Thompson Center Pistol G2 vs Encore

[Venom1956]

Hey everyone all of a sudden I've had the itch to get a single shot pistol. Could anyone give me some info on these two guns which ones better and so forth. its mostly just for fun but possibly for whitetail deer as well if it strikes me.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

The Encore is heavier, but of course that translates to a beefier action that allows calibers like .308 and .30-06. You are kept to a maximum of .30-30, .35 Remington and 7-30 Waters for the heavy stuff in the Contender. .45-70 is there also, but reserved for masochists. Heavier wildcats were available from JDJ; the .375 was a favorite. Encore is the hot setup now for the heavy kickers, especially if you're into self-punishment, ala Ross Seyfried. The Contender shines in .30-30; I can personally attest to that. I can also attest to the firecracker-in-hand sensation of the .45-70. I do not recommend it. It may be a bit more comfortable in the heavier Encore, but will still be a handful in the factory 300 gr loadings. The 405 gr loads that are marketed for the trapdoors are popgun loads, though, and almost embarassingly weak. Still, a handload somewhere between the two would be tops. Barrels for the Contender abound in used sales markets.

 

[Venom1956]

.357 Barrels

I've decided that .357 will be what I'll get first, I familiar with it and it won't break my wrists. =D What manufacturer would you recommend for barrels just Thompson Centers cause there is about half a billion on midway usa.