But, it's just one of those things that I never got around to.

 

Well, yesterday was my birthday, and after I picked her up from work, she said we had to go to the local farm/ranch/hardware/sporting good store to pick up a couple of things. When we walked in, she started heading to the back counter, and I knew something was up.

 

But, I figured she was just getting my fishing license for me!

 

Well, that's awesome, I thought - spring is just starting to happen up here, and I've said a few times that it would be nice to do some fishing again, and soon.

 

But then, I realized that we could do that online, these days...so I really started to figure that something interesting was afoot.

 

Well, she walks up to the counter and says, "We're here to pick up a rife."

 

 

A rifle! This was pretty cool, and I immediately started wondering what chambering etc. she had gotten, and how.

 

So the guy goes back and comes out with...a SHOTGUN!

 

Well, happy day, indeed!

 

It turns out that a couple-three weeks ago, she - all on her own - read up on shotguns a bit and went online to order one from the place. She did a very good job of picking one out, as well. She ordered a 12-gauge, after asking her boss (an avid hunter) what he would suggest. We can't afford anything high-end, but she also knows not to get the "cheapest" on the rack, either...so she took the time to do a little research and found one that looks to give great value-for-money. She knows I prefer wood stocks, so she ordered one with a wood stock and forearm - indeed, it's Turkish walnut, and pretty darn nice, from what I can see.

 

So, everyone - what I got yesterday was one really nice surprise! It's from Hatsan's Escort line, manufactured in Turkey, and looks to be a fine shotgun:

 

http://www.hatsan.com.tr/en_escort_as.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.hatsan.com.tr/en_escort_as.html

 

Here's a write-up on the model from a British site:

 

http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/reviews/shotgun/hatsan-escort-semi-auto-shotgun-review" rel="nofollow - http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/reviews/shotgun/hatsan-escort-semi-auto-shotgun-review

 

And here's the specific listing (choose "hunting" model):

 

https://north40.com/outdoor/shooting/guns/shotguns/escort-semi-auto-shotgun-12-ga" rel="nofollow - https://north40.com/outdoor/shooting/guns/shotguns/escort-semi-auto-shotgun-12-ga

 

So, I was pretty impressed with all of this.

 

Now, guys - tell me more about this shotgun, and help me learn about it!

 

Signed,

 

Ron, the Happy Camper

Not shot the Hatsan; but the action looks like a clone of a Remington 1100.  1100 was probably the most used semi-auto of all times.  I have shot a Weatherby Turkey made clone of the Rem 1100; and I suspect it was made by Hatsan also.

Nice shotgun.  Looks like it has an improved bolt release similiar to the Weatherby also. That is nicer than the bottom release of the 1100.

 I think it has a magazine cut-off; that was a feature on the Browning auto-5.  The cutoff can be a little tricky at first, and care must be taked to visually check the mag for shells when unloading...the cut-off can hide shells when uun-loading.

Looks like you get 4 choke tubes, great.

What's not to like!

Can I tell the beautiful Mrs. Tas my birthday?????

you can learn to shoot with 2 3/4" target loads, cheaper and a bit less recoil from hunting loads.

find a clay pigeon thrower (type you can set the arm and launch with a rope pull) then go out and learn to shoot aerial targets....or just get a arm powered hand thrower and same game. 

read up on what chokes for what game and shot size etc. I'd start with a Modified Choke for the learning process. Steel shot required for waterfowl but start with lead shot for practice. YOu will learn what chokes to use for steel shot too and not always the same choke for same shot size between steel & lead. For example #4 lead shot might call for a FULL choke but #4 steel may require a MODIFIED choke to get the same end results on the target. You can research the differences between lead and steel shot. 

Most of all ENJOY your new shotgun and the start of another firearm adventure.

In my opinion a 28 inch barrel is perfect. It balances nicely. The only times I have hunted Geese it has been from a pit. A semi auto is perfect for that. It's also great for upland bird hunting. 

I'm very impressed in Mrs. Tas. Researching and picking a great gun that will serve you well for many years. 

Let us know how it goes when you get it out and shoot it. 

Wing master

Wing master

Bough an 1100 semi in 1965, first year they were made.  went to that from a SxS double.

It was wonderful, beautiful and reliable.  After 2 years I realized, I had no control, and was shooting 3 shot at everything.  Miss, shoot 3 shots.  hit on first shell, shoot 2 more make sure!.

Went back to the double, finally settled on a pump, sort of a compromise.  Pump shotguns make you do something between shots, sort of helps my rhythm.

 

A friend of mine spent some good time writing out how to "pattern" a shotgun, and also offered some other good advice, as well. When I can, I'll consolidate it into a post and share it on the forum.

 

Ron

Think MEC if you head in that direction. Happy Shotgunning!

More stuff to learn...all fun....thanks to Mrs. Tas

 

I was thinking of this:

 

https://leeprecision.com/shot-shell-reloading/shot-shell-reloading-press/" rel="nofollow - https://leeprecision.com/shot-shell-reloading/shot-shell-reloading-press/

 

It's in my budget, and I will  admit that I've always been a huge fan of Lee's products and concepts.

 

From what I can see, this does size the brass base; here are the instructions:

 

https://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/LA1088.pdf" rel="nofollow - https://leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/LA1088.pdf

 

Any opinions?

Been years since I reloaded shotgun shells, a few years back, gave my presses away to a younger guy (Pacific, Mec, dietmeyer).

Might get D4570's opinion.  He seems to be our shotgun reloading guru.

The local trap range has league shooting every wednesday evening and saturday morning in the summer months. I would go out there every wednesday night and saturday afternoon and gather up hulls. I looked for Winchester AA and Remington STS hulls. I always got the best and most reloads out of them. 

A few years ago Winchester changed the AA hulls. I don't like them as much as the old ones. The Remington STS's are my favorite now. 

Wing master

 

I'll keep an eye out for the STS shells and hulls. Thanks!