Im trying to decide if I want to get an older Contender or encore, I don't really care about the higher pressure loads that requires the Encore family. I have located a nice older Contender with a 10" 44 Magnum barrel in the $400 range. I've shot the gun before and it shoots great. So I guess I'll ask for some opinions, what say the masses?
Thanks, Joe

Hmm. Interested to see what others say, but my answer ended up being both. Contender first, then encore for higher pressure loads.

I'd go with the Encore. You may not want the higher pressures now, but it's there if ya want it later on.

I'm a Contender guy. The Encore is much larger and the reach to the trigger is too long for my midsize hands to get a proper grip. The original Contender also has a much better trigger. There are plenty of chambering options available in the Contender for everything from small to really big game.

This.

The Contender is a much smoother action with a considerably better trigger. It'll take fine chamberings for hunting deer sized game as well as thumpers like the .445 Super Mag and .45-70 for beast hunting.

The only thing the Encore really gives you (besides options for options sake) are cartridges that will afford you more distance.

I have both. But, prefer the Continder as a hunting gun. The Encore is my experimental platform. Launching bullets of large caliber just because.

If you can get that contender for $400 I would jump on it because around here it would be around $500. I love my contender!

The only thing I can say about "tenders" is one thing usually leads to another. The people I know , including me, could not stop at one barrel.I personally have one of the original frames with barrels that can get my shots out to approx. 300 yds, beyond that I would got to a rifle. JMHO!!!!

Hi Joe, what are you hunting, and what are your shot distances ?

Most of my hunting will be hogs and some deer. My shot distances are usually inside 100yards with 150 being a long shot. I've owned several contenders in the past but I had to sell them when I was laid off from my job a few years back, I;m ready to get back in the game now, slowly but surely.
Thanks Y'all, Joe

The Contender!

What he said, in that case.

The contender is my favorite of ALL guns, especially the G2. An added 30-30AI barrel topped with a nice scope would be my first move. 😎

I approve this message.

went to pick it up this morning, owner decided he was going to keep for now. Gonna Keep looking. Thanks for the replies
Joe

I absolutely HATE when people do that!! If you can't make up your freakin mind, don't put it out for sale till ya do!!!!

Joe that sucks. Contender all over up here encores not so much. Seen a smoking deal at a gunshow last week contender with 3 barrels $450. I shouldsnsnatched it up.

Dammit!!!

What is the threshold for high pressure cartridges? I have an older Contender in 7/30 Waters with 14" barrel I believe it is the second generation of Contenders. Circa late 80's. Is there a problem with this rig?

I also have a 7-30 barrel for my 'Tender. It isn't just about pressure but also case head diameter as well as taper, among other variables also come into play. The Waters runs around 40K or so and that is considered to be the upper edge for the Contender, but 45/70 loads running at much lesser pressures have been known to stretch frames.

I vote Contender. I have been hunting Deer and larger game with mine for 35 years. All you need for North America. Plenty of standard cartridge options plus you can go heavy with the JDJ calibers, 45-70, 444 etc. my 358JDJ will get it done on any thin skinned beast out to 250 yards and beyond!
Its lighter - better trigger - fits most hands better.

I prefer the Contender.

The Contender is a great platform. A 309 JDJ and a 375 JDJ and you're ready for any game animals on the planet.

And then just for fun throw in a 6.5 JDJ and a .223 and you have it basically all covered.



It is generally accepted that the serial numbers above 100,000 are the most desirable, as they had the most up-to-date improvements from the factory, such as the 2 piece lugs.

A Contender in .44 magnum covers a lot of ground.