WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE.... I frequently get questions about the difference between the Contender and Encore. Below is a summary of the differences.

Thompson/Center Contender (old style & "easy open" style)

Barrel breach diameter is 0.810 inch
Frame with pin weighs approximately 19.5 oz †
Hinge pin of 0.375 inch diameter
Acceptable for calibers up to the 30-30 Win. *
Selectable firing pin for Centerfire or Rimfire
Adjustable trigger for weight and over travel
Dry Fire trigger without cocking hammer
Action must must be opened and closed to reset the hammer if the hammer is cocked and then released without firing. ‡

Thompson/Center Encore

Barrel breach diameter is 1.000 inch
Frame with pin weighs approximately 24.9 oz
Hinge pin of 0.4375 inch diameter
Acceptable for calibers up to the Belted Magnums
Centerfire only
Aftermarket Rimfire breech plugs available
Non adjustable trigger (requires gunsmith work for 3 pound trigger or less)
Dry Fire not recommended
Hammer can be re-cocked without opening the action

† The weight of the new Contender G2 frame is unknown. The new Contender G2 is reported to accept old Contender barrels and have a trigger similar to the Encore trigger.

* The 45-70 is a factory chambering in the Contender. The Contender can be chambered for low/medium pressure large calibers and small high pressure calibers based on the .223 Rem size case.

‡ With the "easy open" action, in some cases, just pulling back on the trigger guard will reset the hammer for cocking.