I would personally go with the Encore, I think they are a lot nicer gun, however they cost a lot more. The action will cost you about $250 and each barrel will cost you between $200 and $300. You can get some good deals on used barrels though. My dad has a Contender .410 pistol, he got a Thompson factory.223, 24" heavy barrel.That gun is balanced well and with the stock shape you can hold it very steady, like a thumb hole stock. This gun will also shoot a 1/2" group with winchester factory loads and my hand loads. If you get a ML barrel I would suggest stainless for cleaning and corrosion issues with black powder.