I like the contender a little more than the encore because it weighs less, plus playing with loads like 30/30AI and 35 rem make it a lot of fun. with the contender or encore you can use the same frame for a lot of stuff just buy new barrels, so far I have a 14" 223 (coyotes), 30/30 AI (deer), 35 Rem (Elk) plus a 10" 44mag barrel for easier carry that said most of the areas i hunt you would do well with a super blackhawk hunter in 44mag or 45LC.