I have owned a couple of the "Standard" Encores and like you had the option of the Pro Hunter this year.
I opted for a new regular stainless frame with black composite furniture, but I am not shooting the .68 caliber shoopty-do, short, double magnum, flame throwing, heat seeking, ultimate deer cartridge either.
I need it for a new muzzle loader that I am putting together witha Fox ridge outfitters, .50 cal 23.5" carbine bbl. that I plan on loading with 2x50 gr. pyro pellets and and a 200gr. TC shockwave.
The swing hammer is cool, but dosen't warrant a $100-$150 price increase, when the real advantage is the new shock absorbing stock. And that is available as an aftermarket part for $79.
The new stock might be cool if you are shooting often from the bench or if your hunting requires magnum type loads, other than that the Simms recoil pad would probably suffice.
A 28" tube, depending on where you hunt could be an asset or a liability.
In the woods or ina tight treestand you may wish you had less to swing around, but for the long oopen field shots I can see how the extra barrell length could be useful.
I couldn't justify the extra $$'s for what I consider marginal gains.
Encore or Pro Hunter
