Joe Robbo Posted August 22, 2012 Report Share Posted August 22, 2012 I'm wanting a cheap general purpose shotgun to carry about with me when i'm feeding/ doing bits and bobs. I like the idea of a synthetic semi auto. I would also like something i can put a sling on for ease of carrying. I may also use it for the odd days decoying here and there. What are people recommendations? A hatsan escort was one option but i've heard mixed things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeon pete Posted August 22, 2012 Report Share Posted August 22, 2012 hatsan or remmy 1100 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted August 22, 2012 Report Share Posted August 22, 2012 Loads of choice go shoot a few, WInchester SX2/3, Benelli, Maxus, Urika Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parapilot Posted August 22, 2012 Report Share Posted August 22, 2012 New model escort you won't go wrong. The old ones are a bit ****, and they got a name, but the new ones with fast load and smart valve are much improved, reliable, and cheep. Don't mind knocking it about in the back of a landy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedwards1966 Posted August 22, 2012 Report Share Posted August 22, 2012 A semi might not be practical to load quickly, it's easy to carry a break action gun broken with carts in, or to put carts in if it's empty. If you do get a semi, something with a synthetic stock is ideal as the don't really need any care. Hatsans are fine, and if your going to be using it and giving it the odd knock here and there then buying something expensive is a waste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 Why not a pump so you can keep the breech empty but quickly shuck a cartirdge in when you need to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 I'm a bit biased but I'he had an Extrema 1 from Beretta (for 14 years ish)-fires 3 and a half inch magnums for geese down to 29gram small for pests. Sling etc with it - multi-choke and easy to use for clays. If I was allowed to shoot it at pheasants that would be my only gun. I've had no problems with it since new, it has fired everything. Bit more expensive but then you only need one. P.S. I'm also a part-time keeper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BerettaSV10 Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 New model escort you won't go wrong. The old ones are a bit ****, and they got a name, but the new ones with fast load and smart valve are much improved, reliable, and cheep. Don't mind knocking it about in the back of a landy. A semi might not be practical to load quickly, it's easy to carry a break action gun broken with carts in, or to put carts in if it's empty. If you do get a semi, something with a synthetic stock is ideal as the don't really need any care. Hatsans are fine, and if your going to be using it and giving it the odd knock here and there then buying something expensive is a waste. Why I just bought the new type Hatsan escort a gun, that I don't mind getting knocked about or getting wet. Just need to be aware a s/a need a bit more safety thinking as can't break the barrel to show its safe. You may know its unloaded and but others may not be able to see its safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 I bought a second-hand Browning 2000 fixed choke, for this very reason;something cheap and cheerful which I could sling over my shoulder.Two in the mag',breech closed.Anything pops up,pull back bolt and away you go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12borejimbo Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 FAC Benelli. Got an 8 shot, can keep 7 in the spout (1 empty chamber when it in the truck), flick a switch and a cartridge pops in, 7 carts ready to go. Foxes, pigeons, rabbits, whatever, the most reliable shotgun.....ever. That or buy a new Escort speedload for £395, good gun for the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 I'd buy a second hand auto before resorting to a hatstand personally, as for not being able to load it fast thats rubbish, keep an open chamber and 2 in the mag and you just drop one in and off you go. Far easier in many situations than a gun you have to break, certainly from a vehicle or quad the auto is far easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Robbo Posted August 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 FAC Benelli. Got an 8 shot, can keep 7 in the spout (1 empty chamber when it in the truck), flick a switch and a cartridge pops in, 7 carts ready to go. Foxes, pigeons, rabbits, whatever, the most reliable shotgun.....ever. That or buy a new Escort speedload for £395, good gun for the money. Is crop protection a sufficient reason to obtain a fac semi auto? Might have to put in for a variation maybe. Anyone know what northumbria are like for fac shotguns? It makes sense as, if i'm on the quad/vehicle i can only have two in the mag. I bought a second-hand Browning 2000 fixed choke, for this very reason;something cheap and cheerful which I could sling over my shoulder.Two in the mag',breech closed.Anything pops up,pull back bolt and away you go. Thats exactly what i was thinking of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Robbo Posted August 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 Why I just bought the new type Hatsan escort a gun, that I don't mind getting knocked about or getting wet. Just need to be aware a s/a need a bit more safety thinking as can't break the barrel to show its safe. You may know its unloaded and but others may not be able to see its safe. Very good point that is one thing i've never really liked about them you can never be sure with them just looking from a far. A broken gun is much better visually at least in terms of safety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alycidon Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 It will get abused, put down in the dirt, get wet frequently etc etc, not exactly ideal conditions for most semis which MUST work if a shot is on. I would recommend a small centerfire rifle for the job, but if you must use a shotgun then a robust cheap non ejector will do fine, AYA Yeoman comes to mind. My trap line gun is a 17 Hornet, quiet, reach to 150 yards and dependable. Magic for spring and early summer winged vermin most of which are 80- 150 yards. A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 Baikal MP153 is the tool imo or a mossberg pump! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s.wray Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 Very good point that is one thing i've never really liked about them you can never be sure with them just looking from a far. A broken gun is much better visually at least in terms of safety. escort do a optima o/u that would be good as a knock about gun i have one as i dont like s/a http://www.hatsan.com.tr/optima_silver_synthetic.aspstuart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Robbo Posted August 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 It will get abused, put down in the dirt, get wet frequently etc etc, not exactly ideal conditions for most semis which MUST work if a shot is on. I would recommend a small centerfire rifle for the job, but if you must use a shotgun then a robust cheap non ejector will do fine, AYA Yeoman comes to mind. My trap line gun is a 17 Hornet, quiet, reach to 150 yards and dependable. Magic for spring and early summer winged vermin most of which are 80- 150 yards. A My 17hmr seems to do that sort of work quite well . The idea of a pump seems like a possibility. Never used one in the field what are they like for the follow up shot in terms of the practicality of reloading? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apache Posted August 23, 2012 Report Share Posted August 23, 2012 FAC Benelli. Got an 8 shot, can keep 7 in the spout (1 empty chamber when it in the truck), flick a switch and a cartridge pops in, 7 carts ready to go. Foxes, pigeons, rabbits, whatever, the most reliable shotgun.....ever. That or buy a new Escort speedload for £395, good gun for the money. I have one - lovely gun, brilliant fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted August 24, 2012 Report Share Posted August 24, 2012 It will get abused, put down in the dirt, get wet frequently etc etc, not exactly ideal conditions for most semis which MUST work if a shot is on. I would recommend a small centerfire rifle for the job, but if you must use a shotgun then a robust cheap non ejector will do fine, AYA Yeoman comes to mind. My trap line gun is a 17 Hornet, quiet, reach to 150 yards and dependable. Magic for spring and early summer winged vermin most of which are 80- 150 yards. A I agree,it will get abused,which is why it must be relatively cheap,and yes,it will get wet,which is why the breech is closed.But the whole point of it being on a sling is so it doesn't have to get put down in the dirt,and as it's slung it leaves both my hands free to carry feed etc. Some people look at pumps/autos negatively,claiming they have safety issues,but they are no more dangerous than any other type of firearm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dolman Posted August 24, 2012 Report Share Posted August 24, 2012 ive got a Hatsan Escort and never had a problem. Its a reasonable price too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddywack12 Posted August 24, 2012 Report Share Posted August 24, 2012 Get a Hatsan Escort. Ive got a synthetic one, dont mind chucking it in the back of the truck covered in mud, blood and soaking wet etc No problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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