How is the recoil? From 1 to 10, 10 being it kicks like a mule.

it can vary to such a large degree because of different loads that you can use A heavy 3 inch 12 ga load will kick like a mule (10) a standard 2 3/4 inch shell would be a 6/7 a 7/8 low recoil target load around a 4/5. as a reloader I can load 3/4 oz light loads that would have almost no recoil

50!!!!! Gonna send you back about 10 foot after you pull the trigger!!! Okay, just having some fun. As mentioned, it will depend on the ammo you'll be using & your recoil sensitivity.

Hi Yannairis and welcome. Recoil is at a solid 8. You can drop it to a 6 with low recoil loads : https://www.budsgunshop.com/search.php/q/12ga+low+recoil ----------------- You can drop it to a 4 with this recoil pad : https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/133969/lyman+04428+pachmayr+shock+shield+rifle+shotgun+osfa+black -------------- Cheers and stay safe!

Hi Yannairis, one reviewer on Bud's said "with this shotgun being so light, the recoil is a bit nasty." It has a soft rubber buttpad to absorb some of the recoil, but the recoil is still close to 'kicks like a mule'. You can a;ways try some low recoil loads such as these https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/117165/winchester+ammo+aa12fl8+aa+low+recoil+12+gauge+2.75+26+gram+8+shot+25+bx+10+cs , Stay safe & have a great day!

Does any know if this model accepts box mags?

It has a fixed tube magazine and will not accept box magazines

Hi Terran, the Escort Slugger has a tubular magazine, it will not accept box style magazines. Stay safe & have a great day!

This model does not take box mags.

Hi Terran and welcome. Unfortunately, no Sir, it does not. Cheers and happy holidays!

Is it California compliant?

Hi Jack and welcome. Yes Sir, due to being a Pump Action and not Semi-Auto shotgun. Cheers and stay safe!

Greetings And An "Early Happy Thanksgiving"..!! I'm looking at purchasing a Bud's Gift Card for the first time. Being it would be used "In House" to be redeemed at Bud's,would it qualify as a "Cash Price" cost amount..?? Yes,I could call Bud's direct,but I'm figuring they're pretty swamped with calls right about now.. You "Bud's Info Wizards" have been Great to all "Question Askers" in the past. Thanx..!!

Hi Robert, unfortunately no. The amount of a transaction funded with a Gift Card does not qualify for the cash discount price advertised on BudsGunShop.com. Gift Cards are instead applied to orders at our listed retail price. Stay safe & have a great day!

Hi Robert and welcome. No Sir, it is not. Buds payment options listed here : https://www.budsgunshop.com./payment.php ---- Cheers and stay safe!

This is right from Bud's section for gift card usage: The amount of a transaction funded with a Gift Card does not qualify for the cash discount price advertised on BudsGunShop.com. Gift Cards are instead applied to orders at our listed retail price.

Can you put a scope on this gun? I understand it’s not drilled and tapped but does it have the grooves on top of the receiver for scope mounts?

This has slots for adding a sight or scope rings machined into the receiver. You can see in the 3rd & 4th picture here >>> thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/05/12/escort-introduce-the-slugger-series-of-pump-action-shotguns/ Here is a rail that would fit, this has two mounting points on each side to fit over the gap two mounting points on each side to fit over the gap budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/132553/ncstar+adapter+3+8+dovetail+to+picatinny+rail+black , Stay safe & have a great day!

Hi and welcome. Yes, I would recommend a Slotted to Picatinny Rail Mount for greater optics choices : https://www.amazon.com/Higoo-Converter-Dovetail-Picatinny-Adapter/dp/B07GWL8PWK - Cheers and stay safe!

Can anyone recommend a reliable dovetail sight or picatinny adapter to run on this

Jose, looking at photos of the escort sluggers dovetail rail there appears to be a gap between where the rail starts and ends that a full length picatinny rail wouldn't fit. So you would need a picatinny rail with two mounting points on each side to fit over the gap. If interested here's a link to one that would work. Hope this helps, link here.................... https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/132553/ncstar+adapter+3+8+dovetail+to+picatinny+rail+black

Hi Jose and welcome to the Buds Community. You will want a sturdy Dovetail to Picatinny adapter rail /Scope mount combo: https://www.amazon.com/Monstrum-Dovetail-Picatinny-Profile-Diameter/dp/B09YCLL956 --------- Cheers and stay safe!

Hi Jose, I used this dovetail to picatinny adapter on my rifle with great success - UTG Leapers MNT-DTW145 Inc., Dovetail to Picatinny Rail Adaptor - amazon.com/gp/product/B01ABW7GS0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Stay safe & have a great day!

Looking for a low priced shotgun that can handle exotic ammo such as dragons breath, bolas and incendiary rounds. Will this work safely with those type rounds?

David, yes Sir. The Escort Slugger will handle these rounds no issue. Modern metallurgy has com a long way as far as barrel material so just make sure to clean and maintain your firearms and you will be just fine. Cheers and stay safe!

Dragon's Breath is an exotic incendiary round for a 12 gauge shotgun. Dragon's Breath consists primarily of magnesium pellets/shards. When the round is fired, sparks and flames can shoot out to about 100 ft. Dragons Breath is normally chambered in 12 gauge 2 3/4" shot shell. The rounds are safe to fire out of an improved cylinder bore as well as a modified choke barrel, common on many shotguns.[1] While its actual professional combat or tactical usage remains undocumented, the visual effect it produces is impressive and entertaining, similar to that of a short-ranged flamethrower or fireworks, making it popular among gun enthusiasts. Also undocumented, it has been claimed by enthusiasts that the rounds are often used as a distress signal, similar to a very short duration emergency flare gun, though some would argue a flare would be better fitted for such. The round has also been used for intimidation purposes. The pyrotechnic shell is expensive compared to other shells, costing $5 (USD) per round. There is little or no record of its use in actual combat. Because it is a very low-power round, it cannot be used in an auto-loading shotgun or semi-automatic shotgun; it does not produce enough recoil energy to cycle the action, causing the mechanism to jam. An additional reason to use the round only in a manually operated firearm is that the round shoots at least a little flame for 3–5 seconds. It would be hazardous if a shell still emitting flame were to be ejected from a Semi-A

Is there the availability to add a rail on top of the action without machining it?

Derrick, no Sir, it is not drilled or tapped. It does have slots for adding a sight or scope rings machined into the receiver. You can see in the 3rd & 4th picture (click to enlarge) here : https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/05/12/escort-introduce-the-slugger-series-of-pump-action-shotguns/

Derrick, you would need this >>> https://www.amazon.com/Fidragon-Dovetail-Picatinny-Adapter-Converter/dp/B083JFNCGX .....Have a great day!

Derrick, unfortunately no, this is not drilled and tapped. You would have to have a gunsmith drill and tap it to add an optic. Sorry but hope this helps.

Is the pistol grip removable

Joshua, no, not removable from what I can find. Slugger here with no pistol grip >>>> budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/131008/escort+hesl12180001+slugger+12ga+18+3+black .....Have a great day!

Joshua, from what I can find the pistol grip is attached to the stock. So you would have to remove the entire stock/grip. Sorry but hope this helps.

Joshua, I would verify with Escort Customer Service at 877.278.4448 or by online inquiry here : https://escortshotgunsusa.com/contact-us/ -------------- The straight stock version is available here : https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/131008/escort+hesl12180001+slugger+12ga+18+3+black

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Escort Slugger Tactical 12 Gauge Shotgun - Blue/Black, 18" Barrel, 5+1 Rounds, Synthetic, 3" Chamber, Black Synthetic Stock

Name: Escort Slugger Tactical 12 Gauge Shotgun
Brand: Escort
SKU: 411559260
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.70 (75 reviews)

75 Reviews| 29 Questions & Answers

Model: HEST12180001

Condition: Factory New

Bud's Item Number: 411559260

UPC: 817461015456

MFG: Escort

Questions & Answers (29) Reviews 4.7 out of 5

Escort Slugger Tactical 12 Gauge Shotgun

**Mouse over image above to zoom any area, or click on image to zoom the entire image.

• Security and hunting purpose 12 gauge, 3” / 76mm magnum chamber pump-action shotgun

• Fixed cylinder choke for shot or slugs

• Oxidation proof chrome plated steel barrel

• All barrels are proof tested at the factory to ensure maximum durability

• Durable alloy receiver

• Advanced polymer synthetic stock and forend for strength and durability

• Long, ergonomic forend with mounted accessory rail

• Soft rubber buttpad absorbs recoil

• Manual cross-button trigger safety

• 5+1 shell capacity

• Mounted sling studs

• Tact model features 5-shell holder in buttstock and soft ergonomic pistol grip

Product Information

Metal Finish

Blue/Black

Action

Pump

Gauge

12 Gauge

Barrel Length

Overall Length

38"

Safety

Cross Bolt

Capacity

5+1

Stock Material

Synthetic

Chamber

Item Type

Shotgun

Stock Color

Black Synthetic

Product Information

Metal Finish

Brown

Action

Lever

Gauge

223 Remington

Barrel Length

20.25

Overall Length

31.5-34.5

Safety

3 Position

Capacity

13+1

Stock Material

Carbon Fiber

Chamber

3.5"

Item Type

Rifle

Stock Color

FDE Synthetic Stock

Product Information

Metal Finish

FDE/Tan

Action

Revolver

Gauge

410/22 LR

Barrel Length

22.44

Overall Length

33.66"

Safety

2 Position

Capacity

Stock Material

Aluminum Chassis

Chamber

Item Type

Lower Receiver

Stock Color

Folding

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$179.99

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$185.39

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FREE SHIPPING New and used firearms SHIP FREE compliments of ShipMyGun.com. This excludes long guns shipping to AK, HI, and US Territories.

Next Day Shipping TB Only Next Day Shipping for TEAM BUDS Members that ...
Order before 12:00 PM ET, Pay with Credit Card, and pick a valid FFL we already have on file

No LayawayLayaway is not Available on Orders which Contain this Item.

Retail Store Availability

In-Store Purchase Only
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Emperor Duke Ultra 12 Gauge Firearm

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RIA FIELD/SECURITY 12GA 18.5 PUMP COMBO 5 Round

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Remington 870 Express Tactical 4 Rounds 12 Gauge Shotgun

$436.99

Finish: Blue/Black

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Capacity: 5

Trigger: Not Listed

Safety: Cross Bolt

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Manufacturer: Remington

Benelli Nova 4+1 3" 20 GA 26"

$449.00

Finish: Blue/Black

Action: Pump

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Mossberg & Sons 88 Field/Security Combo 12 GA 28" & 18.5" Barrel

$270.49

Finish: Blue/Black

Action: Pump

Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge

Barrel Length: 28

Capacity: 6

Trigger: Not Listed

Safety: Cross Bolt

Overall Length: 47.75"

Manufacturer: Mossberg

Maverick Arms 88 Security Pump 12 GA 18.5 3 5+1 Synthetic Flat Dark

$242.49

Finish: Blue/Black

Action: Pump

Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge

Barrel Length: 18.5

Capacity: 6

Trigger: N/A

Safety: Cross Bolt

Overall Length: 39.5"

Manufacturer: Maverick Arms

Maverick 88 Cruiser 12 GA 18.5" Pistol Grip Stock 5+1

$228.49

Finish: Blue/Black

Action: Pump

Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge

Barrel Length: 18.5

Capacity: 5+1

Trigger: Not Listed

Safety: Cross Bolt

Overall Length: 31"

Manufacturer: Maverick Arms

Maverick Arms 88 Security Pump 12 GA 20 3 7+1 Synthetic Flat Dark Ea

$249.49

Finish: Blue/Black

Action: Pump

Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge

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Capacity: 7+1

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Safety: Cross Bolt

Overall Length: 41"

Manufacturer: Maverick Arms

Winchester SXP Shadow Defender 12 GA 18in 3in Chamber

$307.49

Finish: Blue/Black

Action: Pump

Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge

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Capacity: 5+1

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Overall Length: 38.5"

Manufacturer: Winchester

Ermox XProT 12Ga 18.5" Tactical Pump Shotgun

$129.99

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Kel-Tec KSG 12 Gauge Bullpup Shotgun 14 Rd Capacity

$648.99

Finish: Blue/Black

Action: Pump

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Barrel Length: 18.5

Capacity: 14+1

Trigger: N/A

Safety: Cross Bolt

Overall Length: 26.1"

Manufacturer: KelTec

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Operators Manual

75 Reviews. 4.7 out of 5 Stars!

5 Stars

86%

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

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Mark B on 04/28/2024

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

I already had one of these slugger shotguns I bought about a year ago. These are amazing home defense guns and animal deterrent around the house. I put a LED flashlight and a laser on my first one and then I bought these others two just because I like them so well , and wanted my friends to be able to enjoy them!! Buds has been great and I will keep buying from them. Pricing is unbeatable.!!!

Andrew O on 04/28/2024

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

I ordered mine last Sunday night, and it arrived at my FFL dealer Thursday morning, which was quicker than expected. Took it home and disassembled it, wiped everything down, and reassembled. Easy-Peasy! I couldn't believe how solid and well built this shotgun is, yet it is so light. Feels a like it's a couple pounds lighter than my old Winchester Ranger. It is small enough to fit in a small rifle case. Stashed it behind the seat of my work van Friday morning. After work, stopped by some public hunting land and took her for a spin! Blasted some old logs with a box of SLUGGERs, and a box of POWER SHOKs. The Remington slugs did okay, but the Federal were more accurate. Put 2 slugs through the same hole at 15 paces! I couldn't be happier with this shotgun, and for such a low price! ONLY complaint, is that with this shotgun being so light, the recoil is a bit nasty. The slugs I fired were all 2 and 3/4 inch. I'm bit reluctant to shoot 3" mags out of this gun for fear of losing a filling, but we'll see! THANK YOU BUDS for selling such a good product at a great price! I might just buy a 2nd one if the wife would approve.

Richard W on 04/12/2024

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

Nice little shotgun.

Wickson J on 01/23/2024

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

if you don't have thousands to spend on a 12 gauge for home defense this shotgun could be a start for you.

Mike B on 01/05/2024

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

This was better than i expected, very nice. I would give it 5 stars

Terran P on 01/02/2024

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

Very first shotgun purchase and I can say I love it easy to assemble and happy it shoots slugs and buck shot with no problem.

Israel B on 12/30/2023

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

The shotgun has been great so far. Slugs and buckshot shoot great. Taking it apart and cleaning it's a breeze. To use the extended tube mag. Just remove the rod and you are ready!

Tyler M on 12/28/2023

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

If you're looking for a shotgun just to have for fun its a good one.

Mike V on 12/22/2023

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

Lightweight with grip is easy to bring up to aim

Wesley S on 12/17/2023

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

Can’t beat it for the price. It seem to be built well, the stock/forarm are hard plastic, the fit/finish is good, it cycles very smooth, and there are a few companies offering aftermarket parts. Buy it to stash away for an emergency.

Show More Reviews Write Review

Questions & Answers

Q: How is the recoil? From 1 to 10, 10 being it kicks like a mule.
Answered

Asked 06/14/2024 06:50 by Yannairis M

A:

it can vary to such a large degree because of different loads that you can use A heavy 3 inch 12 ga load will kick like a mule (10)
a standard 2 3/4 inch shell would be a 6/7 a 7/8 low recoil target load around a 4/5. as a reloader I can load 3/4 oz light loads that would have almost no recoil
See 3 more answers |
Q: Does any know if this model accepts box mags?
Answered

Asked 12/25/2023 03:34 by Terran P

A:

It has a fixed tube magazine and will not accept box magazines
See 3 more answers |
Q: Is it California compliant?
Answered

Asked 11/27/2023 01:40 by Jack E

A:

Hi Jack and welcome. Yes Sir, due to being a Pump Action and not Semi-Auto shotgun. Cheers and stay safe!
Q: Greetings And An "Early Happy Thanksgiving"..!! I'm looking at purchasing a Bud's Gift Card for the first time. Being it would be used "In House" to be redeemed at Bud's,would it qualify as a "Cash Price" cost amount..?? Yes,I could call Bud's direct,but I'm figuring they're pretty swamped with calls right about now.. You "Bud's Info Wizards" have been Great to all "Question Askers" in the past. Thanx..!!
Answered

Asked 11/20/2023 14:05 by Robert J G

A:

Hi Robert, unfortunately no. The amount of a transaction funded with a Gift Card does not qualify for the cash discount price advertised on BudsGunShop.com. Gift Cards are instead applied to orders at our listed retail price.
Stay safe & have a great day!
See 2 more answers |
Q: Can you put a scope on this gun? I understand it’s not drilled and tapped but does it have the grooves on top of the receiver for scope mounts?
Answered

Asked 10/04/2023 17:59 by Clinton R

A:

This has slots for adding a sight or scope rings machined into the receiver. You can see in the 3rd & 4th picture here >>> thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/05/12/escort-introduce-the-slugger-series-of-pump-action-shotguns/
Here is a rail that would fit, this has two mounting points on each side to fit over the gap two mounting points on each side to fit over the gap budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/132553/ncstar+adapter+3+8+dovetail+to+picatinny+rail+black ,
Stay safe & have a great day!
See 2 more answers |
Q: Can anyone recommend a reliable dovetail sight or picatinny adapter to run on this
Answered

Asked 08/23/2023 21:04 by Jose L

A:

Jose, looking at photos of the escort sluggers dovetail rail there appears to be a gap between where the rail starts and ends that a full length picatinny rail wouldn't fit. So you would need a picatinny rail with two mounting points on each side to fit over the gap. If interested here's a link to one that would work. Hope this helps, link here.................... https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/132553/ncstar+adapter+3+8+dovetail+to+picatinny+rail+black
See 2 more answers |
Q: Looking for a low priced shotgun that can handle exotic ammo such as dragons breath, bolas and incendiary rounds. Will this work safely with those type rounds?
Answered

Asked 04/07/2022 12:23 by David M

A:

David, yes Sir. The Escort Slugger will handle these rounds no issue. Modern metallurgy has com a long way as far as barrel material so just make sure to clean and maintain your firearms and you will be just fine. Cheers and stay safe!
See 1 more answer |
Q: Is there the availability to add a rail on top of the action without machining it?
Answered

Asked 03/10/2022 03:04 by Derrick M

A:

Derrick, no Sir, it is not drilled or tapped. It does have slots for adding a sight or scope rings machined into the receiver. You can see in the 3rd & 4th picture (click to enlarge) here : https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/05/12/escort-introduce-the-slugger-series-of-pump-action-shotguns/
See 2 more answers |
Q: Is the pistol grip removable
Answered

Asked 02/10/2022 22:38 by Joshua R

A:

Joshua, no, not removable from what I can find. Slugger here with no pistol grip >>>> budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/131008/escort+hesl12180001+slugger+12ga+18+3+black .....Have a great day!
See 2 more answers |
Show More Questions