RE: WHICH IS THE BETTER GUN
both of those sound like good deals, especially wiht the thumbhole stocks. I am guessing they were also stainless stell barrel. As for which rifle is better, they both will shoot great. The encore you can change out barrels down the road. If that is something that appeals to you, then you have your own answer. As for whether they are reasonable prices, I better not comment as I have not priced those model out too much.