There is no shortage of "endurance" in Encores & they are extremely versatile.
That said, sad fact is I'm a revolver guy. I've had Encores & Contenders galore (and an XP & Wichita), & they all served me well. But I didn't love them. Liked them, but didn't love them.
I love revolvers. They make me tingley all over. My current favorites for the woods are me 8&3/8 model 29 (Had an Ultradot) which is being replaced as #1 gun by my 7.5" SRH in 480 that wears an Ultradot (off of the 29) for hunting, & a 4.5" 41mag Blackhawk for just a hiking/bowhunting backup gun.
Just a matter of personal preference, but I'm a revolver guy...