Semi Auto Help

[alexf 3]

Evening Guys, starting wildfowling in September and I'm looking for a cheap first semi auto maximum £200. Was thinking of a hatsan escort?

Any views on this gun or others? Also anyone have one of these for sale? (Ideally in the camo finish)

 

 

Cheers Alex

[liftboy1 0]

Hey pal, I also asked a few questions and 1 person replied. I had a go of one not so long ago, it was the luxano model. It shot ok but I know that they rarely jam, but when I had a go shooting a winchester sx3 it was a different ball game, I would rather save a few more quid and get a browning or beretta. Can I ask why you want a semi auto? Because if its a first gun I would start with a o/u.

[jackinbox99 41]

Hey pal, I also asked a few questions and 1 person replied. I had a go of one not so long ago, it was the luxano model. It shot ok but I know that they rarely jam, but when I had a go shooting a winchester sx3 it was a different ball game, I would rather save a few more quid and get a browning or beretta. Can I ask why you want a semi auto? Because if its a first gun I would start with a o/u.

 

I got a semi for my first gun, for me it was ideal. I wanted something I could use for everything and liked the idea of having just 1 barrel and 3 shots!

 

The escort has mixed reviews, some love it, some hate it. The general impression I get, is that it prefers the heavier cartridges, so its probably not the gun for clays, but would be okay in the field wildfowling.

 

Id agree with liftboy. Your really better of saving up a few more pennies and getting something like a beretta. You could pick up an older model semi for not much more than your 200quid and they are highly rated for what you want.

[liftboy1 0]

Thats very true that it does like heavier loads there is a review in gun mart on it, I know that you can pick up some old browning pheonix`s 2nd hand up for about £450. I would just rather have something that have no faults, and good reviews, any of the big name guns are all pretty good, I have just ordered a browning maxus as I have been shooting with an old rizzini o/u lately. I know that the hatsan escort require a lot of greasing, why not have a look at webleys semi, my friend has one and it`s not bad.

Edited July 28, 2010 by liftboy1

[alexf 3]

No it's not my first gun already have an o/u for clays. Just joined the local wildfowling club and wanted a cheap semi to use for my first season really nothing else.

 

Cheers for the advice lads.

Edited July 28, 2010 by alexf

[stubby 175]

I picked up my black synthetic hatsan 2nd hand around 10 months ago, its a brilliant gun for pigeon control, yes Ive had a couple of jams on the ejector port, quickly removed cart and carried on, yes they prefer not only heavier, but also longer carts, as for needing lots of greasing, dont know about that I havent cleaned mine for the last three outings, the bit to watch are the vents on bottom of barrel, keep them clean and it's sorted, being "cheap" means never worrying too much, rain,muck,blood anything goes on it and is simply wiped off with a damp towel, Ive seen mates put dearer guns away in a slip at the first spot of rain, or have heart attacks at the sight of mud or blood

 

as a pest control tool, the hatsan gets the up from me,

 

 

so much so, that I bought a synthetic CZ too, another great pest control tool,

[JonathanKent 16]

I'm with Stubby on this one.

 

I bought a hatsan last year because I wanted something I could use and not worry about it getting knocked about and muddy etc.

 

I have a heritage 525 as my 'best' gun but shooting it on the quad or out the back of the truck and it getting caked in sh*te really bothered me as it was a substantial investment.

 

I wanted a semi for using rough, I was really tempted to buy a benelli (if your going to spend a bit of cash buy a benell) because it has a much much better action than any other manufacturer. Rather than using the hot gases which fill the action on the gun with powder residue and muck it uses the recoil of the cartrdige which is totally clean. but the benelli's start at about £1,200. I decided that I didnt want to spend over a grand on a gun which I was buying specifically because I knew it was going to get a lot of abuse.

 

In the end I got a Hatsan Escort magnum (which takes the big three and a half inch carts) it was on sale at Wilson and Wilson my regular gun shop, its the full leaf camo Job, not my first choice but it was a special offer. It cost me £350 brand spanking new and boxed with a three year warranty, the way I look at it its cost me about £120 a year and after that if it breaks I can bin it and get a new one.

 

Yes its a pain in the arse to clean and you get the odd jam but for a rough gun its perfect.

 

ATB

Jonno

[jackinbox99 41]

To be honest, for the cash, id personally be tempted to buy an escort and see how you get on. If you dont like it, sell it and get your money back, therefore nothing lost!

[liftboy1 0]

Stubby, just to clear up any confusion my local gun dealer was telling me that they did need a fair bit of greasing, I would try and find a s/h one and see how you get on, and then post your thoughts, I have shot one but not enough to say crap or not mind, But compared to a sx3 it didnt have the quality feel.

[Buddon Ness 0]

Stubby, just to clear up any confusion my local gun dealer was telling me that they did need a fair bit of greasing, I would try and find a s/h one and see how you get on, and then post your thoughts, I have shot one but not enough to say crap or not mind, But compared to a sx3 it didnt have the quality feel.

Hi There I bought 1 and returned it to shop in 20mins wouldn't even cycle 42gm loads. went back to my old browning 23/4 light 12 that cycled 24gm to 42gm no probs then bought 3in browning gold fantastic. Baikle s/a is a very good buy and seem reliable. Good luck.

[alexf 3]

Thanks for all the advice lads. Undecided now whether to get a hatsan or just buy a cheap o/u for wildfowling as I know more about them. Oh well got a bit of time before the season starts.

[liftboy1 0]

talking to a mate yesterday and he was saying that the webley and scott ones are pretty good, his nephew bought one and no regrets, i think he paid £500 new!