Description
The Escort Optima 12ga Steel Ejector is the steel-receiver, ejector-equipped 12 gauge in Hatsan’s Escort Optima over/under family. Model HEOD12280S01 has 28 inch barrels with 3 inch chambers, a white chrome steel receiver and select Turkish walnut, and distributors also list it as the Optima D12.
Escort Optima 12ga Steel Ejector Overview
Escort’s Optima D12 page describes a steel receiver with a white chrome finish, 4140 chrome-moly barrels with a black chrome finish, a ventilated 7x7mm rib, single selective trigger, kiln-dried select walnut stock and forend, and a rubber recoil pad. Escort lists the length of pull at 14.25 inches with drops of 1.57 and 2.50 inches. Weight is about 7.2 pounds and overall length 45 inches.
Why the Steel Receiver
Steel adds roughly a pound over the aluminum Optima, and that extra mass is exactly what you want when shooting a lot of shells. It soaks up recoil, swings more steadily through the target and generally holds up longer over high round counts. If you shoot clays every weekend or hunt doves with a flat of shells, the heavier gun will be kinder to your shoulder.
Ejectors for Faster Reloads
This model has ejectors, which kick fired hulls clear of the chambers when you open the gun while leaving unfired shells in place. That makes reloading between pairs on a clays course much quicker. Hunters on private land or reloaders who save hulls may prefer to cup a hand over the breech to catch them.
Chokes and Sight
Escort’s D12 page lists full, improved modified and cylinder tubes and a metal bead front sight. Hatsan’s 2025 update of the steel Optima instead lists a fiber optic front sight and Mobil-pattern tubes. Check the box for the exact tubes and sight on your gun, and confirm any tube is rated for steel shot before using non-toxic loads.
Fit and Handling
A 14.25 inch pull fits most adult shooters, and the walnut takes a pad spacer easily if you need more. The 28 inch barrels balance well for sporting clays and pass shooting. Spend time mounting the gun at home; a consistent mount matters more than anything else on an over/under.
Value and Care
At this price you get a genuine steel-receiver ejector gun, a feature often found much higher up the market. Fit and finish are good for the money, though resale value will not match Beretta or Browning. Keep the hinge and ejector trips clean and lightly oiled, and store the gun dry.
State Laws and Ownership
A two-shot break-action shotgun is legal to own in every state, and it is about the least regulated firearm you can buy. Some states and cities still require a purchase permit, firearm ID card or waiting period for any gun, including New Jersey, New York City, Illinois and Massachusetts. Pennsylvania buyers go through the PICS check at the dealer counter. Hunters should check state rules on non-toxic shot for waterfowl and on hunter education before heading afield.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hatsan (Escort Shotguns), Turkey
- Model: Optima O/U steel receiver, HEOD12280S01 (also listed as Optima D12)
- UPC: 817461019539
- Gauge: 12, 3 in. chambers
- Barrels: 28 in. 4140 chrome-moly, black chrome finish
- Rib: Ventilated 7x7mm
- Receiver: Steel, white chrome finish
- Unloading: Ejectors
- Trigger: Single selective
- Chokes: F, IM, CYL per Escort D12 page (confirm in box)
- Stock: Select Turkish walnut, rubber recoil pad
- Length of pull: 14.25 in.
- Overall length: 45 in.
- Weight: about 7.2 lb
Before You Buy
Federal law requires shotgun buyers to be at least 18 years old to purchase from a licensed dealer, and this shotgun ships to your chosen FFL, where you complete the ATF Form 4473 and background check before pickup.
Who It Is For
The Escort Optima 12ga Steel Ejector is a great fit for clay shooters and high-volume bird hunters who want ejectors and a steel receiver on a budget, and anyone stepping up from a pump or semi-auto to a first over/under.
Buy the Escort Optima 12ga Steel Ejector at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Escort Optima 12ga Steel Ejector online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more shotguns. For factory details, visit Escort Shotguns.
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