Shotguns are terrific for home defense, and one of the reasons many families choose them is that there are some reliable, powerful scatterguns out there for remarkably wallet-friendly prices...and Escort's new Slugger 12-gauge pump-action shotgun series is a perfect example. The Slugger comes in two basic models, the Slugger and the Slugger Tact (which is short for "tactical," don't you know). Both models are admittedly about as no-frills as no-frills gets, but if what you're looking for is effective home defense on a tight budget, well...here you go, Slugger!
Durable and simple, these 12-gauge pumps have more in common than not. Both are both offered with a 3-inch chamber, fixed cylinder chokes for shot or slugs, an 18-inch barrel (which is considered ideal for home use), a 5+1 shell capacity and mounted sling studs, should you wish to install a sling. They also both offer soft rubber buttpads for recoil reduction as well as long, easy-to-use fore-ends. Both boast rustproof chrome-plated steel barrels, and both offer alloy receivers with a tough black finish. They also feature fixed-blade front sights that are large and easy to see in low-light conditions.
The differences? The Tact model additionally features a soft rubber pistol grip with contoured finger grooves and an extra sling mounting point. The Tact's buttstock provides an improved cheek weld and space to hold five additional shells for greater carrying capacity. The fore-end also provides space for extras by way of a Picatinny accessory rail.
There's one more difference, although even the most budget-conscious among us might not notice: the price. For the Slugger, you're looking at an MSRP of $209.99; for the Slugger Tact, $219.99. (Dealer prices are quite likely to be less than that!) The complete specifications can be found below. For more information or to find a dealer, click here!
Slugger Series Features:
- 12 gauge, 3" chamber pump-action shotgun
- Fixed cylinder choke for shot or slugs
- Oxidation proof hard chrome plated steel barrel
- Alloy receiver with tough black finish
- Advanced polymer synthetic stock and forend for strength and durability
- Long, ergonomic forend
- Soft rubber buttpad absorbs recoil
- Manual cross-button trigger safety
- 5+1 shell capacity
- Mounted sling studs
- Tact model features 5-shell holder in buttstock, soft ergonomic pistol grip, and accessory rail
Slugger Specs:
- 18" barrel
- 38" overall length
- 6.4 lbs.
- MSRP: $209.99
Slugger Tact Specs:
- 18" barrel
- 38" overall length
- 6.5 lbs.
