Sorry for the Necro post, but can anybody give an update on their Hatsan's reliability/durability/work needed? I've heard that the Hatsan is a post-patent Benelli system ($500 Benelli factory 2nd? HECK YEAH!). I'd like to be able to buy an inexpensive Benelli knock-off that has ...decent to good quality for $300. Another question is: Do Hatsans accept Benelli parts? Thanks in advance.
Here is the bottom line on the HATSAN MP-A:
PROS: For its price point its an excellent purchase.
Cons: Spare parts- repair warranty coverage - aftermarket parts.
NO its not a Benelli M2 or a M4 - NOT even close. IE: The bolt on the M4 is a rotating lug. The MP-A has straight pull back bolt. The moving parts on a M4 is polished, the HP-A is not. The barrel on the M4 is thicker than the MP-A etc....
Does the MP-A work reliably ? - YES. My Round count is @ 3000plus. with target 7.5 and slug loads. Translation: the firearm can transition from both light and heavy loads without any fuss.
Mine had recently had the bolt jammed open after I decided to dry fire it from the safe. Turned out that The lock tite that I used to secure the picatinny rail seeped into the breach and gummed up the action. So thats my bad - not the guns.
Does it load fast on timed runs ? IE: IPSC - 3 Gun - IDPA ? NO. I must constantly retrain myself on how to reload the tube in an orderly and smoothly fashion because of the double gate design on the feed ramp...PITA btw. And yes its eaten my weak hand thumb/glove and Ive managed to jam a live shell during a timed run from a panic reload.
Does it shoot light loads reliably ? You tell me.
Split times on my buddys wasteful shooting is in the 13 hundreeds...
Can it ghost load ? NO. Some owners here have said it can be done. Ive tried a billion times and just maybe Im too retarded - I cant do it. And until I see a You Tube vid that sez otherwise its NO.
Are there aftermarket parts that will fit the MP-A ? Yes and No. LOL !!!!! Not without some test fitting with the firearm. ....
Here is the goods for the MP-A from another parts post I had put up:
http://www.tacstar.com/home/magazine-extensions-02.php
A TacStar 7 Round Extension Tube made to fit the Benelli Nova/SuperNova. The threads are the same and once you screw it all the way down, there is only one thread exposed which I covered with a number 18 O-ring. This O-ring not only covers the remaining thread but allows the extension to screw on tightly and wont loosen up during shooting. Snug the O-ring down over the threads on the gun before screwing on the extension. You can also use the original spring that came with the gun or the one supplied by TacStar. I would think that any after-market mag extension tube made to fit the Benelli Nova would also work on the Escort, but I know the TacStar works fine. Don forget to pick up a 10 pack of O-rings at Home Depot. Although there are similarities between the Escort and the Remingtom 870, the Remington Extension Tubes don't work on the Escort because the cap is too short to cover the cap threads on the gun.
The nice thing about this Tac Star is that its alu vs. plastic. The one that I have on my MP-A is one from a Hatsan pump and its plastic. I like the look of alu better myself but thats me.
PS dont forget to plug it ........
DISCLAIMER : Some owners have complained that it does not fit... ?!! ? Like I said it will require fitting. My extension tube is from a Hatsan pump 12g. One would think that it should screw right in. NADA. I had to re-thread the tube cause I think they dont want peeps like me putting it on a semi Hatsan. BTW it was a 5min job.
Be4 u ask my stock is an ATI stock and again it needed adjusting. Not difficult - 25min job. BUT very rewarding because my shotgun has now an adjustable LOP.
*********There is also a site where you can order a side saddle the will bolt on the left side of the receiver. Mail me if u want that contact.************
BTW: I recommend a no jam hi viz follower for the tube, saves the R.O. and anyone else checking your unit if its empty. 5min upgrade. Cheep. ( $12)
As a an alternative semi in the same price range - consider the Mossberg 930.
Shown below are the three shotguns for comparison. MP-A M4 & 930.
