Hatsan Escort Raider 20 gauge

Coombs Guy

Coombs Guy

New member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Coombs BC
Hello all,
I just got my 20 ga Raider from GoTenda. Main anticipated use is slug hunting deer (around my place average distance would be 20 to 30 yds), and shot for varmints.
Haven't fired it yet. Will be getting it out to the range sometime next week, anybody have any experience with the escort series?
What can I expect in terms of setting the sights (ghost ring and blade) any chance it is dead on out of the box?
thanks
 
Well i finally made to the range. Used Win Super X shells. If it's dead on, I'm sure I'll be seeing the whites of the eyes.
Fired twenty rounds at a one foot square target mounted on chunk of 2x4 foot plywood. Shooting from 25 yards with slugs I hit the ply 16 times but never hit the paper.
Probably because of lack of instruction/practice, I expect shooting to improve pretty quickly. I'd prefer to get better with the open sights t6o mounting optics on it.
For the most part I believe I'll be using slugs for deer. Can't imagine having a shot at anything at any distance in the bush around here.
Oh yeah, I had two shell loading jams, crappy ammo?
 
Hi CoombsGuy - Re the jams, When cycling a semi needs a good bit of "Resistance" to run properly. It's possible you didn't have a 'solid' shoulder hold. If you were shooting off a bench that would be very likely, and off-hand would still want a tight 'press' into your shoulder. It would be best for you to find some "Low-recoil" slugs to improve your form before you go 'full-tilt'. ;)
As for hitting the target, did you try to adjust your rear-sight. I have a Daly 19" semi that I needed to file metal off to allow it to adjust POA properly. Maybe yours needs some 'mods' too?
Just a couple of guesses -
Good luck ;-P
PS - If you expect shots under 50yds I wouldn't bother with optics, especially since that has a fixed Cylinder choke - not the best for accuracy. Tho I have a 14" Hatsan pump with cylinder that I can do slugs 8-10" target at 50yds with, using just the front bead.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the reply and info. I didn't do any sight adjustments, just fired four boxes of slugs. I was out on a bush road, paced out the distance and blasted away standing up. I'll chalk it up to a good first time out and just getting used to shooting with it. Next time I shoot I will go over to the range and use a good bench rest, hopefully I will have found some low-recoil slugs, any ideas?. I think that is a better place(environment control) for making sight adjustments. Also been reading and watching instructional stuff regarding the use of aperture sights. Totally agree about optics, if I can't learn to hit a pie plate at 25 to 50 yds with the iron sights, I'll pack it in. I'll post the results of my next foray.
 
Thanks for the reply and info. I didn't do any sight adjustments, just fired four boxes of slugs. I was out on a bush road, paced out the distance and blasted away standing up. I'll chalk it up to a good first time out and just getting used to shooting with it. Next time I shoot I will go over to the range and use a good bench rest, hopefully I will have found some low-recoil slugs, any ideas?. I think that is a better place(environment control) for making sight adjustments. Also been reading and watching instructional stuff regarding the use of aperture sights. Totally agree about optics, if I can't learn to hit a pie plate at 25 to 50 yds with the iron sights, I'll pack it in. I'll post the results of my next foray.
 
Hi Again, Good to hear you were just shooting off-hand. You'll find a steady bench a great aid. As for the low-recoil slugs, there are two loqw-cost brands popular here in Canada that I've heard of. "Score" is one and "Challenger Low-recoil TAc". I got a great deal last year on the Challenger 175 shell 'Ammo Can' and so can recommend them. Here is the first CGN Vendor I found that carries them and they're 'On Sale' ;-P I checked several other sites and they were 'Out of stock' of either brand low-recoil slug, so you shouldn't delay buying if you can. Looks like the 'Score' in 250-box is the 'best deal' if you can do the price. Don't forget shipping charge, so you may find some locally and end up ahead.
https://www.gotenda.com/?s=low+recoil+slug&search_id=product&post_type=product

These cycled both of my semis, a Girsan Inertia full-size gun and the aforementioned Daly 19" #601 Tac Gas action. I also shot them thru my Hatsan 14" pump. Recoil wasn't bad in any of them, and I'm only 5'9"-160lbs.
Good luck on your new learning experience.
Buck
PS - Look thru the other vendor's websites when you get a chance, too. Always something . . .
 
While I'll never fault anyone for shooting; dont make any decisions or judgements on anything regarding accuracy (either yours or the guns) shooting offhand with a new gun straight out of the box. Theres nothing at all to be learned other then it went bang out of the box.

An actual range trip isnt necessary. A folding table from Canadian Tire or Home Depot, a sandbag (cut the legs off an old pair of jeans, fill with sand, zip tie ends closed), and a stool will be good enough at the location you used.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom