Review of the Hatsan Escort Magnum air rifle

Turkish has confidently held one of the leading positions among manufacturers of firearms and pneumatic weapons for more than 10 years. One of its best models is the Hatsan Escort Magnum 12-gauge self-loading smoothbore shotgun, designed for hunting large game, as well as training shooting.

Technical characteristics of Hatsan Escort Magnum

It’s worth noting right away that the model is a modification of the classic Escort shotgun from , chambered for Magnum cartridges. However, in order to get to know this “monster” more closely, you can take a look at its technical characteristics, which can be found in the weapons passport (it is required to come with the gun in the kit). It will contain the following information:

What can you say about these technical characteristics? The huge muzzle power, as well as the high speed of the bullet, immediately catches your eye. These data make it clear that the weapon is intended for hunting really large animals. In addition, this is also indicated by the type of ammunition - usually “magnum” is used for shooting bears, boars or moose. The power is quite enough to kill the beast, even if the shot is fired from a long distance and not in the most vulnerable place. However, the gun is not suitable for hunting fur-bearing animals (fox, hare) or birds, since the ballistic projectile spoils the trophy value of the skin.

The barrel, made of high-quality nickel steel and having a length of 760 mm, deserves special attention - quite a significant figure for a gun. This was done specifically in order to fire at long distances. In addition, the long barrel reduces recoil by reducing muzzle energy. It is for this reason that a hunter is unlikely to ever come across a sawn-off shotgun that uses magnum cartridges.

It is also impossible not to mention the 11-mm dovetail sighting bar, which allows you to install almost any modification on the gun - optical and collimator sights, night vision devices, thermal imager, and so on. You can also attach, for example, a flashlight under the trunk to hunt elk or wild boar at dusk. Thanks to a wide base for modernization, the weapon has also gained a good reputation among hunters.

Hatsan-135

The model is almost completely similar to the 125 series. The rifle has a classic breaking design; a spring-piston system is used to pump air. The butt and fore-end are made of solid walnut wood. Used for shooting rodents and training shooting.

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Specifications:

• muzzle energy indicator - 31 J;
• initial bullet speed – up to 330 m/s;
• caliber – 4.5;
• the design includes an automatic fuse;
• cost – from 13,500 rubles.

It is possible to install different types of sights - collimator or optical. The total length of the assembled model is 120 cm, weight – 1.2 kg. The best option for a beginner, since the Hatsan 135 air rifle is unpretentious in maintenance.

Design "Hatsan Escort Magnum"

Any weapon with a semi-automatic gas system has a large number of removable parts. However, the design of the “Hatsana Escort” can only be called complex with a stretch. The gun consists of the following elements:

• plastic butt and receiver;
• tray for placing cartridges (magazine);
• the cylinder in which the cartridge is located;
• impact mechanism with trigger;
• gas cylinder (powers the PA);
• automatic and manual fuses;
• open sight (front and rear sight).

But the main pride of the gunsmith is the barrels it produces. They are made by cold forging, thanks to which they boast high quality and the ability to withstand heavy loads. “Hatsan Escort Magnum” in this regard is far from an exception, but rather a vivid example of how to make powerful guns. The barrel of the weapon can withstand a power of 1500 J and practically does not overheat from rapid fire.

It is also worth mentioning the classic mechanism for feeding cartridges into the receiver. The gun has a special pump-action lever, when used, the cylinder with the used cartridge opens and the ejection mechanism is activated. When the hunter returns it to its original position, new ammunition is simultaneously sent into the barrel. If you try to reload the weapon before firing, you will not be able to do this until the special safety is removed.

The main pros and cons of the gun

Of course, there are quite a few companies in the world that produce 12-gauge smoothbore weapons. However, Hatsan Escort Magnum has a number of advantages over such models. However, we should not forget about the disadvantages. To compare all the pros and cons, just look at the table below:

However, it should be noted that many of the shortcomings can be corrected by the owner himself. For example, ergonomics can be improved by installing a rubber pad on the stock. Plastic can be easily replaced with wood. Well, sooner or later you get used to the presence of small parts (the most important thing is not to damage anything during the first disassembly). The only negative that cannot be corrected is the cost of ammunition (using “self-propelled guns” will not lead to any good). However, it pales in comparison to all the advantages and the fact that the weapon itself costs only 22 thousand rubles.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.

Hatsan 125 modifications

During the serial production of the rifle, it has accumulated a number of modifications; let’s look at their differences.

Hatsan 125 E

Rifle Hatsan 125 E fracture plc 4.5mm 18,990 RUR

Rifle Hatsan 125 E fracture plc 4.5mm

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Simplified modification. The difference from the main series is the presence of a dovetail rail only, which somewhat reduces the range of sighting devices that can be installed on this weapon.

Suitable for you if you don’t think about purchasing expensive optics and prefer recreational shooting. Or you already have a good dovetail scope.

Hatsan 125

Rifle Hatsan 125 plastic 20,990 RUR

Rifle Hatsan 125 plastic

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This is the basic version of the rifle. All the described advantages and disadvantages apply to it in full. It is mounted in a simple, comfortable plastic stock; the butt is equipped with a Bavarian cheekpiece - unfortunately, only in the right-hand version, so left-handers will not appreciate its convenience.

Hatsan 125TH

Rifle Hatsan 125 TH 4.5mm plastic 20,990 RUR

Rifle Hatsan 125 TH 4.5mm plastic

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The Thumbhole version is a stock with a semi-pistol grip and a thumbhole. This version is the most ergonomic and allows for better control of heavy weapons, but there is a drawback - the stock is even more vulnerable to lateral loads when the weapon is tightly cocked.

Hatsan 125 MW

Rifle Hatsan 125 MW plastic wood effect RUB 24,490

Rifle Hatsan 125 MW plastic wood effect

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“Hunting” version in a plastic stock, decorated with noble walnut. A comfortable buttstock of the “Monte Carlo” type with cheeks on both sides is suitable for both left-handers and right-handers.

Hatsan 125 Sniper

Rifle Hatsan 125 Sniper plastic 25,990 RUR

Rifle Hatsan 125 Sniper plastic

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This modification includes the richest equipment. The plastic stock has anti-slip rubber inserts, and the butt is equipped with a lifting cheekpiece. The stock also has swivels installed, and the kit includes a two-point sling. The muzzle is made in the original form and imitates a sound moderator. Also included is a clip-on bipod for more accurate shooting from a prone position.

What is included

The Hatsan company has taken care of potential buyers of any social class by releasing weapons in various configurations with different prices. The cheapest option will cost 22 thousand rubles. In addition to the gun itself, the box will also contain the following elements:

• spare parts set – used for disassembling and repairing weapons;
• metal cleaning rod - designed for cleaning and lubricating the barrel;
• weapons passport - it contains technical characteristics;
• operating instructions – describes possible problems and ways to solve them;
• warranty card for 2 years (or for 2000 shots) - for free service.

You can also purchase a kit with additional parts, such as a rubber stock pad or a spare trigger. Some stores offer to purchase a gun along with imported gun oil. And connoisseurs of beauty can always purchase a set with an additional receiver, which has a beautiful painting (suitable for displaying the gun in the living room).

Possibilities for increasing power

In general, when it comes to 12-gauge hunting weapons, few people worry about the problem of lack of power. However, if you plan to hunt a very large animal, then you can try to increase this indicator in the following ways (fortunately, the alloy can withstand muzzle energy up to 1500 J):

1. Trim the trunk. The classic Hatsan Escort was equipped with a muzzle that was too long, which slowed down the ballistic projectile. If you plan to hunt at medium and long distances, then it can be trimmed in the workshop. However, it is important to understand that as the power increases, the output will also increase.
2. Use higher quality gunpowder with a larger weight. Every experienced hunter knows that the power of a weapon depends on the quality of the “fuel” that serves to push the bullet out of the barrel. However, it is not recommended to increase the weight by more than 10%, otherwise this may lead to metal rupture.
3. Lubricate the barrel with good oil. It may sound trivial, but sometimes a bullet expends too much energy when it overcomes friction. To minimize these losses, it is necessary to use a high-quality lubricant. It is best to give preference to imported mineral compositions.

As for the loss of power over time, this usually happens when the owner neglects the basic rules for operating the weapon. It must be remembered that lubrication and cleaning of the barrel must be carried out after each use of the weapon. It is also important to replace the gas cylinder in the firing mechanism from time to time (about every 200 shots).

Hatsan Escort Magnum disassembly

Any gun owner should be able to completely disassemble it in order to carry out repairs or cleaning. However, in order not to break anything in the process, it is important to be guided by a certain algorithm of action. Here are instructions for beginner gunsmiths:

1. Unload the gun and pull the trigger.
2. Using an allen key, unscrew the three bolts on the body.
3. Remove the barrel along with the spring.
4. Unscrew the bolts of the pump mechanism.
5. We remove the pump mechanism.
6. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the bolts on the firing mechanism.
7. We remove the trigger along with the shutter.
8. We take out the gas cylinder.

After this, you can service the gun. Assembly is carried out in reverse order. It is very important to handle small parts carefully so as not to damage them (it is better to think for a few minutes than to try to forcefully insert some mechanism).

Features of Turkish pneumatics

Before moving on to analyzing specific companies and their products, first let’s find out why Turkish pneumatics are so popular. There are actually three reasons for this:

1. Availability. You can purchase Turkish pneumatic weapons in almost any gun store, and at a very affordable price. The cost of parts needed for repair or replacement also remains very low, so Turkish weapons are suitable for most Russian residents. Yes, there are models of the “supermagnum” class, the cost of which exceeds 30 thousand rubles, but even they are an example of how ideal the price-quality ratio can be.
2. Specifications. It is difficult to find a Turkish rifle whose muzzle energy would be less than 7.5 J. If a potential buyer wants to take something more serious, for example, for hunting, then he will have plenty to choose from. And if our MP-512 develops a bullet speed of up to 150 m/s with energy levels of 7.5 J, then for the Turks this parameter reaches 230 m/s. Therefore, Turkish air guns are also considered to be one of the most powerful in the world.
3. Possibility of modernization. And we’re not just talking about the presence of a dovetail sighting rail or a Picatinny under-barrel mount. Most models have the ability to upgrade the trigger mechanism by replacing the main energy source. For example, you can replace the standard coil spring with a gas spring, which shows greater performance characteristics. It's also worth noting that upgrade parts are often included with the weapon.

And these are just the main aspects due to which potential buyers prefer weapons from Turkey. It would also be possible to mention a dozen more useful features of Turkish pneumatics, for example the fact that the barrels are made of high-quality carbon steel or the rifles have a unique appearance, not copied from popular firearms. However, you will already learn about this when you study in detail the advantages and disadvantages of products from specific weapons companies.

Analogs and price

Dominator -200

This model is the best of the company's entire product line. It is almost completely copied from the famous TX2000 air rifle, made in England. During loading, the barrel remains motionless, and the cup mechanism mounted in the body is displaced.

Main characteristics of Dominator-200:

• caliber – 4.5;
• initial bullet speed – 305 m/s;
• single-shot;
• cost – 14220 RUR;
• length – 109.8 cm, weight – 4.4 kg.

The manufacturer offers two options for the stock and butt material - wood or plastic. You can also choose different barrel lengths - 400 or 450 mm.

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