The only 45-70 that I still own is a Marlin 1895 GBL which has a pistol grip, a cushy recoil pad and 18.5 inch barrel. It is surprisingly comfortable to shoot and is extremely accurate with the factory Hornady 325 grain FTX ammo. It is a hefty rifle and very compact. There's enough weight up front to minimize the issues I had with the Encore and #1 45-70's.
Based on a sample of one, I'd strongly recommend an MGM barrel for your Contender. The 22 mag MGM barrel that I just purchased and started shooting is excellent in all respects and is by far the most accurate Encore barrel that I've ever owned (of more than 10).
