Escort WS 20 Gauge Pump Shotgun 28in Walnut
About this product
What is the Escort WS 20 Gauge Pump Shotgun 28in Walnut?
The Escort WS 20 Gauge Pump Shotgun is a full-size 3" chamber pump-action shotgun with a 28" chrome-plated vent-rib barrel and Turkish walnut furniture, designed for sporting clays and hunting applications where reduced recoil matters. Its aircraft-alloy receiver and five-choke set provide reliable pattern control across various shooting scenarios, while user-adjustable stock shims allow for personalized fit. With a 4+1 capacity magazine tube and 7-pound unloaded weight, it balances handling efficiency with enough heft for smooth swing dynamics.What is the Escort WS 20 Gauge Pump Shotgun used for?
The Escort WS excels in sporting clays, upland bird hunting, and light waterfowl setups where its 28" barrel and 20-gauge chambering offer manageable recoil and improved swing momentum. Its 3" chamber accepts everything from light target loads to heavier steel shot, while the included five-choke system (F, IM, M, IC, CYL) lets you tailor patterns for everything from tight turkey shooting to open-field quail. The walnut stock resists weather better than synthetic alternatives, though I'd still recommend a silicone cloth for long-term field use.
How does the Escort WS compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in Walnut O/U Shotgun?
The Escort WS delivers faster follow-up shots and simpler maintenance than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, but sacrifices the break-action's instant visual chamber check and tighter lockup. Where the Stevens 555 demands $200+ more for its twin-barrel design and potentially smoother trigger breaks, the Escort WS provides reliable pump function at 7 pounds versus the Stevens' 6.8-pound weight—close enough that most shooters won't notice the difference in hand. For budget-conscious hunters who prioritize reliability over prestige, the Escort WS makes more financial sense.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7 pounds unloaded and measures 48 inches overall with its 28-inch barrel, putting it squarely in the standard field gun category. The barrel itself has a 0.625" choke thread pattern and a 3" chamber, while the walnut stock adds approximately 2.5 pounds to the total weight versus synthetic alternatives. At this length and weight, it balances just ahead of the receiver—ideal for sustained mounts but slightly muzzle-heavy for quick snap shots compared to our the Stevens 334 Rifle at 42.5 inches.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for tactical or home defense users who need faster cycling or shorter barrels—its 28-inch length makes indoor maneuvering problematic, and the pump action can't match semi-auto speed. It also won't satisfy competitive trap shooters who demand single-purpose choke alignment or premium wood; the Turkish walnut is serviceable but lacks the figure of American black walnut. If you need NFA-compliant short-barrel configurations or threaded for chokes beyond the included set, look at our custom suppressor-ready builds instead.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, CYL), a choke tube key, three stock shims for drop/cast adjustment, and a basic cleaning rod—no hard case or additional accessories. The chokes are packaged in a plastic sleeve rather than a threaded wallet, so plan on buying a proper choke tube case if you're frequently swapping. All components ship with a light coat of preservative oil that needs wiping before first use, typical for import firearms.
Is the Escort WS worth it at $257.99?
At $257.99, the Escort WS delivers exceptional value for a walnut-stocked pump gun with adjustable fit and multiple chokes—you'd pay $150+ more for comparable features from major domestic brands. The chrome-lined barrel res corrosion better than blued alternatives, and the 4+1 capacity meets most hunting regulations when plugged. Just budget another $40-$60 for a proper slip case and choke tube holder, since the included packaging is minimal.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7 pounds—1.2 pounds lighter than most 12-gauge pumps for reduced fatigue
- Includes 5 choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, CYL)—$90 value if purchased separately
- Chrome-lined barrel resists corrosion 3x longer than blued finishes in wet conditions
- 48-inch overall length provides stable swing dynamics for clay targets
Trade-offs
- Walnut stock lacks checkering on pistol grip—adds $60-$100 for professional stippling
- No sling swivels included—requires drilling and installation ($25-$40 gunsmith fee)
- Choke tubes ship in plastic sleeve, not threaded case—budget $30 for proper storage
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 817461014718 |
| manufacturer | Hatsan USA / Escort Shotguns |
| manufacturer part number | HEWS202805W2 |
| action | Pump Action |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| safety | Push Button |
| shipping weight | 9.15 |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it fit 2 3/4" shells?
- Yes, the Escort WS chambers both 2 3/4" and 3" shells interchangeably, though 2 3/4" loads will cycle slightly faster due to shorter ejection stroke. Always verify chamber length with a dowel before firing—never assume based on shell base markings alone.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- It uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads (0.625" x 24 TPI), so most aftermarket choke tubes from Carlson's, Trulock, or Briley will fit. Avoid extended chokes longer than 2.5 inches—they may interfere with the vent rib when fully tightened.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship within 3 business days to your selected FFL, with transit times averaging 5-7 days via FedEx Ground. All shipments require adult signature and FFL paperwork completion—no exceptions, per ATF regulation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns require pre-authorization within 30 days and a $75 restocking fee, plus return shipping—firearms cannot be resold as new once transferred. Always consult your FFL for fit checks before completing paperwork; we recommend shouldering similar models locally first.