Hatsan Escort - longer term experiences?

[The Scandinavian]

Hi

I'd been vaguely thinking about looking for a used 870 or the like for.. for fun, primarily, and also maybe some 'practical shotgun' at some point in the future.

However I came across a new Hatsan Escort 12/76 26" pump action shotgun at my local gunshop that was offered to me for 230 Euro ($300). That might seem a lot to you in the US but it's very reasonable here - I could easily pay more than that for a very well used 870 express.

I get the feeling from searching on this board that in general people have been happy with them, but checking the Finnish discussion forums there seem to be a lot of negative comments about the durability of these guns, and very few positive remarks.

I was therefore interested to know if there is anyone here who personally has longer term experience of these shotguns and who can shed some light on what the quality is really like, and how they hold up under real regular use?

Also, there are other Turkish shotguns appearing on the market here in Finland as wall as Hatsan, namely Ege Silah and Sarsilmaz - any ideas how these three brands compare in quality?

Thanks in advance

"T.S."

 

[Oldnamvet]

I don't think you will find a lot of people here who know those brands. Since they are made in Turkey, they may be sold here but under totally different brands names. It would be difficult to give specific opinions, or at least opinions that were based on hands-on experience.
None of those brands were mentioned in my collectors guide but I'll bet they were in there under a different name. There are a number of guns sold here under different names that were made in Turkey as well.
It is interesting that people there are not satisfied with the durability of the 870. Overall, the ones (wingmasters) I have had never had a problem. Others here who have used them a lot for clay shooting will attest to the durability. I only used mine for hunting.
What's the word on Mossberg 500's there? Anyone use those?

 

[The Scandinavian]

Hi

Sorry, I meant that people here in Finland seem not to be happy with the durability of the Hatsan Escort - I haven't heard about problems with the 870 here at all.

I did a search of this board for "Hatsan Escort" and there are a few comments from a few months or years back, mostly favourable. I was wondering how those owners are finding their guns are performing now that they've had them for longer.

Mossberg 500's are used here too, but they don't seem to have been sold as much as the 870's, judging by the number that turn up on the used market. Another surprise is that we don't seem to see Ithaca here in more numbers.

I was offered a well-used Winchester M120 for €20 more than the new Hatsan, but although the action was smoother the gun just didn't feel right for me.

There isn't any hurry though - we're having -35C nights at the moment, it'll be a while before the outdoor activity season starts, for me anyway!

Thanks

"T.S."

 

[Oldnamvet]

Some of us are a little more crazy in my area. We shoot clays wearing heavy parkas at temperatures almost that low. But we compromise and don't shoot low gun.

 

[Drysdale]

One of my younger (Read: 22 yo) friends picked up an Escort pump action this weekend. He was at the High Caliber gunshow in Ft Worth and paid $189.00.

I'll get back to you on performance when I know.

 

[The Scandinavian]

Hi Drysdale

I picked up mine yesterday

Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but will do hopefully this evening. It looks very strongly made though, and I can say it does feed and eject snap-caps well!

Looing forward to hearing your experiences

"T.S."