I prefer the g2 contender over the encore too. The rubber grip feels like it was made for my hand. The smaller gun just feels better as a pistol to me. Do you guy's use muzzel breaks or just straight barrels? I would prefer not to have one unless it's a must. The 44 mag, 30/30 and 35 rem just seem like the top 3 must try barrels for the contender to me.