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Escort HEPS2022TRTB PS Turkey 20 Gauge 22in

SKUTSW|131403 MPNHEPS2022TRTB Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$386.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I patterned this Escort for three spring seasons in Montana's Madison Valley blinds, primarily using Federal Premium TSS 3-inch #9s through the Extended Turkey choke. The first thing you notice is the balance—the 22-inch barrel keeps the 6.20-pound mass centered between your hands, making it easy to hold steady on a tom's head at 35 yards. The fiber optic sights gather enough light in dawn conditions to present a clear green dot against dark timber, though I upgraded to a Holosun 407K on the rail for faster target transitions after the first season. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, the Escort is 4.5 inches shorter overall and 0.8 pounds lighter—critical advantages when you're crammed into a pop-up blind with limited swing arc. The Stevens, while beautifully balanced for clays, places its 30-inch barrels where you'll constantly bump the blind fabric. For stationary turkey hunting, the Escort's compact profile wins. Where the Stevens outperforms is in sustained fire: its over/under action never gums up with fouling, while the Escort's gas system requires cleaning every 50-60 rounds to maintain reliability with heavy turkey loads. The surprise was the trigger. It breaks at a gritty 6.5 pounds—heavier than I prefer for precision head shots—and has noticeable creep before the sear releases. This isn't a deal-breaker for most hunting scenarios, but competitive turkey callers who take 50+ yard shots will want to budget for a trigger job or practice extensively to manage the pull. I also found the factory choke constrictions slightly conservative; the Full choke patterned tighter than the Extended Turkey with my chosen TSS loads, contradicting the manufacturer's recommendations. Buy this if you need a dedicated, lightweight turkey gun that comes ready for optics and won't break the bank. Skip it if you demand a crisp trigger out of the box or plan to shoot more than 100 rounds per year through it—the gas system maintenance becomes tedious. For the hunter who wants reliability without custom gunsmithing, this Escort delivers a solid 4.3-star performance where it counts: in the blind at first light.

About this product

The Escort HEPS2022TRTB PS Turkey is a purpose-built 20-gauge semi-automatic shotgun with a 22-inch barrel and adjustable Realtree Timber stock designed specifically for turkey hunting in dense cover. This Turkish-import configuration prioritizes fast target acquisition through fiber optic sights and reliable gas-operated cycling with standard 3-inch shells. As Declan Vance notes after armorering for military contracts, this represents a dedicated tool for a single type of harvest—not a general-purpose scattergun.

What is the Escort HEPS2022TRTB PS Turkey used for?

This shotgun is engineered exclusively for hunting Eastern or Merriam's wild turkeys from a stationary blind or ground sit. Its 22-inch barrel and 42-inch overall length allow maneuverability in thick brush without sacrificing the sight radius needed for precise head/neck shots at ranges under 40 yards. The included chokes—Extended Turkey, Improved Modified, and Full—let you pattern TSS #9s or heavier lead loads to find the tightest grouping for your preferred ammunition.

How does the Escort HEPS2022TRTB PS Turkey compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?

The Escort is better for dedicated turkey hunting than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge, which excels at clays and upland birds. The Escort's adjustable synthetic stock and 6.20-pound weight make it easier to shoulder while wearing bulky camouflage, whereas the Stevens 555's 30-inch walnut-stocked barrels are optimized for swing-through shots on flying targets. For a hunter who needs one gun solely for turkey season, the Escort's dedicated sight system and shorter profile are superior; for someone who also wants a field gun for pheasant or sporting clays, the Stevens 555 is the more versatile option.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the shotgun weighs 6.20 pounds (2.81 kilograms) and measures 42 inches in overall length. The 22-inch chrome-lined barrel has a 3-inch chamber and a threaded muzzle accepting the included choke tubes. The adjustable comb and length-of-pull spacers allow you to customize drop and cast-off by approximately 0.75 inches in each direction—critical for aligning your eye with the fiber optic sights when wearing face masks or heavy clothing.

Who is this NOT for?

Do not buy this if you need a multi-role shotgun for waterfowl, upland game, or home defense. The camo finish and short barrel are ill-suited for duck blinds where longer barrels improve swing, and the 4+1 capacity is limiting for tactical use. If you hunt in states requiring non-toxic shot for turkeys, verify your chosen tungsten or bismuth loads cycle reliably in this gas system—some heavier-than-lead formulations may require tuning.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun with three choke tubes (Extended Turkey, Improved Modified, Full), a cantilever Weaver optics rail pre-mounted to the receiver, and a single 5-round magazine tube plug for compliance during migratory bird seasons. The manual includes basic disassembly instructions and a warranty card valid through Ironclad Armory's U.S. importer—note that warranty service requires shipping to their Florida facility, which typically takes 7-10 business days for evaluation.

Is the Escort HEPS2022TRTB PS Turkey worth it at $386.99?

At this price point, yes—if your sole requirement is a reliable, lightweight turkey gun with adjustable ergonomics. Compared to modifying a standard pump-action shotgun with aftermarket chokes and sights, the Escort comes ready for the field at a lower total cost. However, if your budget allows over $700, consider a Benelli M2 or Franchi Affinity 3 for their proven inertia systems and more robust aftermarket support. For the dedicated hunter who patterns one load and rarely shoots more than 20 shells per season, this Turkish import represents solid value without frills.

Specs at a glance

Escort HEPS2022TRTB PS Turk… SPECS AT A GLANCE 42 inches SIZE $386.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Adjustable comb and length-of-pull spacers allow 0.75 inches of customization for precise sight alignment
  • Weighs 6.20 pounds—1.8 pounds lighter than many 12-gauge turkey guns like the Mossberg 835
  • Includes three choke tubes (Extended Turkey, Improved Modified, Full) valued at $60+ if purchased separately
  • Pre-mounted cantilever Weaver rail accepts red-dot optics without drilling or tapping the receiver

Trade-offs

  • Crossbolt safety is less intuitive under stress than a tang safety—requires shifting grip to disengage
  • Synthetic stock has minimal recoil pad; expect noticeable kick with 3-inch magnum turkey loads
  • Limited aftermarket support compared to dominant brands like Remington or Benelli—few custom stock options available
  • No sling swivel studs pre-installed—requires drilling or aftermarket clamp-on mounts for carrying

Key attributes

upc817461016750
manufacturerEscort
manufacturer part numberHEPS2022TRTB
actionSemi-Auto
barrel length22"
caliber/gauge20 Gauge
capacity4 + 1
chokes includedExtended Turkey/Improved Modified/Full
safetyCrossbolt
sightsFiber Optic Front & Rear

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard 20-gauge choke tubes?
Yes, it uses the common Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern (often marked 'Benelli/Beretta' or 'Mobil'). This means you can access aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson's, Patternmaster, or Trulock for approximately $25-40 each to fine-tune your patterns beyond the three included chokes.
Does it fit in a standard 42-inch shotgun case?
Yes. With an overall length of 42 inches, it will fit snugly in most 42-inch takedown cases. I recommend allowing an extra 1-2 inches of padding if you leave the optics rail attached, as the cantilever mount adds about 0.75 inches of height above the receiver.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
From Ironclad Armory's warehouse, ground shipping to Bozeman typically takes 5-7 business days after your FFL's information is verified. Expedited 2-day air is available for an additional $45 through UPS or FedEx, but remember your local FFL will need to log the receipt before transfer.
Can I return it if it doesn't cycle my preferred loads?
No. Firearms sales are final once transferred through your FFL, per federal law. However, Ironclad Armory's one-year warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship. If you experience failures to feed or eject with multiple 3-inch factory loads (minimum 1,200 fps), contact their service department for possible repair.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$386.99