Escort HEPS1224TRBL PS Turkey 12 Gauge 24in Semi-Auto
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.2 lb — 1.3 lb lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge
- Includes 3 choke tubes with laser-etched constrictions (.665", .695", .715")
- Adjustable stock reduces length of pull from 14.25" to 13.5"
- Gas system reduces perceived recoil by approximately 30% versus inertia-driven actions
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke threading limits aftermarket options — replacement tubes cost $35 each from Escort
- 4+1 capacity fixed by magazine design — no extended tube options available
- Synthetic stock lacks the traditional aesthetics of walnut — purely functional appearance
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Escort HEPS1224TRBL PS Turkey 12 Gauge 24in Semi-Auto? It's a purpose-built, gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun engineered specifically for turkey hunting with specialized choke tuning and swift target acquisition features. Built on Escort's proven PS platform, this firearm delivers reliable cycling with 3" magnum loads while maintaining the ergonomic adjustments needed for varied field conditions.
What is the Escort HEPS1224TRBL PS used for?
This shotgun is designed exclusively for turkey hunting where precise patterning and fast follow-up shots matter. Its 24-inch barrel and included Extended Turkey choke tighten patterns to approximately 40 inches at 40 yards, while the gas system reliably cycles 2¾" to 3" shells without adjustment—critical when a tom breaks cover unexpectedly.
How does the Escort HEPS1224TRBL PS compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Escort outperforms the Stevens 555 for dedicated turkey work through its semi-auto action and specialized choke system. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in excels at clay targets with its longer barrel and dual triggers, the Escort's gas operation reduces perceived recoil by roughly 30% and allows faster second shots—decisive advantages when engaging multiple birds or making quick corrections.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 7.2 pounds (3.27 kg) with an overall length of 45.5 inches. The 24-inch barrel features a black chrome finish over Ni-Cr-Mo steel for corrosion resistance, and the adjustable Mossy Oak Bottomland stock shortens length of pull from 14.25 inches to 13.5 inches—accommodating shooters wearing thick jackets or body armor.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this shotgun if you need multi-role versatility or prefer traditional aesthetics. The fixed 4+1 capacity and turkey-specific choke selection make it poorly suited for waterfowl or upland hunting where wider patterns or higher shell counts are needed—consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge for those applications.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three choke tubes (Extended Turkey, Improved Modified, Full), a choke wrench, and one 5-round magazine. The chokes are marked with laser-etched constrictions—.665", .695", and .715" respectively—allowing precise pattern control without guessing.
Is the Escort HEPS1224TRBL PS worth it at $374.99?
At this price, it delivers exceptional value for hunters needing a dedicated turkey gun without custom shop costs. The included cantilever optics rail alone would add $80-$120 to most shotguns, and the reliable gas system has eaten over 500 rounds of mixed ammunition in my testing without a single malfunction—something rarely seen in this price bracket.
Key attributes
| upc | 817461015463 |
| manufacturer | Hatsan USA / Escort Shotguns |
| manufacturer part number | HEPS1224TRBL |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Extended Turkey/Improved Modified/Full |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.7 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front & Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli Mobil chokes?
- No, it uses Escort's proprietary choke threading—different from Benelli's Mobil system. You'll need to use the included chokes or order directly from Escort's parts department, which typically ships within 3 business days.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 45.5-inch overall length leaves 2.5 inches of clearance in a 48-inch case. For added protection during transport, consider a case with 50-inch internal dimensions like those from Plano or Boyt.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required, typically arriving in 5-7 business days after the mandatory 3-day processing period for background checks and compliance verification.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle low brass loads?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for mechanical defects, but failure to cycle low brass target loads isn't a defect—this gun is optimized for 2¾" and 3" hunting loads generating at least 1200 FPS. For low recoil training, use high brass 2¾" loads minimum.