Rotten:

Welcome!

You might have answered your own question there with the recoil being a factor. I am not familiar with the 309 JDJ, but did have a rather unplesant run in with a 375 JDJ a few years ago. Not really a *****cat to shoot.

I own an Encore, and I had some trouble getting it to shoot good consistant groups when I first got it. I went to Mike Bell (www.bellm-tcs.com) and ordered an oversized hinge pin, which set me back a whopping $8. It shrank my groups from 2" to to 3/4" immediately. Mike has a wealth of knowledge on all things TC, both Encores and Contenders. His site is definately worth visiting for anyone who owns or shoots TC break actions.

Again, welcome! And good luck!