TC questions

[Bacchus]

I have a few questions about TC's encore rifle. I noticed that TC has a list of the available calibers for their contender and encore models. My understanding is that the contender is the pistol while the encore is the rifle. Are the barrels for the contender able to be fitted onto an encore receiver?

For example, TC does not list 44 as a caliber option for the encore, but people on Ebay are selling them for the encore.

Also, the 22 LR is only an option for the contender--so it can't be put on an encore, right?

 

[saddlebum]

they make encores in rifle and pistol configurations. (same frame different stocks or grips) all encore barrels wil fit all encore frames. contenders are offered in pistol and carbine same frames different barrels and stocks. just make sure you don't put a barrel shorter than 16" on the rifle or carbine stocks. thats against the law.:banghead: saddlebum

 

[Poodleshooter]

I have a few questions about TC's encore rifle. I noticed that TC has a list of the available calibers for their contender and encore models. My understanding is that the contender is the pistol while the encore is the rifle.

No, the Encore is available in pistol and rifle configurations, as is the Contender

Are the barrels for the contender able to be fitted onto an encore receiver?

No, they are not interchangeable.

For example, TC does not list 44 as a caliber option for the encore, but people on Ebay are selling them for the encore.

I'm not sure if they're available for the Encore. Many people do confuse the two,however,so you're right to be wary.

Also, the 22 LR is only an option for the contender--so it can't be put on an encore, right?

Correct. The Encore isn't set up to handle rimfires due the different firing pin location required.

 

[Badger Arms]

I'd imagine that a barrel could be drilled off-center so that the firing pin would fall on the rim of a rimfire, but then I already own a Contender.

There are actually three TC's, the original Contender, the Encore, and the Contender G2. I'd assume the G2 is simply an improved Contender using Encore engineering but still using Contender barrels, etc.

As for the Barrel Availability, sever aftermarket companies make Contender barrels in all variety of calibers. You can special order just about anything that will fit into a Contender or Encore. Personally, I like the 410 Shotgun barrel for my Contender Carbine. That's my next purchase when I sell down my inventory some.

 

[Badger Arms]

Here's where you can get different barrels: Fox Ridge

OOOHHH, OOOHHH, OOOHHH...! They have a 358 Winchester barrel. Encore here I come!!!!

 

[Redlg155]

Bullberry Barrel Works does make a rimfire adaptor for the Encore as well as barrels, but they are rather pricey.

I've been happy as a bug with my Encore. As soon as I finish paying for my new FAL I'll be ordering a 12 GA turkey barrel for my Encore.

Good Shooting
Red

 

[MatthewVanitas]

The Contender is T/C's original break-action switch-barrel receiver. The Encore is a later "magnum" version of the concept (with slightly different mechanics). The G2 Contender is a revamp of the Contender, using more Encore-like mechanics, but still in the more compact "non-magnum" frame. Contender and Encore barrels don't interchange, but Contender and G2 both use the same barrels.

I'll echo my standard opinion on the subject: I'd handle the Encore and Contender side-by-side before deciding between the two. I personally find the Contender light and graceful, the Encore as heavy and clunky as most bolt-actions.

The Contender cannot chamber as large of a variety of cartridges as the Encore, admittedly a shortcoming. However, seeing as how the Contender chambers .22LR, .223, 30-30, and 45-70, and many many similar cartridges, many would argue that a Contender covers all the bases. For handloaders, the field is even wider, with wildcats like the .375 JDJ satisfactory for elephants and Cape buffalo.

If you fire factory ammo only, and want to be able to fire rounds like 25-06, .300 WinMag or .458 WinMag, then the Encore will accept those. For a overview of the variety of cartridges availabe in each frame, www.bullberry.com gives a pretty good list.

So, if the ability to fire a wider variety of cartridges is worth a notable tradeoff in compactness and agility, go for the Encore. If you're willing to be a bit more creative with cartridges, and value a light, fast-handling pistol or carbine, go Contender. Just my personal convictions... -MV

 

[JohnKSa]

I have an Encore.

I've got a heavy SS 26" .223 barrel on it.

It's still shorter and lighter than most of the rifles in my safe. It's also the most accurate. Using the Black Hills 52gr Match HP rounds, it will shoot under a half-inch at 100yards.