Both are great rifles from allI have read. But if I were to purchase one of the rifles you mention, based on what I have read from the members of this forum and other forums. It would have to be the Pro Hunter in Stainless Steel. It is field tested and very good.

Both used to have Green Mountain Barrels, although the newer model Thompson Centers I understand are not going to have in house barrels made from their factory. They claim they will be as good as Green Mountain. Time will tell.

The speed breech is a nice feature but not something I would base the purchase of a rifle on. I would get to a store and handle both of them and see which one fits me. I have read a few things about the Knight and did not understand what they were doing. Like their hammer/safety system, but that's just me. Strange as this sounds, I don't like the pull of a T/C encore, so a pro hunter would be the same. Although I am sure I could get used to it in short order.

As for the powerbelts, I think the Pro Hunter is really made to shoot the Shockwaves better, just like the Knights push the Barnes bullets or their RED Hots which are the same as a Barnes. If I could shoot a Barnes or shockwave and the distance was extreme, I would be loaded with that over a powerbelt. Just my personal opinion. I have never shot a deer with a powerbelt. I am sure they work fine.