Legacy Sports International
https://www.legacysports.com/gladius-20ga-home-defense-shotguns
Sometimes we know what we’re going to see at the SHOT Show. But there are always surprises. One of the best surprises at the range today was the Escort Gladius 20 Gauge Home Defense Shotgun. Escort Shotguns, a division of Legacy Sports International, does not have the following enjoyed by its domestic competition, but if the Gladius is any indication, these shotguns will be winning people over.
The Gladius is packed with features. First, it’s a 20 gauge (though it comes in 12 gauge, too). The 20 gauge is an ideal round for smaller-framed shooters. The round is lethal on one end, yet recoil is manageable on the other. The Gladius also has a functional ghost ring rear sight, a fiber optic front sight and a working muzzle brake. If that’s not enough to hold down recoil, it comes with a pistol grip on the extended forend. There’s picatinny rail on the top, sides, and bottom, and space in the stock for storage of extra rounds. The overall length is 40 inches, 18 of which are barrel.
We shot both the semiautomatic version and the pump version, and both were equally impressive. The price for all of this? MSRP for the automatic is $579, and the pump is just $485. And they’ll be selling for less.
I would buy one of these in a heartbeat. However, they are underwater and impossible to find.
UNDERMARKETED! Dang corrective txt!!!!
Dose anyone know if magizines are comming out for the gladius 20 gauge
Not much of a demo, although interesting.
As an aside, what is it with the demo videos and the LOUD frantic music? Not sure if music is even required for the videos, yet they seem to be on every one. How about turning it way down under the interview level at least??
I have a hatsan magnum extreme and a hatsan MPA, both semi auto 12 gauge. They both have a valve which self adjusts to the load used. The recoil with heavy hunting loads (2.75 inch) is hard to believe, it is virtually non existent!
The escort gladius seems to be more kitted out than the hatsan escort mpa, but quite identical in appearance otherwise. I shoot game birds with the magnum extreme (it holds 2+1 rounds) and vermin with the mpa. Both are very reliable and shoot very well. Great value for money, both of them. You will find some of the technology similar to a very well known and upmarket brand… Only, hatsan made a few tweaks of their own, which makes them a treat and the best value I could find. Owning these two, I have learned to appreciate Turkish engineering and craftsmanship and I have lost the snob element regarding Turkish guns. My next one will also be a hatsan! I live in a very violent country, and would and do stake my life and my family’s on these guns when I am in the bush. If recoil is an issue, try these. My wife is tiny and has built in flinch. She shoots these like a champ. Mine came with 5 chokes and some shims to make a custom fit. Give them a try, you will be pleasantly surprised!
This 20ga is very similar to the Remington 870 Express Marine Magnum at about $250 savings. I like the idea of a semi-auto or the pump option to choose from with the Gladius.
That gun looks like a nice piece for the collection….I already own a 20 gauge so that helps also… my only question is why did they not make this with a 7 or 8 shot capacity??? it has every other bell and whistle for home defense… other than that it looks like a good gun for the price!!!!
5rnds is the legal limit for imported shotguns.
Where are these guns produced???? Anyone know???
They are made in Turkey.
Yeah, seems pretty reasonable price for a new tricked out semi-auto. and in CQB situations, good specialty 20 guage rounds can do just as much damage as most stadard 12 guage. Wish they went the extra inches and at least made it a 7 round mag tube. That costs zip in production.
With 5 minutes work, I’m told Remington mag extensions will work.
How many rounds does each hold?
Mostly looks good. Not sure about the muzzle brake, that needs to go, for the average user. Plus, 14.5″ LOP listed on their website isn’t for small framed shooters.
Any idea when they go on sale and a street price? I’d like to pick one of this up to keep in the closet. The M4 is a bit of a safe queen, unfortunately.
Isn’t a muzzle brake on the end of the shotgun (even a 20ga) going to make you extra deaf when you fire it in your hallway? Can’t say I’ve fired a shotgun in that situation but the brake on my AR is stupid loud even outdoors and I can’t imagine a brake on a shotgun is better.
I don’t think you’d even notice at the time it happened.
I’ve never actually shot at a person in a home invasion scenario, but I’d imagine that you don’t notice recoil or noise in the fashion that you don’t notice them while big game hunting.
Where is it made?
Turkey
The Turks make good quality affordable firearms–I have several from a 1911 to the Model: HAT00072 Tactical 12G shotgun. This updated model looks to be consistent with that to be sure.