WB
After the Encore and G2 came out the old Contender
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 07:14

Looks sort of dated, a relic, historical record. There is at least a pound, maybe more depending on barrels, between a G2 and Encore rig. Both make nice carbines too. But the G2 is not quite able to withstand the full power platforms of the Encore. So what are you going to pick? If rifle platforms are in the mix, an Encore probably takes the nod. But I dearly love the G2. I think it’s the perfect hunting handgun.

The Encore is a bit beastly for small game, although they did make off-set chamber rimfire barrels and center-to-rimfire conversion kits. A 5 lb. .327 handgun is a brick, but an accurate fun brick.

I don’t have one but a G2 with 5.56 barrel makes sense. Also a .22 WMR barrel. My beloved 7mm GNR tube is good for about everything else. Or my son’s .30 GNR. Both shoot factory ammo, 7mm Waters or .30-30. For a big bore it depends on how far you want to shoot. You’d need to watch your loads, but one in .378 GNR, a 14+2” brake would be dandy. Plus you could assemble into a very handy carbine to take any animal on earth.

These types of questions are interesting. No absolute correct answers. Just choices and explanations of logic, or simple wants.