I am new to the T/C's, but have a contender(not g2) and an encore. In my limited experience, I like the contender better, just because it is lighter and more compact, as well as it has a much better trigger, but this may just be between the two I have. And I am not looking for the super duperest to shoot 300 yards either. I think the only real advantage to the encore is the ability to shoot more potent cartridges, and possibly the weight to soak up a bit of recoil. The biggest deciding factor is what cartridges you would like to shoot, as well as how do they feel in your hand. The guys on this board will set you up soon enough, but thats my limited opinion. It would break my heart to choose between the two. Good luck.