The Hatsan Escort AimGuard is a smoothbore pump-action shotgun designed and manufactured by the Turkish company Hatsan Arms at a factory in their country. The shotgun is intended for self-defense, for sports, training and recreational shooting, for use by law enforcement services and police. When developing the Hatsan Escort AimGuard smoothbore shotgun, it was not initially intended to be used for hunting. Its main task is high-precision shooting. The shotgun performs well when shooting at short distances.
Turkish semi-automatic shotgun Hatsan Escort
Among the world's firearms manufacturers, representatives from Turkey deserve special attention. This country does not have its own weapons school, so companies cooperate with well-known concerns. European standards allow the production of high-quality guns under license - analogues of Italian models, only more affordable. Production is carried out by large Turkish companies, of which there are about 40 in the country. For the manufacture of products, high-quality Belgian steel is purchased, and components for some models are supplied from Europe. Hatsan is one of the largest and most famous arms companies in Turkey, which has been producing shotguns and other types of small arms and heavy weapons for over 80 years. Semi-automatic Turkish shotguns of the Hatsan Escort brand are in demand on the Russian market.
Turkish arms manufacturers
The truth, as always, is somewhere in the middle. There is no independent and original school of gunsmiths in Turkey (and before the First World War, unlike many countries, the production of weapons was generally handicraft and piecemeal), therefore, mainly either “shooting sticks” or copies of European ones are produced (most often - Italian, less often French or American) samples. In total, about 180 brands of weapons are registered in Turkey. However, it is worth remembering that there are no more than 40 of them that deserve respect; the rest are handicraft family contracts that have never heard of technology, the purchase of high-quality steel, normal processing, they do not have product catalogs, etc. Therefore, when purchasing such types of weapons, firing triggers (trigger mechanisms) and serious breakdowns in the first 20-100 shots are not uncommon. Those who bought such Turkish guns are the ones who criticize their eastern neighbors.
However, the situation changes dramatically when it comes to major players in the arms market - such companies purchase high-quality Belgian steel, hire European craftsmen and try in every possible way to “catch up and surpass” their mentors. Moreover, the weapons they produce differ from European originals only in the external finishing of lower quality. So if you are interested in an inexpensive and high-quality self-loading gun for hunting, then you should take a closer look at Turkish catalogs.
The largest Turkish arms concerns include:
- Vursan (production of the Stoeger model),
- ATA Arms, in Russia known as the manufacturer of Companion E (also called Companion),
- Sarsilmas,
- Hatsan (Hatsan),
- Huglu,
- Khan Arms
But it is strongly not recommended to buy self-loading shotguns from these manufacturers:
- Impala (barrels are crooked, they can even break when shooting),
- EGE Silah (there are indecently many factory defects, although the characteristics of the weapon are not bad).
Description
Hatsan Escort is a model of a gas-operated smoothbore semi-automatic shotgun of 12 and 20 calibers, which is made on the basis of the Italian Euro from Fabarm. Compared to European models, it has a significantly lower price. Hatsan is made of light alloy, which is resistant to corrosion and can withstand heavy loads; the barrel has a chrome-plated channel. The weight of the weapon does not exceed 3.5 kg. The magazine holds 4 rounds (plus 1 in the barrel), it can be expanded with an extension or reduced with a limiter. Barrel length from 550 mm to 760 mm. The barrel has a seat and threads for replaceable choke tubes. The kit includes sighting devices - a ventilated rib and a metal front sight.
The armory produces smooth-bore weapons with two types of stocks: wooden and plastic, made of polyamide fiber. In the model names, the wooden stock is marked AS, and the plastic stock is PS. Butt pads are used to adjust the buttstock. The hatsan gun is also equipped with a system for accelerated loading and quick emptying of the magazine. Thanks to this, you can recharge it with one hand. The gun is great for hunting on the go.
A special feature of Hatsan Escort is the absence of complex components and mechanisms in its design; it is easy to assemble and maintain. Another detail that distinguishes the Turkish model from its competitors is the company’s patented Smart Valve Piston system, which allows you to charge cartridges of different weights using a gas outlet.
Principle of operation
Smoothbore semi-automatic shotguns have a gas-operated reloading system - these are the company’s unique technologies that distinguish Hatsan Escort from other shotguns. The principle of operation of the system resembles the operation of an internal combustion engine. As a result of the combustion of gunpowder, a large amount of gases is released. They push the piston, which starts the mechanism for reloading the weapon. Most of the powder gases burn in the barrel when fired, and only part of them enters the gas cylinder. No charge energy is lost due to reliable shutter locking.
A special gas chamber is installed on the barrel of the hatsan, which has holes in the form of two points leading into the barrel. At the moment of firing, the bullet accelerates and passes through this area, and the powder gases under pressure enter the gas chamber and push the gas piston mounted on the tubular magazine. The piston, in turn, pushes the bolt carrier, which releases the lock and moves the bolt rearward. The system ejects the old cartridge and feeds a new one. All this happens in a fraction of seconds.
Design
Like any gas-operated semi-automatic machine, Hatsan Escort has a large number of removable parts, while the design remains very simple in design. The gun consists of a plastic or wooden stock, a receiver, a tray for placing cartridges and a barrel. The package includes a magazine cutter, as well as a slide stop control button. The under-barrel magazine has a capacity of 4+1 rounds, which can be increased to 7+1 with the help of an extension.
The trunk is the real pride of the company. They are made by cold forging, so they are of excellent quality. Chrome-molybdenum steel is used for production, and during certification the barrels are fired with cartridges that provide a pressure of 1200 kg/cm2. The barrels have a chrome-plated surface, are equipped with anti-reflective aiming strips and a luminescent front sight. Thanks to these devices, the aiming process becomes comfortable at any time of the day. Hatsan Escort is equipped with 5 replaceable steel chokes, allowing you to shoot different shot at different distances. For large fractions, you can unscrew the cylinder.
Advantages and disadvantages
Hatsan Escort has many advantages, among which it should be noted:
- low cost of weapons compared to European and American analogues;
- light weight, ease of use;
- compatibility with all ammunition (with different weights of shot and gunpowder);
- possibility of recharging with one hand;
- pleasant appearance (camouflaged models allow for high-quality camouflage, and the wooden butt adds aesthetics to the product);
- high recharge speed;
- soft recoil when shooting;
- smooth shutter movement;
- good quality barrel that can withstand heavy loads;
- possibility of tuning and adding various accessories;
- good functioning of components and mechanisms;
- wide range of models;
- Quality of plastic. Among the minuses, it should be noted the quality of the plastic, which after some time, as a result of harsh use or careless cleaning, gets scratched on the body. The same drawback applies to the wooden stock, which may also have slight damage to the coating after some time. Scuff marks may appear on the sides of the barrel after shooting and disassembling the gun for cleaning.
- Loss of small parts during disassembly. When disassembling a weapon, you get small springs and parts that are easy to lose due to carelessness (most often the ring for sealing the gas chamber is lost).
- Barrel heating. After firing, the barrel can become very hot, but it cools down quite quickly.
Note! The Hatsan Escort demonstrates flawless shooting, but under heavy and continuous load, problems such as under-filling of cartridges, missing cartridges, and failure to remove the cartridge case may arise. After firing high-power cartridges, as well as untimely cleaning, severe carbon deposits may appear in the area of the moving system of the gun, as a result of which the movement of the piston becomes difficult.
Modifications
The Hatsan Escort shotgun boasts a large number of modifications. If desired, you can purchase a model that ideally suits the individual requirements of the owner. Here are just a few examples of what might interest a hunter:
- Hatsan Escort PF Guard is a model with a folding stock. It is used mainly for training shooting and for hunting. The stock is usually retracted when it is necessary to make a shot at close range or to avoid causing too many bruises on the shoulder. There are also several straps on the body into which you can insert some additional ammunition.
- Hatsan Escort Luxano. Since many owners complained about the poor quality of the plastic, the manufacturer decided to release a model with a wooden stock and stock. This gun is practical for hunting in the forest, and also has a beautiful appearance. The trigger was also repainted in gold and part of the receiver in steel (most likely to emphasize the vintage nature of the weapon).
- Hatsan Escort break up. A model that is completely painted in camouflage color, and also often comes with an installed red dot sight. Such weapons were specifically designed for the needs of hunters, but if desired, they can be used for other purposes. The plastic was also replaced (so that after using the gun in the forest there would be no scratches left on the beautiful body).
And these are just the most common modifications. Also, do not forget about the following models: Dynamic, Dynova, Supreme Xtreme, Trio, Missione and Magic Wood. All of them were developed to individual requirements of the owners.
However, if you cannot find a suitable weapon, you can always carry out the modification yourself by purchasing the classic Hatsan Escort.
Shotgun Hatsan Escort PS 12x76 plastic 760mm
Magazine capacity - the number of cartridges that can fit into the weapon magazine supplied in the kit.
For tubular or fixed magazines, the capacity is indicated with a value of +1, which indicates the total number of rounds in the magazine + chamber.
For example, “4+1” will mean that the maximum number of rounds in the magazine is 4, and the maximum number of rounds in the chamber is 1.
Hatsan Escort PS is a reliable smoothbore semi-automatic shotgun. It is equipped with a proprietary recharging system Fast Loading System Fast Loading System
-an expanded charging window and an ergonomic arrangement of control units allow you to load the gun and remove it from the bolt stop without changing your hand.
This is a significant advantage for sports. Read more, allowing you to quickly load and unload weapons. Automation system Smart Valve Piston Smart Valve Piston
Automatic valve of the gas release mechanism allows on-the-fly reloading of cartridges with a wide variety of weights. More details provides the ability to use all types of cartridges.
The barrel is chrome-plated, has been strength-tested, is approved to fire steel shot, and is made from a chrome-nickel-molybdenum alloy. The receiver is made of a lightweight but durable alloy and has a protective black anodized finish. Black synthetic stock and forend with special checkering for better control. The Hatsan Escort PS is equipped with a rubber butt pad for better recoil absorption. The length of the butt from the receiver is 360 mm. The loss at the heel is 63.5 mm, the loss at the ridge is 41 mm. Manual fuse.
For installation of an optical sight or collimator there are 11 mm grooves of the Dovetail type Dovetail
— mount for sighting optical devices on weapons. More details “. Sighting rib, ventilated 7 mm with a grooved anti-reflective surface. The magazine is tubular with a capacity of 4 rounds, but can be expanded to 7. The Hatsan Escort PS shotgun is equipped with a magazine cut-off for firing single shots and replaceable swivels.
Specifications
The specifications of the Hatsan Escort AimGuard shotgun are as follows:
- Caliber - 12/76, 20/76.
- Barrel length 460, 510 mm.
- The total length of the gun is 710, 760, 960, 970, 1000, 1020 mm, depending on the modification.
- Chamber 76 mm.
- Magazine capacity for 5 or 7 rounds.
- Tubular magazine type.
- The operating principle is pump-action.
- The stock is plastic with a rubber butt pad.
- Weight without cartridges 2.5, 2.9, 3.9 kg again depends on the version.
- Manual safety.
Hatsan ESCORT shotgun: detailed review.
Turkey does not have its own weapons school, so it cooperates in this direction with experts in this field from other countries. The steel used to make the guns is purchased from Belgium, and some parts and mechanisms are also supplied from European countries.
As for the cost, compared to similar models from other popular manufacturers, Hatsan guns are superior, while the quality of the products does not suffer.
The Hatsan company has been producing hunting smoothbore weapons for about 90 years and is quite popular. Today I’ll tell you in more detail about the semi-automatic Hatsan ESCORT PS.
- This gun is available in 12 and 20 gauges.
- Made on the basis of the Italian Euro gun from Fabarm, in contrast to which it has a lower price.
- The metal structures of this weapon are made of a lightweight stainless alloy that is rust-resistant, yet withstands heavy loads and has a chrome-plated bore.
- Weight - 3,500 g.
- The magazine holds 4 rounds + 1 in the barrel.
- Trunk length from 55 to 76 cm.
- The barrel is threaded for interchangeable choke tubes.
- The sighting bar is ventilated.
- The bed can be wooden or plastic.
- The gun has a system for accelerated loading and quick emptying of the magazine.
- There are no complex components or design mechanisms, which makes it easy to maintain, disassemble and assemble.
As for the main points of reloading this gun, the following should be noted:
Reloading of this gun works on a gas outlet: as a result of the combustion of gunpowder, gas is released, which pushes the piston, thereby starting the mechanism for reloading the weapon. When a shot is fired, the bullet accelerates, and powder gases under pressure enter the gas chamber and push the piston, which is installed in the magazine. Then the system ejects the cartridge case and supplies a new one.
Elements and mechanisms:
The weapon includes: a stock, a receiver, a tray for placing cartridges and a barrel. In addition, the Hatsan ESCORT design includes a magazine cutter, a slide stop control button, a magazine (4), the barrels have anti-reflective aiming strips and a luminescent front sight. The set includes 5 chokes.
The barrel is made using the cold forging method and is of excellent quality!
- low cost compared to other foreign cars;
- light weight;
- “eats” all the cartridges;
- easy reload even with one hand;
- looks great;
- fast recharge speed;
- good quality barrel alloy;
- possibility of “body kit”.
- Quality of plastic. Among the minuses, it should be noted the quality of the plastic, which after some time, as a result of harsh use or careless cleaning, gets scratched on the body. The same drawback applies to the wooden stock, which may also have slight damage to the coating after some time. Scuff marks may appear on the sides of the barrel after shooting and disassembling the gun for cleaning.
- Loss of small parts during disassembly. When disassembling a weapon, you get small springs and parts that are easy to lose due to carelessness (most often the ring for sealing the gas chamber is lost).
- Barrel heating. After firing, the barrel can become very hot, but it cools down quite quickly.
Stoeger shotguns
The Stoeger 2000 is the only Turkish weapon of its kind, which easily gained popularity in the domestic market. The secret of the stunning success of the Stoeger 2000 12 gauge is simple - in fact, its production is carried out by the famous Beretta holding, which decided to reduce the cost of production a little. Structurally, Stoeger copies Italian shotguns, moreover, it is covered by the Beretta factory warranty. In addition, the barrel and other vital parts of the five-shot shotgun are manufactured and tested in Italy, while the Turks only handle assembly and finishing. The result is a Turkish weapon, but with Italian roots.
The automation of the Turkish Beretta, unlike the above-mentioned model, is inertial. This makes these types of guns lighter, easier to care for and maintain, while also increasing muzzle energy. All that remains is to complain that domestic designers still give preference to gas exhaust systems.
Stoeger characteristics:
- Gun caliber – 12/76;
- Barrel length: 55, 66, 71, 76 cm. The most popular is 71 cm;
- Set of five replaceable nozzles;
- Magazine capacity 4+1 without expandability;
- Weight from 3 (20 gauge) to 3.3 kg.
The hunting rifle of this company is available in four different configurations:
- DeLuxe (made of Turkish walnut with engraving, Standard package, ideal as a collector's item);
- Standard;
- Camo (camouflage model);
- Synthetic (made of black plastic, more resistant to external influences than wood).
It is also worth noting the extreme unpretentiousness of Stoeger. It is able to easily “digest” domestic cartridges, even those that do not meet world standards, and at the same time show good accuracy and sharpness of combat. Naturally, this rule does not apply to home-made magnums and other types of ammunition made without observing the recommended proportions and common sense.
The only drawback of the model is the difficulty of repair (spare parts are very expensive and take a very long time to deliver), so many domestic gunsmiths recommend simply throwing away Berettas of Turkish origin after the warranty period has expired.
