Is a TC Contender worth having or is the way to go to buy a G2 Encore?
Can barrels still be bought for Contenders now?
Thanks

I think you are confusing the models. There are the old Contenders, the newer G2 Contenders and the Encores. The older Contender models and the G2 have interchangeable barrels etc except for the pistol grip and butt stock. The Encores are completely different from the Contenders. There are new barrels, custom barrels and a thriving second hand market for all of them.

Is it worth having? Only if you want one.
I seem to think I need all three models for one reason or another but some people don't care for them.

I have Contender rifles.
The Contender frame has limits to the cartridge that can be used. The Encore frame can be done up to ultra mags.
The Contender is considerably lighter and I think the trigger is better.
Smith n Wesson now owns TC and claim they are making frames and barrels for both, but they seem to be hard to find.
There is quite a few makers of custom barrels and wood. I work for one.

Mark

Most of the barrel houses and commercial TC dealers like Belm, EABCO, and a few others have frames for sale.

I have only seen one in a gunshop since we emmigrated back from Australia a year ago.

I have multiple G2 Contender and Encore carbine barrels, all made by Match Grade Machine. MGM barrels are among the best I've found, both in accuracy and quality.