[JimWahoo]

Went to the range Saturday to fire some slugs from my new Legacy (Hatsan) Escort Maringuard. I noticed something that I believe is common to all pump shotguns.

Had the gun tucked snuggly in the sholder pocket, but also realized I was also pulling on the forearm as well. After firing…I noticed the bolt had come back about an inch and could see the brass portion of the shell. I thought this was odd and finished the other 4 slugs.

Then it dawned on me…when the hammer is dropped…it releases the slide. So, I put mild forward pressure on the forearm and shot another 5 slugs…that resolved it.

Appears a natural instinct to pull back with both hands.

Anyway, the gun work flawlessly and the action and build are top quality for a gun in this price range. It was between a Mossberg 500, 590A1, Pardner or Remington 870, but when I noticed the Escort on the top rack…the guy at Dick’s took it down and said he didn’t know much about it…they had just got it in. I noticed immediately how solid and zero rattles out of the forearm. Vedry smooth action that will not need to be broken in. Nicely finished as well. I would give the exterior finish a 98% and the receiver and chrome lined barrel a 98% too.

I will post pics later

My 2 cents,

Jim

[rcmodel]

You didn't "resolve" anything, because you didn't have a problem.
Different pump designs use different methods to lock the action.

But by the time the shell has fired and the action can be opened, pressure has dropped to near nothing or you couldn't get the case out of the chamber.

Winchester even went so far as to design the old 1200 pump to almost open itself to speed reloading.
A 1200 shooting magnum loads will almost leave blisters on your hand from the slide slipping through it if you use a loose grip.

At any rate, pulling back on the slide as you fire is the SOP to operate a pump gun at top speed. It follows that partial opening is a good thing when maximum speed is desired.

rc

[mljdeckard]

I don't recall my 870 needing any break in.

I pull back on the forearm for two reasons. If you keep the stock tight into your shoulder, the gun won't beat you up as badly when you shoot a lot. It should be a natural reaction that when you fire, the pump immediately moves to rack another round into the chamber. Solid motion to the rear, firm return forward, I don't even notice it anymore. Whether you are fighting, hunting, or competing, there is no reason not to be in this habit.

[JimWahoo]

rcmodel,

Thanks...been a long time since I shot a pump...makes sense...also forgot to mention that when I shoot slugs, it seems like you don't really shoot the gun...you light it off.

Man those things have some punch (see current thread with the slugs and phonebooks). I would not like to be hit with one of those (actually, I wouldn't to shot with anything)

Glad I put a Limbsaver slip-on on the gun. 20 rounds and no soreness at all

Jim

[Youngster]

My 870 is a lot harder to cycle to the rear if I apply any kind of rearward pressure on the forearm before the hammer falls, I understand that some of them are like this and there's not much I can do.

[Red Label]

Shooting doubles on the skeet field requires a fast pump. I used to practice my fast pump as a kid and now its like riding a bike. You never forget:)

[huntsman]

Shooting doubles on the skeet field requires a fast pump.

Or a real double.

Really I thought it was strong hand that controls the gun the other just cradles the for-end. But then I'm just a field shooter.

[Fred Fuller]

A properly timed 870 won't unlock if rearward pressure is applied to the forarm when the hammer falls.... it's a design feature. The forearm has to move forward a fraction of an inch (as it would under recoil) if the action is to be unlocked.

Some instructors teach a 'push-pull' method of shooting a shotgun- pull with the shooting hand, and push with the support hand. Helps control muzzle rise and recoil once you get used to it...

lpl

[renegade1alpha]

I was shooting a friends Berreta Pintail one day at some thrown clays and tried like hell to pump the action after the first shot. It took me a second to realize that I was shooting a semi auto and not my 870.

I guess when you are used to one gun its hard to break the habit.

[oletymer]

The Chinese economy thanks you.

[JimWahoo]

mljdeckard,

Love the 870 and was referring more to the Mossberg...just wanted something different.

Oletymer,

Not sure if you were referring to the Escort, but if you were...

http://www.hatsan.com.tr/escort_marine_guard.asp

[Fred Fuller]

Hatsan is a Turkish manufacturer... not Chinese.

http://www.hatsan.com.tr/company.asp

lpl

[JimWahoo]

A Taste...

Jim

[Nowhere Man]

My 870 is a lot harder to cycle to the rear if I apply any kind of rearward pressure on the forearm before the hammer falls, I understand that some of them are like this and there's not much I can do.

Same with mine.


Dave

[Youngster]

A properly timed 870 won't unlock if rearward pressure is applied to the forarm when the hammer falls.... it's a design feature. The forearm has to move forward a fraction of an inch (as it would under recoil) if the action is to be unlocked.

Some instructors teach a 'push-pull' method of shooting a shotgun- pull with the shooting hand, and push with the support hand. Helps control muzzle rise and recoil once you get used to it...

Some of them, like mine, are pretty picky and won't run cleanly unless you are really pushing forward on the forearm before you cycle it, recoil alone won't usually do it.

[TomADC]

My only complaint when shooting pumps. When I shoot my Model 12 28 ga then go to one of my O/U's I try to rip the forend off the O/U.
My normal style I have very little pressure on the forends but shooting doubles with a pump I tend to do that also.

[shotgunjoel]

I always seem to pull on my grip too, kinda makes it easier to run.

[Bad Hammer]

A properly timed 870 won't unlock if rearward pressure is applied to the forarm when the hammer falls.... it's a design feature.

It's the same with all my Mossberg 500's.
Moderate to firm rearward pressure and the slide remains locked.
Slight rearward pressure and it will unlock for a faster action.
I would think that most if not all pump designs would be similar in this regard.

[Hollywood Marine]

Slight forward pressure is sometimes needed to unlock a model 12 when firing. I have never found this to be a problem, and I once had a fellow Geezer tell me my model 12 was faster than his 1100 when shooting trap doubles. (Now if only I could hit'em as fast as I can shoot!!!)