Escort Shotguns

[MikeIsaj]

I know very little about shotguns so, forgive me if I say something stupid. I saw a used "Escort" shotgun in a shop this week. It looked brand new and was dirt cheap. I would appreciate any info on the Escort brand. Is there a reason it is so cheap?

It is a 12 gage pump, "riot gun". I didn't note a model #.

 

[ReadyontheRight]

How cheap is very cheap? You can get a used shotgun from one of the "Big 4" for $200 or so -- sometimes much less if you look around and are willing to clean it up and/or you go with a 2.75" model.

Big 4: Remington 870, Mossberg 500/590, Winchester 1300, Ithaca 37. They are the "Big 4" for a reason - as others with more experience here point out - they are all dependable, relatively easy to repair and straightforward to shoot. All will serve you well - pick the one that feels best to you.

Words by which to live:

"For new shooters, I recommend that you try all of the Big 4 and get the one that feels best....." -Dave McC-

I don't know the Escort brand, so I may be off base here, but saving a few dozen dollars is not worth it if you want a shotgun that you want to use for defense.

 

[ReadyontheRight]

It looks like Escort is imported by Howa. Japanese?

Here are some price lists for your reference.

http://personalsecurityzone.com/cgi.../PSZ/?Template=ProdDetail.htm&ProductID=19603

http://www.greensupply.com/sale/Legacy_sale_mar_05.htm

http://www.legacysports.com/product/specs/escort.htm

One reference to an Escort in actual use:

http://www.mdwfp.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8313

It's just one anecdote, but from this one and only review, I'd say an Escort may not be a good first shotgun.

 

[BryanP]

There have been several threads here on THR about it. A quick search of the shotguns forum for "escort" turned up quite a few. Here's a sampling of the more informative ones:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=86562

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=65899

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=51915

 

[sm]

Folks above nailed it.

There is hardly anything some man cannot make cheaper and sell for less- those whom buy based on price alone are this man's prey -John Ruskin

 

[Dave McCracken]

There's one thing US shotgun makers have down, making pumpguns that cost less than a week's pay for a working person, last longer than most marriages and serve a multiplicity of purposes is that.

Nobody makes pumpguns better than Ithaca, Mossberg, Winchester and Remington. Millions of used ones are out there, and every gun shop in America has some used pumpguns for sale that work perfectly and sell for a couple hundred dollars.

When a classic with decades of use left is sold for less than $200, why buy a foreign made copy?

 

[MikeIsaj]

Thanks to all who responded. As I said, I have no experience and value your opinions.

As I suspected, there is good reason.

Price was $160.00, and a Mossberg of the same type in rougher condition was $235.00. I think the lesson learned is shop around some more

Thanks again.

 

[c_yeager]

a Mossberg of the same type in rougher condition was $235.00. I think the lesson learned is shop around some more

Definatly shop around. Brand spanking new in box Remington 870s and Mossberg 500s can be had for very close to that price. (out the door regular non-sale price at walmart is about $250 for the remmy) (used ones are an even better deal).

 

[RoyG]

Look at the Maverick 88

Good budget shotgun is a Maverick 88. Made by Mossberg (uses most accessories from the 500) and available in finer pawn shops and Wal-Marts across the country for $150-200.

 

[mrk]

anyone know of any place in the usa that sells the hatsan escort pistol grip and magazine extension?? or maybe a overseas place that will be willing to send over?

 

[MAURICE]

I want to say "Before I knew better", but that is not the case.
I bought one when I was 18 for about 150-160 bucks, IIRC. Was not a bad gun, really. Not an 870, but not bad either. It had no problems with function or hitting what I aimed at. I put quite a few rounds through it and it seemed fine.
That said, I did wind up trading it off for a Mossberg that I use for trap and redneck clays. The guy I traded with loves it.