Shotguns are highly versatile, but if you're like many turkey hunters, you'd really like to invest in a gun designed specifically for thumping thunder chickens. The only "problem" with a dedicated turkey shotgun is that prices often start in the four figures. Not so with Escort's proven PS line of semi-automatic shotguns, which retail in the $500 area, and are now available in turkey-specific models. There's great news for .410 aficionados as well, as the Escort PS Turkey Hunter is available in the wildly popular .410 bore, as well as the more-traditional 12 and 20 gauges.
All three PS Turkey Hunters are tailored with the turkey shooter in mind. Specifically, the PS Turkey Hunter boasts Hatsan's FAST Loading System and Smart Valve Piston technologies. The FAST Loading System is perfect for hunters who need to be able to load and reload one-handed without having to move around too much. The loading button acts as both a carrier latch release for loading, and as the bolt release when the bolt is locked back.
Another big boon for turkey hunters is his gun's Smart Valve Piston system, which Escort tells us will cycle 7/8 oz, 2 ¾" up to 3" full magnum loads. (That last one will be important for .410 shooters, of course.) This patented design is so reliable that one can mix heavy and light loads in the same magazine without a hiccup.
The PS Turkey Hunter is available in two camo patterns: Realtree APG and Mossy Oak BottomLand. Each gun ships with three interchangeable chokes suitable for a variety of turkey hunting situations. A 5-inch-long cantilever optics rail features four cross-slots to accommodate a variety of Weaver mounts.
The gun is also equipped with bright fiber optic front and rear sights for low-light hunting. The red front fiber is windage adjustable, while the green fiber rear sight is both windage and elevation adjustable. Both fibers can be removed entirely to make way for mounted optics. All of Hatsan's barrels are hard chrome lined for maximum durability and corrosion resistance. MSRP $500; escortshotgunsusa.com
Overall PS Turkey Features:
- 12ga, 20ga, or .410cal 3" magnum
- Gas-operated semi-automatic
- Smart Valve Piston - self regulates for flawless performance with both 2 ¾" and 3" shells
- FAST Loading System for easy one-handed loading
- Aircraft alloy receiver
- Durable, advanced polymer synthetic stock and forend with checkered grip surfaces
- Soft rubber buttpad for recoil absorption
- Oxidation proof chrome-plated barrel
- Included chokes: Ext. Turkey, Full, Improved Modified
- 4+1 shell capacity
- Manual cross-button safety
- Mounted sling studs
- Available in Realtree APG® and Mossy Oak Bottomland® camouflage patterns
- MSRP: $499.99
PS Turkey 12 GA Specifications:
- 12-gauge gas-operated semi-automatic
- 24" barrel
- 44" overall length
- 6.9 lbs.
- Chokes: Extended Extra Full, Full, Improved Modified
PS Turkey 20 GA Specifications:
- 20-gauge gas-operated semi-automatic
- 22" barrel
- 42" overall length
- 6.2 lbs.
- Chokes: Extended Extra Full, Full, Improved Modified
PS Turkey .410 cal Specifications:
- .410 cal gas-operated semi-automatic
- 24" barrel
- 44" overall length
- 6 lbs.
- Chokes: Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder (all extended)
