Mossberg 500 vs. Escort MP-A

[Leadingall]

I'm shopping for a budget shot gun. I like the mossberg 500 combo with the two barrels for its versitility and accesories (and price!). I'm also looking at the hatsan escort MP-A semi auto, which seems like a great value for an auto loader. I'm not sure which to pick up so I'm opening the discussion on which is a better purchase for someone who wants a functional and fun shooting shotgun...

[jokat989]

ive got a 500 combo its a great gun.
never heard of the other one.
the 500 is lighter than any other shotgun ive seen-recoil will be a bit sharper

[dc2integra]

You can't go wrong with the mossberg 500.I have also heard good things about the hatsan plus it comeswith gRS ,rail on forend etc.I say be a little different and go for the hatsan .

[Leadingall]

the versitility of the mossberg and availability of aftermarket mods is awesome. But I can take home the escort (with a 15% off coupon from big 5) for about $415; which for a semi auto is really a great deal. I've read in other forums about the hatsan's distaste for low brass rounds which I'm not really thrilled about. I'm wondering what the firsthand users think of the hatsan escort mp-a and between the two, which is a better purchase for someone looking to have fun at the range and double up as a defensive item.

[Quickdraw Mcgraw]

anything defensive must be %110 reliable...never heard of a pump that ftf or fte. While I'm constantly looking for deals I think the mossberg is going to be a solid reliable wepon where as the other gun may very well be hit or miss.

[SNCaliber]

yup a pump will clear jams easier as well, I would go with the mossberg on aftermarket support alone

[Grifter206]

I own both.

I prefer the 500 because of the easy access to after market accessories! I tried to order the 3 shot extension from the company, but they won't let me purchase it.
I find it easier to combat load the 500 than the Hatsan. Not all types of loads can be fired from the Hatsan; compared to 500, the pump can shoot whatever load you have.

[dc2integra]

I own both.

I prefer the 500 because of the easy access to after market accessories! I tried to order the 3 shot extension from the company, but they won't let me purchase it.
I find it easier to combat load the 500 than the Hatsan. Not all types of loads can be fired from the Hatsan; compared to 500, the pump can shoot whatever load you have.

Post pics of your hatsan.

[knucklehead0202]

as second or "experimental" shotgun, i'd buy the semi for kicks, but as your main purchase, a pump is A#1 and mossberg is a great shotgun and a great value. if you shop around some places even have the maverick in a combo now as well for a bit cheaper than a mossy 500 and basically the same thing. there are other options too but i'd stick with the name brands for reliability and aftermarket support as others have mentioned. all this being said, i had a persuador for 10 years but after shooting my dad's winchester defender, i decided i had to have one and sold the mossberg to upgrade. despite no longer being made, the defender is positively the smoothest, easiest-swinging, fastest-pumping shotgun ever made IMO and i wouldn't trade it for any benelli or other fancy shotgun in the world. autos are neat but have a lot of quirks, which is not a desirable feature in something your life depends on.

[stormvet]

I too own both and agree with grifter. With full power loads the hatson is a blast but there is really no support for the gun.
But my 500 is not my house shotty, I like knucklehead have been won over by my 20 pluse year old Win. Defender for that duty, the two advantages it has over the mossy are safety in the right place and a buttery smooth action.

[RedFord150]

... But I can take home the escort (with a 15% off coupon from big 5) for about $415....

$415 gets you a lot of choices for a pump SG at Big 5. Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 would be my first choices in this price range. If you really need to save $, I would go with the Maverick. Maverick is owned by Mossberg and many parts for the Mossy 500 interchange. Maverick is assembled in Texas.
I bought the Mossberg 500A with 20" barrel, 7 + 1 capacity, Fiber Optic sight, and Gold Trigger for $299.99 plus tax and fees at Big 5.
Keep in mind that an SG will last you a lifetime. If you go with an off-brand import, you may have trouble getting parts and accessories down the road.
Good luck.

[Dozen Gauge]

"i decided i had to have one and sold the mossberg to upgrade. despite no longer being made, the defender is positively the smoothest, easiest-swinging, fastest-pumping shotgun ever made IMO and i wouldn't trade it for any benelli or other fancy shotgun in the world. autos are neat but have a lot of quirks, which is not a desirable feature in something your life depends on."

"I like knucklehead have been won over by my 20 pluse year old Win. Defender for that duty, the two advantages it has over the mossy are safety in the right place and a buttery smooth action. "

Ditto on those statements. I got my first Defender in 1984 and still have it. Defenders consistently bring $300 to $350 in used condition. I would not trade that s/g for a new Moss or Rem s/g.

[epilepticninja]

I own a Winnie Defender and a Hatsan MP-A. I've shot the Mossy 500. However, when I was in LE, I put my trust in a Remy 870. For a first time buyer, I'd say get a pump. Easier to use, and not as finicky with ammo. If I had the choice, I'd get a Remy over a Mossy any day. If an individual is interested in the Hatsan, there are aftermarket items, you just have to know where to go to get them (ask me, I'll tell you.) I've got some pictures of mine in the Gallery section, and I'll be posting more updated pics of the Hatsan in a couple of weeks. Lastly, for home defense and training courses, I typically use my Defender 1300 (pics of it in the gallery too.) Great shotgun. Not sure if they are still made though.

[reptilla]

I also have both the 500 & mp-a.the mp-a is awsome it loves anything except low recoil ammo.the 500 is exactly what its supposed to be a work horse of pump guns.i love my mp-a support wise if you need a part call the number in the manual and they will sell you your parts. After market.....what do you need? Maybe only a mag extension....benelli nova one fits with a small spacer! Done it! Its an awsome reliable shotgun for sure.

[epilepticninja]

benelli nova one fits with a small spacer! Done it! Its an awsome reliable shotgun for sure.

From what I understand, you have to have the MP-A 20" barrel for the spacer to work. I have an 18" barrel and I had to have mine milled to accept the mag extension. I agree, it's a great semi-auto for it's price range. If the OP was looking for an inexpensive SA shotgun, I'd definelty recommend the MP-A.

For the MP-A, you can also get side saddle shell holders, breaching attachments, extended mag springs, and Choate/S&J followers (the stock one is a POS.) Joe from King Armory told me that he was thinking of making oversized bolt handles like what they have for the Benelli M4. He is also working on cutting down the stocks to make the LOP more reasonable. I'll be sending mine to him in a couple of weeks.