RE: Thumbhole vs. Regular Stock?
 

I have a Remington that I place into a Boyds laminated thumbhole stock. Off hand shooting is better with this stock and it fits and feels great. The only drawback I see is if you're sitting on stand and need to shoot with your offhand. I have done this but you can't place your thumb through the hole and have to hold the rifle akwardly. However, there are ambidextrous thumbhole stock available from Richards Microfit. I don't know if they are available for the Encore.

RE: Thumbhole vs. Regular Stock?
 

I can be much quicker with a regular stock. Throwing up for me left or right with a regular stock is no problem. Thumbholes feel good, but I have had to fumble to get one up in the heat of excitement. Maybe I should not have given up so easy.

RE: Thumbhole vs. Regular Stock?
 

I got a T/C/ Omega this past fall with the thumbhole stock, and noticed right away that it is more difficult to cock than a regular stock. I normally cock the gun right before shooting, so this is an issue . . . .