my opinion).  
 
To get the same performance at lower cost get an Encore (as long as it fits you), have the trigger worked on, get a 7-08 barrel and a .223 and you'll be almost set for life (you'll miss not having that rimfire and the sweet trigger of an older Contender).  
 
My Encore was a 260 Rem and I liked that caliber very much.  Tried a custom made 30x444 Marlin caliber wildcat with a 1.4" case length but didn't like it.  (specifically made to be legal in Illinois)  
 
I currently own only three barrels for my old style Contenders right now (but I've owned and tried a lot of them)  10" 357 Maximum for deer, 14" 223 for Varmints, and a 10" 22 Mag. to practice for deer hunting and for squirrel.  Also my local Conservation Area restricts me to rimfires for varmints so the 22 Mag gets to go there too.  
 
I don't want to discourage you but in my opinion, Thompson center made better products 20 years ago than they do today.

[centershot]

Thanks for the replys! This is the kind of honesty that does not come across the counter of the gun store. They are always trying to sell and not often do they have the consumer in mind. Maybe I'll look for a used 'old style' contender - they made a million of them, there has to be a few still around.

[Keith L]

Don't give up on tht G2s.  I have an original and two G2s, and the factory triggers are fine in mine.  I also think the opening is far superior in the G2 to the original (mine is pre easy open).  I like my original, but I like my G2s even more.  My original may go when the SS G2s are available.

[Gregory]

Don't give up on tht G2s.  I have an original and two G2s, and the factory triggers are fine in mine.  I also think the opening is far superior in the G2 to the original (mine is pre easy open).  I like my original, but I like my G2s even more.  My original may go when the SS G2s are available.

 
Keith
My "old style" frames are both the easy open style and I agree these are nicer than the originals.  I sold off my first original frame.
If you rated the trigger pull of you original frame at a "ten", how would you rate the trigger pull of your G2's in comparison?

[Steve P]

If you want to start out right, get an original Contender frame, a super 14" barrel in .223 and a super 14" barrel in 7x30 Waters.  Both calibers are easy to load for, you can shoot moa, factory ammo is available if needed, and you will fall in love with them.   If you have a local gun club that shoots silhouette, you will have a place to practice with both.  You will be able to find someone to give you a trigger job, or show you how, for free.  

I have many of the original Contender frames and lots of barrels to go with them.  I am confortable shooting some of them at 300+ yards.  I can shoot from mice to Elk without concern of stopping power.  Would stop short of hunting dangerous game like brown or grizzly bear, but G2 and Encores can get questionable there also.

Good luck in your choice.

Steve  

[Keith L]

If you rated the trigger pull of you original frame at a "ten", how would you rate the trigger pull of your G2's in comparison?

Both of the G2 triggers are creep free, break like glass and about 2.5 pounds.  One I got used and I don't know for sure that it came from the factory that way, but the other I ordered and waited for months to get.  I took it out of the box for the first time and it is just the same.  The only way the original trigger is at all superior is that you can dry fire it without cocking the hammer.  With a couple of snap caps that is easily overcome.  I like the grip angle and the extra hand space on the G2 better as well.

I like my original as well, but I don't think the G2s are bad either.