It’s not cheap and it’s not nasty. But this gas-operated Escort semi-auto gun costs a third of a Beretta or Browning.  Those two brands may be more reliable – but then the Hatsan Escort semi-auto shotgun costs 33% less.

That’s not to say it’s unreliable either. And in any case replacement parts are easy to get your hands on. You also get a comprehensive three year warranty covering mechanical defects from Edgar Bros, the distributors.

And problems are generally fixed swiftly.

Problems can usually be fixed quickly and underpinning everything is a very comprehensive three year warranty covering mechanical defects from the distributors, Edgar Bros.

And remember that if you haven’t spent a lot, you won’t get stressed over every little knock or dent your gun receives. Which is another major point in this gun’s favour.

Tough and rugged kit

If you’re thinking: “I’ve seen this shotgun before” then you’re probably right. It’s not entirely new and in fact it has been arriving in the UK in various forms for about a decade and several thousand have already been sold. The manufacturers have been constantly tweaking the design.

A  number of changes have been made – there’s now a bolt release system that’s integral with the feed plate.

To release the bolt you simply push the centre of the floor plate. The gas piston has also been modified as too has the connection between the action bar and its magazine loop.

A useful safety feature is the addition of a magazine cut-off button that allows you to remove a chambered cartridge but leave the other two in the magazine. On a practical level this means that you can cross a stile, gate or other obstacle without having to completely unload the gun.

Keep it clean

As with most gas operated semi-autos the smooth cycling of the gun is largely down to it being kept clean so that all the parts move as freely as possible. By their very nature, gas autos get dirty by the exhaust gas from the cartridge but they will work better if oil is smeared on the piston assembly.

Motor oil is best because it’s designed to take higher temperatures and does not burn away as quickly as light gun oil. It will get dirty, but can easily be wiped off and renewed. Because it doesn’t burn away as quickly, it also helps prevent carbon building up on the piston and other moving parts.

The gun used here has a synthetic stock and fore-end with 28in barrels but one major feature of the Escort is the number of different versions it comes in. You can pick barrel lengths from 24in to 30in, wood or synthetic, camo patterned and 3in or 3.1/2in chambers.

The gun comes with a standard magazine capacity of 2 + 1 but they are also available to FAC holders with extended seven shot magazines. The gun can also be had in a true left hand version.

Should you buy this gun?

If you’re looking for a gun for rough shooting or wildfowling, then the Escort would make an excellent choice. It offers excellent value for money and you can rest assured that there is a sound back up warranty.

Marks out of 100 for the Hatsan Escort semi-auto gun

Build quality           20/25

Handling                 22/25

Styling                    20/25

Value for money    23/25

Total                       85/100