They're the same frame except the PH has the swing hammer and some engraving. You can send your encore frame in and they will equip it with a swing hammer. I can''t remember how much it costs but I think it's around $60 or so. The thumbhole stock is pretty nice. I tried one out a few months ago. It would be a nice addition but I also like the feel of the standard PH stock-You can also get these stocks and put them on your standard encore as well. It's just another marketing gimmick to sell more rifles and it sure did work. They are back ordered for their muzzle loaders-I think that also has to do with the new breach system they have in it because the encore's is not all that good, many people really dislike it.
Bob