Escort HEPS2022TRTB PS Turkey 20 Gauge 22in
Video review
Expert review
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
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
| upc | 817461016750 |
| manufacturer | Escort |
| manufacturer part number | HEPS2022TRTB |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Extended Turkey/Improved Modified/Full |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| sights | Fiber 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.