roskoe, i understand what u are saying with the thumbhole design and I agree with you but for some reason I was more comfortable shooting with that design and as we all know we shoot better if we are comfortable with our weapon. Its not for everyone, thats for sure and some people are turned off by the looks of them, but I like them. I havebeen shooting a NEF stainless 50 cal and this should be a nice upgrade from that. I liked the NEF but I had trouble with the break open action staying shut. I cleaned it well and it seemed too be in good working order but for some reason the break open at unwanted times.