Author Topic: Thumbhole Encore/pro hunter shooters (Read 2136 times)

Rudy · « **on:** October 15, 2008, 06:20:32 AM »

I am considering buying a thumbhole stock for my Encore and was wondering if any other thumbhole shooters have any regrets. I've read that you need to remove your thumb to pull the hammer back as a disadvantage. Anyone else? I pulled one up at the local sporting goods shop and it sure went up nice.

teddy12b · « **Reply #1 on:** October 15, 2008, 06:31:17 AM »

Sir,
When I bought my encore years ago I bought the TC thumbhole grip for it and loved it! Later when the prohunter line came out and the new thumnbhole grip became available I bought that and switched the two because I wanted the new one that has the nice recoil pad. I've owned both the synthetic new prohunter & old regular thumbhole stocks. Buy it!! When I put that rifle to my shoulder it's an incredible fit for me and so very comfortable & nature. You're going to have to move your thumb to cock the hammer regardless of what stock you have and I wouldn't worry about it anyway.

*My only complaint and this is being very very picky.... The stock can be a little slippery in the hands and can tricky to get a good grip on the gun. I'm not saying it's a poor design, just that the plastic is a little smooth. I'm going to wrap some friction tape on mine some day if I ever remember.

Overall the thumbhole stocks are an outstanding fit for me, but that's always subjective. I would rate it 5 stars out of 5 and I'd buy another one if I had to do it all over again.

Rudy · « **Reply #2 on:** October 15, 2008, 08:54:44 AM »

Great info teddy. Do you like the Pro hunter better than the old style? Anyone else with some input?

teddy12b · « **Reply #3 on:** October 15, 2008, 08:57:58 AM »

I do like the prohunter better than the old style for the buttstock. I don't like the prohunter foreend because it looks impossible to put a harris bipod on it. So, my rifle has a prohunter thumbhole buttstock, and an old style foreend and it's a great feeling setup. I sold my old stocks on ebay, if that helps.

TRM-1 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 15, 2008, 02:04:57 PM »

I have the thumbhole prohunter and love it. Only drawback it kinda makes it impossible to shoot left handed, But I would probably miss shooting left handed anyway. I will eventually get thumbhole buttstocks for my G2 contenders.

Rudy · « **Reply #5 on:** October 15, 2008, 02:38:54 PM »

Thanks for the info. TRM-1 what forend do you use?

Rudy · « **Reply #6 on:** October 16, 2008, 06:34:41 AM »

Anyone else? I thought there would be a ton of debate on this!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jwm · « **Reply #7 on:** October 16, 2008, 01:09:49 PM »

I was handling a thumbhole stocked Encore today in my local shop, and while it wasn't exactly awkward to cock the hammer, I can't really say that I liked it either. I agree that it is an extremely comfortable setup to hold, and I think it would be great for turkey hunting or any other hunting where you might sit motionless with the gun mounted for any length of time. I like thumbholes for this because they put very little strain on my shooting side wrist.

But the hammer-cocking thing bugged me enough that I didn't buy the stock.

John

sk330lc · « **Reply #8 on:** October 16, 2008, 02:54:22 PM »

Cocking the hammer is no problem . I use my Index finger to cock the hammer , My thumb never leaves the hole.. It does take some getting used to. I do however always let the Hammer of with my thumb.
Give it a try!

TRM-1 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 17, 2008, 12:03:32 PM »

I use the standard forearm. I bought my gun complete as a 50 cal BP prohunter with the camo flextec thumbhole stock and regular forend. I didn't notice it when I purchased it. When I got it home I noticed the standard forearm and called my dealer (my prohunter was a real early version) and he called T/C they told him it was correct that way they were having a problem with the camo on the first prohunter forearms so they used the standard forearms to begin with. I didn't quite agree with him and called T/C myself and they told me the same thing.

circles · « **Reply #10 on:** October 18, 2008, 01:20:20 AM »

Those thumbhole stocks do feel good in the store, but I'm not sure I'd care for it in the woods. I've never bought one because it seems like it would be awkward to cock it in a hurry. I have a contender carbine and got one of those folding stocks for it. I can't stand the darn thing. Mostly because I can't easily get at the hammer when I'm carrying it. I figure the thumbhole stock would be the same for me.

Circles

Rudy · « **Reply #11 on:** October 18, 2008, 04:01:14 AM »

I guess if you are in a blind waiting for your shot it would be ok, but if it was a quick point and shoot the thumbhole could be a problem. I wonder if there is anyone that switched from a thumbhole to a regular stock?

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #12 on:** October 18, 2008, 04:13:59 AM »

I know from reading similsr discussions there are people here that prefer a regular stock over the thumbhole but it's all personal preference. A thumbhole shoulders very naturally for me and most of my hunting guns have thumbhole stocks on them.

I will admit it is harder to reach the hammer. It takes a whole second longer to cock the gun and return your hand into position. For me if I don't have an extra second, it's a rushed shot and I probably won't take it anyway.

Rudy · « **Reply #13 on:** October 18, 2008, 07:17:58 AM »

Good point

GUNBIDDER 208 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 20, 2008, 11:07:15 AM »

i AM CONSIDERING BUYING A LAMINATED BOYD'S THUMBHOLE STOCK. WHAT SEEMS TO HOLD ME UP IN NOT THE PRICE, but the opening in the thumbhole. I use an elastic holder on the buttstock and I think the recess looks funny and does not seem to grip the elastic shell holder as tightly. Comments welcome.

Plinker · « **Reply #15 on:** October 22, 2008, 03:06:50 PM »

I like the thumbhole on my 45/70.
Seems to help some on heavy loads, along with the Limbsaver pad.
I have both regular and thumbhole,don't really see that much differance ,as far as a hunting gun,
shotgun or rifle.

Here's a pic of my 45/70 , 50yd group with Hornady LR ammo.

Grumulkin · « **Reply #16 on:** October 24, 2008, 03:35:03 PM »

Between my Contender & Encores, I have 3 thumbhole stocks; I guess that means I really like them even for hunting.

Rudy · « **Reply #17 on:** October 25, 2008, 05:23:07 AM »

Well I did it. I ordered a thumbhole stock for my encore. If it works out good I'll order the forends later. Thanks for all the input.

teddy12b · « **Reply #18 on:** October 25, 2008, 07:03:53 AM »

Rudy,
You're going to love it. Let us know what you think of it when it comes in.

Rudy · « **Reply #19 on:** November 10, 2008, 12:31:56 PM »

Well I got my new Pro Hunter thumb hole stock last week. It mounted to my encore without any problems. I took it to the range and I must say, I love it. It goes up real nice and and seems to have improved on my accuracy a bit. As for my concern about cocking the hammer... no problem at all. It seemed to work good with my index finger or with the traditional thumb method. Thanks to all who offered feedback and advice. Now I need to decide if I want to buy a couple new forends.

teddy12b · « **Reply #20 on:** November 10, 2008, 03:29:13 PM »

Glad to hear it! I had a feeling you'd love the grip.