uckayak2_mn

Has anyone had the opportunity to try these two models? I have money down on a T/C Encore Pro Hunter. My friend has the first style Encore and really likes it, he has not tried any of the Knight brands. I am really torn between these 2 models. I do like the advantage of the switcable barrels on the Encore. I have also been really researching the Knight Long Range, unsure yet between the .50 & .52 cal. models. I like the fact that the barrel is one piece with the bolt action. If anyone could give me some help deciding between these two models would be greatly appreciated. I have pretty much decided already that if I follow through with the Encore that I will do the primer conversion to the smaller pitol style primers.

Thanks,
Mike R

cayugad

uckayak2_mn

Welcome to the forum. As for your question when you ask what is better, a Thompson Center Pro Hunter or the Knight Long Range Hunter, that's like asking if you like a Chevrolet or a Ford for driving better. Both of them riflesare going to be good shooters. Both of them have a great customer service reputation. As for the .52 caliber, I think it is a gimmick and would forget that idea. Stick with the .50 caliber where there is a large range of bullet selections. The .52 caliber will give you no better advantage. Also, Knight is making a move from Iowa to Alabama. It sounds like some restructuring in the company, but whether that will effect them in years to come is anyone's guess right now. I just get cautious when I see an established company suddenly pick up and move. Thompson Center has only expanded building after building where they are at. Also they seem to be the dominate company in the muzzle loader market right now. Something to keep in mind.

You're aware that the Knight requires a special disc you insert the primer into and then load that into the rifle. Some people like that some hate it. I personally for hunting like it. For target shooting I hate it, and it is another cost. The Pro Hunter requires no disc, but it might take a tool to load and remove the spent primer. Perhaps an Encore owner can elaborate here. The Encore/Pro Hunter is one of the most popular rifles on the market right now.

I would suggest you try and handle the two rifles. See which one fits you best. See which one meets your expectations. You already mentioned you like the idea of changing barrels with the Thompson Center. That would be a large + in that list of "I like this." It's apparent cost is not the factor simply by your choice of weapons. Personally I guess I would go with the Pro Hunter, but then that is my opinion. Good luck in making up your mind.

And again, welcome and it will be good to hear what you decide....

lemoyne

The 52 has very limited supply of sabots and choices in bullets and if you are going to shoot 45 cal bullets you will be better off with a 50,simply because of the wide range of choices in sabots and bullets.
As Cayuqad says the one that fits as they are both top grade. Lee

uckayak2_mn

Thanks for the input. I guess that I should have clarified the part on the Pro Hunter, the switchable barrel feature is a nice option but it is not all that important to me right now. I just want to make sure that I am getting the best bang for the buck.(no pun intended)I do not want to be replacing this gun in the future. I am aware that the Knight muzzleloaders use the plastic primer seats, I kind of like the thinking on this design. The problem that I am running into is the dealer where I have purchased the Pro Hunter from also handles Knight. He does not carry the Long Range model just the Revolution & Vision models. He says that there is not enough demand for the bolt action models. I really like the ideaof a solid barrel, just a personal preference I guess. The dealer said that he could get me one if I so choose. I would be purchasing this gun site unseen. This is where my decision has developed. I have not been able to find a whole lot of info on the Knight model other than the Knight website. I am hoping to possibly find some non-biased opinions. I did not realize their possible move from Iowa. The gun that the dealer is holding for me is the absolute last one that he can get for quite some time. So if I pass on the T/C the gun has a long waiting list already. I just need to make up my mind on the final decision. I have been searching the web for any possible info on these two models. I have seen a few articles about some design ideas on the Pro Hunter that make me wonder about all of the hype on this model. I have read a few reviews about the QLA's being off square and mods available to cut off the QLA. I know that my friend says that he does not like the QLA on his Encore. From what I have read so far seems other than the new ram-rod and the much improved stock, that some users would have preferred the first Encore with the old style breech and the new stock. This is what has has me pondering on putting down the final payment. I am still much in need for some info from anyone that has had a chance to use the Long Range rifle. Thanks for your input on the .52 cal not being a good choice at this time. I was doing some browsing for bullets and the .52 are pretty much a Knight exclusive right now. I will keep it narrowed down to the .50 cal. models.

Sorry for the long rant, I just want to make the right decision,

Mike

cayugad

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=216158

One other option you might consider if the fancy wood of the Knight Long Range Hunter is not what your after but you want the accuracy... Knight Disc Extreme or Elite. Basically a great shooting Knight Bolt action rifle without the fancy laminated stock for a lot less money. You seldom hear of an extreme or elite owner claim the accuracy is bad.

I have a Knight Disc and a Wolverine. I'd of went to a better fancy Knight rifle, but I'd have a hard time fiinding one that would outshoot the ones I got....

cayugad

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=278092

They even have some long range hunters in stock.. how do the prices compare?

yakfisher

Mike, one other thing to consider about the Long Range Hunter is that it has custom spiral fluting on the barrel. Most people are not a fan of this or Knight would have probably sold more of these guns. Use the zoom feature on the link that cayugad gave you to zoom in on the barrel. You will be able to see what I am talking about. Personally, if I bought a new ML today, it would probably be the Pro Hunter or a custom Encore from TC's custom shop. Probably the latter. Another gun to consider would be the TC Omega. I have one and it is a good ML.

jaybe

We have had a few guys on this forum get a ProHunter, and every report I have seen has been very good. Good accuracy right out of the box, ease of getting it zero'd, and they like some of the new features.
I own neither, but I guess if I were you, I would go ahead and get the one you have set aside for you.

trykon286

i got a prohunter and couldnt be happier with it, shoots great and great long range shooting, the flex tech recoil system helps more than youd believe as far as felt recoil. and the speed breech is as great as they say it is.

WPD4323

hi and welcome
i just bought the pro hunter, first day at the range was less than what i'd hoped for... but i was using a bullet my gun didn't like.. i shot today after somesuggestions from several of the members and could not be happier with my pro hunter. this thing shoots! i was advised to trya 100 gr load and 250 shock waves, it cloverleafed at 100 yds. ffg 777 loose, 777 primers, 250 shockwaves with the yellow sabots. several others shot very well but the one hole group had my attention i think some of the others might have grouped better but after seeing the 1 hole cloverleaf i started thinking too much and my brain got in the way.
absicly i stayed in the 200 to 250 weight bullets, shot mostly ffg 777 loose but had good results with pyro pellets too.
anyway i've got NO BUYER REMORSE, shoots great!! love the easy cleanup. the stock is effective in dampening felt recoil. looks good to my eye and balances/ carrieswellfor me.
i checked out a good freinds knight disk elite .50 before my purchase. its a good rifle.nice trigger. performed well, shot good for me, great for it's owner. i didn't care for the balance, the pro hunter felt better to me.
i don't regret my buy, hope you find what makes you happy, in the end thats all that matters. good luck