Hatsan Escort Shotgun

[Mortblanc]

Over the past few weeks I have researched, pondered on and then purchased a new shotgun.

I wanted a new semi-auto 12 gauge for the field that would not set me back a fortune. Removable choke tubes were a must since I intend to use if for small game and turkey. Squirrels and turkey need a dense full choke pattern due to the range involved and my wing shooting leans to a modified (1/2-3/4) choke.

I settled on a Hatsan Escort 12 gauge semi-auto.

I discovered that this particular shotgun is very popular in GB but I have never seen a review of it on any of the prepper forums, but the British prepper forums are not known for their gun reviews.

Hatsan is a Turkish manufacturer and the Escort line has been imported in the UK for over 10 years. You-tube is thick with reviews on this model from people all over the world and in every imaginable language, so this gun has gotten around, almost around the world.

For those that think semi-auto shotguns are not legal in the UK be advised that their presence is strong among those that hold certificates. Apparently the SGC allows the 3 shot version and an FAC allows unlimited magazine capacity. At least that was the info from Hatsan and on the UK firearms forums

The shotgun comes in two forms, sporting and tactical. The tactical version has a magazine tube that allows 7 rounds and a pistol grip. The sporting version has a 5 shot capacity (4+1) and the standard stock configuration.

I purchased the sporting model with standard stock and 28" vent rib barrel such as a normal person would use. Not that I have anything against tactical type shotguns, I have been know to own one or five myself

I have stripped mine to the frame, cleaned and oiled it, then took it to traps yesterday. I shot 4 rounds of 25 and exhausted myself and my shoulder.

100 rounds without a hiccup. No failures to feed or eject, No parts falling off. No explosions.

It is a lightweight gun so it kicks a bit more than my all steel pump action guns. It also has a slightly sticky loading procedure that is going to have a learning curve. Not enough of a problem to distract from its good features.

One of the things I noted was that this shotgun seems to be a favorite "loaner gun" for wing shooting on African safaris. Not many people bother to ship their shotgun abroad when on safari so many of the guides keep beater guns around for the guests use on small game. These guns are expected to shoot properly for years with minimal problems.

The Hatsans are good enough to not be embarrassing when you hand it to a client but cheap enough that when you wear them out you can scrap them and buy another rather than spend a fortune shipping them back and forth to a service center that may be in the next continent.

One of the hints to their durability I spotted in the owners' manual. What lubrication is recommended? Auto motor oil! Just pull the dipstick out of the Land Rover and dribble some around!

That might indicate that this shotgun is a contender for a SHTF food snagger where coddling is impossible and durability is a must.

It is also a fast shooter. The Escort has become very popular among our 3 gun combat shooters over here and has successfully worked its way into the championships in several regions.

As time goes by, if anything should fall off the gun I will let everyone know.