Opinions wanted on Hatsan Escort shotgun

[Grayrider]

Gents,

I am hoping that some of you can help me as I have noticed quite a few references on the web to Hatsan Escorts being popular guns in competition shooting around the Philippines. There sure seem to be some very knowledgeable shooters here in the Band of Glockers so I thought I would ask your opinions on that gun. I am looking for an inexpensive auto-loader for a range gun so I can baby my Benelli S90. What are your opinions of the Hatsan Escort semi-autos for use as a practical shooting shotgun? Are they reliable? They are available in the States from LSI/Howa, but I have not found much information on them. I can get the 18" 5 shot model for $338 USD, and am told it will take a magazine extension from a Remington 1100 (so perhaps another $35 for that). Makes for a cheap gun to abuse instead of my Benelli.

:)

Thank you in advance for your replies!

GR

[Eye Cutter]

controls are similar to the benelli. you need to press a button to deactivate the shell carrier, which slows you down during reloading. and reloading is a bit coarse compared to the benelli.

workmanship is good. recoil is absorbed well by the polymer stock. we had experiences of occasional failure to eject using armscor ammo. fiocchi and other imported ammo had no problems.

otherwise, its a good shotgun for practice.

[HEAVY]

i have been eyeing the hatsan for a bit of time now.

seems to be a great value for money. i'm out for the (even cheaper) pump version, though.

i've fired it on demo and i like it.

maybe this christmas.

[kamelot]

Hi Grayrider!

May I ask why you'd like to shift to a Hatsan semi-auto? :)
I've used my Benelli M1 S90 almost weekly and they're quite "indestructible" with the usual ammo - #4 or OO. I haven't even cleaned my mag tube since I bought it in the late eighties.

[3kings]

shotgun talk?

kamelot's the man!

firewalker, a teammate uses a hatsan. light and cute

[Grayrider]

Thank you all for the great replies! I spoke with the importer and was quite impressed with their dedication to customer service. The rep said so long as I don't throw it off a truck (he did know I am from Missouri so maybe he was implying something), they would fix it. Good enough for me. He said legal issues keep them from bringing in magazine extensions. I have read that an extension from a Remington 1100 will fit. Does anyone know if that is true?

No plans to switch from my Benelli. I love that gun and swear by it. I just want a practice/range gun that I can use and abuse with no worry. A "truck gun" so to speak, although I don't drive a truck.

:supergrin:

GR

[kamelot]

Originally posted by Eye Cutter
you need to press a button to deactivate the shell carrier, which slows you down during reloading. and reloading is a bit coarse compared to the benelli.



HI Grayrider!
this is true. You have to press that thingy button on the right side every timeyou load a shell. It really slows you down specially if you're a weak hand loader like me. I believe it will also slow you down if you're a right hand loader, too.

A friend of mine placed in the top three of the PNSA Nationals (practical shotgun) using a Hatsan. He didn't have to reload though. The Course of Fire was for the SEAGAMES and no reload was necessary.

I've heard they're coming out with a model that doesnt have this button anymore. maybe you have to ask around a bit more before buying one.

Why not get a Remington 870 Pump instead so you can have the best of both worlds?

[Grayrider]

I have had my share of pumps, including 870s. Fine guns all. The Benelli spoiled me really. Once I had that gun I could just never be happy with a pump gun again. It is fast, reliable, and to me at least quite easy to control. I can run a pump gun fast as well, but I just like the simplicity of pointing and pulling the trigger. Leaves me time to focus on the sights, picking up the next target, etc. I do have a Norinco model 97 but that was more from nostalgia than anything else. Been wanting one of those since I was a kid but the real ones cost too darn much (at least in any sort of decent condition).

GR

[Toledo]

Grayrider,
Have you considered the Russian Saiga 12? From what I've
read, they are quite a bargain for a magazine-fed, semi auto
shotty.

[Grayrider]

I have had a couple of them and was considering it again, but a few factors turned me away. As a fan of AKs they hold some appeal, but I am not convinced a box magazine feed is ideal for a shotgun. I like the option of loading on the fly, changing load types, etc. The Benelli has spoiled me a bit on that with its magazine bypass. One of my shotgun teachers drilled into me that this was a major benefit of the platform.

GR

[Astra22]

Hi! Im sorry for hi-jacking this thread.

I am also interested to buy a shotgun for personal defense and occassional target shooting.

What would you suggest as things to look for my first shotgun?
What brands do you recommend? Is an Armscor acceptable?

How much should I budget for this project?

Thanks Sirs!:)

[kamelot]

Hi Grayrider!

I have a feeling you "gotta" have this shotgun. Go ahead and buy it.;)The main thing is to have fun with it.:)

[Grayrider]

Thanks again guys!

GR

[kcboy]

hahn lang ba yung nagbebenta ng brand ofr shotgun na ito?