HatsanUSA is now offering a new compact addition to the Versatile Tactical Shotgun series of Escort Shotguns, the BTS. The BTS is a gasoperated, magazinefed, semi-automatic bullpup variation of the VTS series that uses a combination of alloy and polymer receiver halves, along with the integration of a new gas-piston design. The upper receiver is made of alloy while the lower receiver is largely constructed from polymer and is comprised of the grip, fore-end, and alloy-reinforced magazine well. The new inline gas piston system is housed around the barrel and does not require adjustment to cycle reliably between different shell loads. The gas system is housed within a ThermoDefend synthetic barrel cover that also helps dissipate heat.
The upper receiver features a Picatinny rail system along with a reversible charging handle located on the side of the receiver. The BTS comes standard with a carry-handle-style iron sight system that can be removed in exchange for backup iron sights and optics. The gripping surfaces of the lower receiver have added rubber inlays to improve handling, and the stock pistol grip can be removed in exchange for many of the standard aftermarket options. There are additional rail segments on both sides of the fore-end for further accessories.
The controls feature a crossbolt-style safety and ambidextrous magazine release located just behind the magazine well. The ejection port is on the right side only, but the shell deflector is designed to kick spent shells downward, making it a viable option for left-handed users. The butt pad is made of rubber, and there is an integrated adjustable cheek riser. There are two color choices available, black or FDE Cerakote.
The BTS is offered in two models for 12-ga. and .410 Bore. The 12-ga. model, called the BTS12, features an 18” chrome-plated barrel with changeable full, improved, and extended compensating chokes capable of taking shot or slugs. It can accept 2.75” and 3” shells. Overall length comes out to 28.7 inches at a weight of 8.1 pounds, unloaded. This model comes standard with two five-round magazines with optional two-round magazines available.
The .410 Bore mode,l called the BTS410, features a 20” chrome-plated barrel with an integrated choke also capable of taking shot or slugs along with 2.75” and 3” shells. Overall length is 30.7 inches at a weight of 6.7 pounds, unloaded. This model, too, comes standard with two five-round magazines with optional three-round magazines available. Both models come with a five-year limited warranty from HatsanUSA and have a starting MSRP of $589.99.
