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Hatsan Escort Luxano

Having established a reputation for unequalled value for money and bomb – proof reliability, Mark Stone checks out Hatsan’s latest Escort semi, the upmarket Luxano

A Hatsan Escort that comes in a case, has a two-tone engraved action and oil finished walnut? Come off it, these gas-operated semis might be one of the best autos on the market but when it comes to style and good looks you need to go elsewhere. Well not anymore it seems, after Edgar Brothers added the Escort Luxano to their Hatsan portfolio at a price that should see the competition contemplating sleepless nights.

Two for one 

Unlike its synthetic siblings the Luxano comes complete with a foam-lined travelling case, a set of flush-fit multi-chokes, additional recoil pad spacer shims plus two barrels; a 26” and a 28”. The idea it seems is to provide the shooter with the most comprehensive all-round outfit capable of delivering the goods no matter what the target.

Identical apart from the extra two inches of the 28 incher, barrels are proofed for steel shot and finished in Hatsan’s familiar, black hard chrome with chrome lining, cross-cut 8mm vented rib, small brass bead and 3” chamber. Where they differ the most is in weight, the longer tube is a good 6oz heavier than its shorter twin, a point we’ll look at a little later.

Centre of attention

At the heart of the Luxano lies Hatsan’s rock solid, gas/piston-operated, matte black, aircraft grade alloy action although this time the engraver’s art has been at work. To both sides a gold panel has been applied along with laser-etched scroll work that encircles the Luxano and Escort names, the overall effect giving this particular gun a distinct hint of the Italian whilst dovetailing along the top rail provides for fitment of a scope.

Control wise, the bolt release is located on the left of the action; this small, gold- plated button having to be kept depressed when loading the magazine to disengage the shell lifter lock. On the right off the action is a magazine cut off, so it’s possible to switch loads if you need to. The safety is a cross-bolt type located to the rear of the trigger guard. Now finished in matte silver, the single, ejector claw bolt utilises the rising lug locking system in conjunction with Hatsan’s proven self-regulating mechanism. The return spring is situated to the rear of the magazine beneath the forend.

Home grown

It’s the furniture that sets the Luxano apart with well figured, oiled walnut having been chosen for the timber. Inlayed with distinct machine chequering along with the Escort name, the forend like the butt is substantial to say the least, whilst Hatsan’s answer to recoil elimination is definitely a leaf out of someone else’s book. Called the TRIOPAD, this honeycombed rubber pad is now standard fitment on all the Escorts and allows for length adjustments of up to 15mm by utilising spacers, which are supplied.

As factory supplied the drop at comb and heel are 1¼” and 2¼” with a 14 3/8” single spacer length of pull coupled to slightly hefty 7lbs 4oz trigger weight of the gold plated blade. When compared to the synthetic version both butt and forend seem somewhat oversized, the physical width and dimensions of the comb are more akin to a large calibre, big game rifle than an all purpose 12-bore semi.

Small is beautiful   

If there’s one given fact about any Hatsan Escort is its ability to handle any and all ammunition you care to feed it and the Luxano is no exception. Settling on Express Supreme Competition and Game loads, first on the agenda was 60 of Bond & Bywater’s sporting targets with the 28” tube and ½ choke. This combination weighing in at 8lbs 10oz, the Luxano’s slightly high shot placement was exactly as I like semi-autos to be.

More than acceptable and certainly up to the mark, it was with the 26” barrel in situ that the Luxano literally came alive. Same ammo, same choke, with the reduction in overall weight also comes a significant shift in the gun’s pivot point. With the 28” fitted it balances directly beneath the chamber but with the 26” this shifts rearwards by ½” transferring the now 8lbs 4oz back into the shooter’s hands. The end result is a shotgun that is infinitely faster to locate its target allowing the user far earlier shots, quicker recovery and hence muzzle transfer, all the while the action cycling its loads with the recognizable and reassuring Escort ‘clack’. 

The long and the short of it

When you look at what you’re getting for £823 its hard work to direct any form of criticism towards the Luxano, a package and a price that can’t really be equalled. My only concern is that if it was down to me I’d offer a 30” barrel instead of the 28”, the current pairing being too close to be of noticeable significance. Equally, I’d reduce the stock dimensions nearer to those of the synthetic version, thereby giving the same quick handling and fast mounting characteristics.

These observations aside, anyone looking for a semi-auto for both clay and field purposes that won’t make a huge financial dent, the Luxano is the way to go. If there’s one thing I’ll guarantee it’s that you’ll be buying yourself one of the most reliable, hard working, gas powered semis on the market. Now you can’t say fairer than that!

We Reckon!
• The ultimate unbreakable budget semi-auto
• Two guns in one. What more do you want?
• At this price you can’t say no

Technical Specifications
Name Hatsan Escort Luxano
Calibre 12-bore
Capacity 3
Barrels 26 & 28” (both included)
Action Gas/piston
Stock Walnut sporter
Weight 8lbs 4oz & 8lbs 10oz
Chokes Flush fit multi
Price £823 srp

All Prices Are Guides Due to the Changes in US & European Exchange Rates

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Hatsan Escort Luxano
Hatsan Escort Luxano
Hatsan Escort Luxano
Hatsan Escort Luxano
Hatsan Escort Luxano
Hatsan Escort Luxano
Hatsan Escort Luxano
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