Cheap semi-auto - Hatsan or Armsan or ???

[Scully]

 

I take your point but . . .

 

It makes a lot of sense for someone new to guns. They ae reassured by knowing it's new and comes with a guarantee in case anything goes wrong. They don't have to sort through a bewildering array of makes and models, and they don't have to worry about buying a second hand gun that could have serious issues that they aren't experienced enough to spot.

That's fair enough, and valid points. I think my bias is brought about by seeing two young lads buy new W&S shotguns ( in name only ) only to find themselves consistently let down and we'll out of pocket.

It's the reason I'm dead against cheap Turkish ( etc ) imports.

Edited May 1, 2017 by Scully

[phaedra1106]

Only had 2 problems, unknowingly got a chunk of cleaning patch jammed into the hammer mech, didn't know how to strip it at the time. Edgar Bros collected and returned it very very quickly at no charge,

 

Second problem was using 65mm carts (should use 67+) in the Mk1, put 2 in the mag and both come out together, only does this with Hull Comp-X. The Mk3 feeds them perfectly.

[db135]

Had the odd jam but not many never tried the escourt with 65mm cartridges had sum realy good days on the pidgeons with the escort just wanted a up grade love the sx3

The sx3 works fine with a load of 65mm 29gramm pidgeon cartridges I got given off a friend

[EMT]

One other advantage of buying a new Armsan A612 for me was that they did it in a left hooker. Beretta never made a left handed a303, a390, a391 etc. They are also available with 3.5 inch chambers and steel shot proof. The guarantee is also a bonus.

 

It has performed flawlessly, never jammed and I don't care if it gets knocked about in the hide. I shot a crow with mine today which I paced at 63 yards and every time I take it out I just enjoy shooting it.

[Guest]

Don't get a webley &scott semi auto . Parts are very very hard to find .well nearly impossible .

They were made in turkey and no one imports parts any more

[scottie2345]

I have/use quality guns, but somehow, I do much better with my Armsan, never goes wrong, the thing just works

[oldypigeonpopper]

I have/use quality guns, but somehow, I do much better with my Armsan, never goes wrong, the thing just works

hello, well said, the OP could find a decent S/H one for £250, or if wanting a enertia go for a good used franchi.

[tigger got stichs]

I have sec 1 and sec 2 hatsans mk1 plus a mk3 both of them have had 1000s of rounds of all shot sizes and weights put through them just use 67.5mm cases or longer and they won't let you down

[krugerandsmith]

What's the best cheap (up to £450 say) semi-auto for use on clays?

 

Has anyone used a Armsan 612 and a Hatsan Escort and can say which they prefer?

 

Still waiting on my licence and deliberating over the O&U I'll go for (looking increasingly like a Browning B525) but I'm also thinking about getting something a bit less serious.

 

To'ing and fro'ing between a pump-action and a semi-auto and right now reduced recoil is beating pump-action simplicity and Hollywood appeal!

 

I've had two Escorts and I now own a Armsan 612 .... The Armsan is a far better made gun.

[steyrman]

I have a Beretta Urika 2 and a Mk 1 Hatsan escort which was a lot cheaper than the Beretta has cycled without fault for 9 years and wouldn't hesitate to own another

Edited May 2, 2017 by steyrman

[Stimo22]

There is a Franchi Affinity for sale on this site for £425, these are a cracking gun made in Benelli factory with seven year warranty. This would be a real good deal for someone

[CharlesP]

Having had the Armsan experience through my neighbour, who had two Armsan 620 semi-autos I personally wouldn't touch an Armsan product if it was given to me free of charge. His experiences of constant misfeeds and jamming with a wide variety of cartridges, his experience of the customer service, and his experience of the whole ordeal of owning one has put me off for life.

[oldypigeonpopper]

There is a Franchi Affinity for sale on this site for £425, these are a cracking gun made in Benelli factory with seven year warranty. This would be a real good deal for someone

PLUS 1

[Granett]

 

I've had two Escorts and I now own a Armsan 612 .... The Armsan is a far better made gun.

Thanks. That's the sort of experience I was hoping to draw on. Edited May 3, 2017 by Granett

[krugerandsmith]

Thanks. That's the sort of experience I was hoping to draw on.

 

I also own a Benelli Super Sport and I can tell you the trigger on my Armsan is better than the Benelli. Another bonus is that the Armsan have mat black barrels and if you should scratch them as I have done a quick spray with motor cycle Exhaust paint and its looking like new again.

[Davyo]

I bought a brand new 2014 Escort and it nearly killed me.When the carrier slammed back when loading the 1st cartridge the gun would fire.Ive has Escorts before but just wanted a cheap roosting gun.Quality on both Escorts was poor.Bought the Armsan 612 (with the red bits) and the quality was miles better,No wobbly carrier.

[wabbit warren]

HATSAN EVERY TIME lol

had mine years and only once let me down (should clean it more)

friend had a armsan and nothing but trouble

[Cosd]

Guns are simple contraptions that don't have a lot which can go wrong, the semi auto obviously has an added complication and a more regular cleaning regime would be advised. I have a friend who didn't clean his Hatsan (I don't want to mention his name Denny Essex), and his served him well for years. Good and bad stories for every make and model.

 

Go and shoulder the guns and see what feels right for you. Ignore the Hatsan haters with scare stories, there are enough posts here to tell you that a "lemon" can come in any form or price range.

[db135]

Must admit when I had my escort it never got cleaned much and now with a sx3 even less it's had around 1000 cartridges through it since it last got cleaned and it just keeps working when I get in from shooting in keep thinking must clean it this time but always ends up put away then got sumthing else to do 😕

[lancer425]

I only hear good reports from those i know who use these Hatsan Escorts, a mate has a 20bore version i shoot a lot with him its faultless.

I am a remington user had a Remington 1100 for 25 years its warn and is nearly devoid of any blue on much of its metalwork these days but still works fine.

[GingerCat]

I've shot a brand new hatsan and an old dirty grubby one . Both were faultless in operation and other than being plastic stocked I noticed no difference down range than when using my beretta.

For the money what's not to like

[steve_b_wales]

My FAC version (8 shot) has served me well for many years and has proved faultless.

[alendil]

I have hatsan escort for 3 years .

didnt clean it since 2 years when it was dipped in very muddy pond on winter shooting.

on the day i just washed it under the tap on the farm and shake water out.

 

worked spot on . 3000 shots later still works spot on.

 

i must clean it tomorrow after shooting. ( will never happen)

[figgy]

Go for a used Franchi Affinity as they are inertia driven and need even less cleaning and are usually more reliable, used should be within your budget.

Edited May 20, 2017 by figgy

[davewh100]

yeah i would go for the franchi affinity as well, my mate as one very goog all round good