I'm wanting to get a Contender or Encore for the 2003 Deer season here in Minnesota. Not even sure which one may be better for my situation. I'm
open to a new or used handgun. I live literally on the line between the Rifle zone and Shotgun/Handgun zone. I now hunt both zones,
shotguns are 20 ga Rem 870s. I have Ruger M77s in 260 Rem and 25-06 Rem, and a Savage 110 in 270. I'm most interested in an Encore in 25-
06, 7-08 or 308, or a Contender in 7-30 Waters, or 30-30. Other than 25-06 I've not shot any of the other calibers. Any words of wisdom on these
calibers for a handgun, (recoil or accuracy). The shotgun zone I hunt in is generally open farmland areas. I would probably limit my shots to 100 to 200 yds. I probably need a scope. I now own a S&W M66 in 357 Mag, but don't want to put a scope on it and wouldn't trust it/myself much past 25 yds.
I also realize that the G2 Contender is on hold or whatever so a Contender would likely have to be used.

Dave

Dave
If you want to get started right away you have two choices. The first is to try to buy a contneder frame second hand since the G2 will not be available for a while yet.

The second choice is to get a new encore. People who own the encore generally get a trigger job done on it as it improves it quite a bit. I haven't been able to test mine yet as I'm still waiting for the barrel to be made.

The caliber you pick would then depend on wheather you got an encore or contender. As far as that goes your best to think about the type of hunting that you normally do as far as terrain is concerned. Also you might want to think about the amount of recoil if you are sensitive to that.

You didn't say if you were looking at pistol or carbine. That would also have a part in your decision. Out of what you gave as choices I'd go with the 7-30 for the contender & 7-08 or 308 in the encore. I'm sure that a couple of guys will throw out some ideas as well. Good luck with whatever you pick.
Rich Jake

Dave,I live in MN most of the year. I hunt in Zone 3 and use a contender in 309 JDJ . The round is great fr our deer never had one get away. Most shots are under a hundred yards. Hope this helps

I see some new Contenders for sale now and again. One nearby is in carbine form.

I think you'll enjoy shooting a Contender in 7-30 Waters more, and it is easier to switch back and forth to a .22 LR barrel for practice. You may have other factors to consider such as the legality of various cartridges in various seasons.

Moon
Tried to Email but got returned mail. Saw your answer to this post and noticed you had a 309 JDJ.
How accurate is it? How do you grip it and how do you rest it when shooting? Do you have any favorite loads? I also have an SSK barrel in 309JDJ. Thanks Ray

We should start a FAQ on differences between the contender and encore.

Here is how I see the basic differences between the two. The contender is a lighter ~1# less and more compact feeling gun. Many folks find the encore too bulky, and don't like it's feel.

The contender is pretty much a handload only, and wildcat proposition to make it strut it's stuff.

The contender can use any of the .308 based rounds, and you'll get pretty much all it has to offer. I would stay away from the -06 based rounds, you are burning alot more powder to no avail.

Both guns are capable out to 200 yds, some folks can stretch that to 250. The added velocity of the rounds the encore can use provide flatter trajectory, but very few handgun hunters are capable of taking shots on game at those extended ranges.

The mechanical accuracy of the guns is on par with an average bolt action rifle. The challenge is being able to shoot to the guns potential. If the biggest handgun you shoot is a 357 mag, you may find that it'll take you a big of practice to get used to the increased recoil. If you are competent with a 44 mag revolver, you'll have no problem.

You will need a scope to take advantage of the accuracy potential of the guns. A good 2-6 or 2.5-7 scope is highly recomended. The fixed 2X don't have quite enough magnification, and the fixed 4X give up too much field of view.

See if you can find someone local that shoots a contender and/or encore and try and test fire them to see what works for you.

I see it will probably be a compromise either way I go. The Contender is geared a little more toward pistol calibers (as in 357 Mag) than the Encore. The Encore has more familliar Rifle Calibers (25-06, 7-08, 308), but not 22LR. I'd rather not (unless there is a compelling quality reason) go with custom barrels.

I initially would not do the Carbine option, but you never know down the road.... The Encore Hunter Package looks like it would do the trick for my initial purposes. The more I think about the Encore, I would lean toward the 25-06 (already reload for), or the 7-08 (new caliber lure).

I'll have to see if I can track down an owner at the local rifle & pistol club as suggested to actually shoot them.

Thanks for the info
Dave

Dave,
You might want to avoid the 25-06 in the Encore. It seems that they are notorious for inaccuracy. I don't of any in 15" barrels, but I am aware of several in rifle config that don't shoot well. I have one currently and am having trouble getting moa. In 100 gr or above, 2" is about the best I can do.

You might consider the 260 Rem. I owned one that was quite accurate. Still have a 24" and it is very accurate. I have a 7-08 15" with a brake that isn't bad and had a 308 15" that was ok too.

Rick