First Look: Escort Shotguns Optima Over/Under

by
posted on March 12, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Optima OU Shotguns

Escort Shotguns has released its Optima Over/Under (O/U) Shotgun, a firearm designed for versatility, durability and value. Available in 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 28-gauge, the Optima O/U is a great choice for hunters and sport shooters looking for reliability and adaptability across various shooting applications.

Black Engraved Optima 1

The 28-gauge model features a 26-inch barrel and 2 3/4-inch (70mm) chamber, making it perfect for lighter loads and precision shooting, while the 12-gauge and 20-gauge models come with a 28-inch barrel and 3-inch (76mm) chamber, providing a versatile option for a variety of hunting and target sports. Whether aiming for upland game, clay targets, turkeys or waterfowl, the Optima delivers when it matters.

Optima Silver Engraved 1

A particularly interesting innovation of the Optima O/U is its "Easy Adjust" Action System. This system allows users to adjust the force required to open the action and eject spent shells, making reloading faster, easier and more tailored to the individual shooter. This can come in handy during high-paced shooting sessions.

Optima Black Engraved 2

The Optima O/U is built to last, featuring an aluminum receiver across all models, with a steel receiver option available for the 12-gauge for added strength. The aluminum models are equipped with an extractor system, while the steel receiver 12-gauge models come with a powerful ejector system, helping with quick follow-up shots. The multi-choke system further adds to the shotgun’s versatility, enabling shooters to easily switch chokes for different shot patterns depending on shooting scenario.

Optima Silver Engraved 2

Aesthetically, the Optima O/U stands out with its elegant black and silver finishes complemented by fine engraving on the receiver. The shotgun is also outfitted with a select Turkish walnut stock and fore-end, rubber recoil pad, 7x7mm ventilated rib and a fiber-optic front sight for improved accuracy.

Black Engraved full rifle on white

To learn more about the new Optima Shotguns from Escort, visit escortshotgunsusa.com.

Features at a Glance:

  • 12-gauge & 20-gauge Models: 28" Barrel, 3” (76mm) chamber
  • 28-gauge Model: 26" Barrel, 2 3/4" (70mm) chamber
  • "Easy Adjust" Action System for faster reloading
  • Aluminum Receiver (Steel option for 12-gauge)
  • Extractor System (aluminum) / Ejector System (steel)
  • Elegant Silver and Black Engraved Finish
  • Select Turkish Walnut Stock and For-end
  • Multi-Choke System

Latest

W H2026 03 Hardware W3789 TAH 0075Lead
W H2026 03 Hardware W3789 TAH 0075Lead

Hardware Review: Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2

Looking for a new hunting scope before this season? Check out Managing Editor David Herman's hardware review of the second generation VX-5HD, from Leupold. With a 3-15x44mm magnification range, this is glass that can handle just about any hunting scenario you throw at it.

First Look: Ol' Man OF-300 Chuck Wagon Feeder

Ol' Man Outdoors has introduced its OF-300 Chuck Wagon Feeder, a rugged feeding solution that promises performance in tough conditions.

#SundayGunday: Mossberg 590R Chisel

This week, we’re checking out the Mossberg 590R. While technically part of the company’s tactical shotgun lineup, the 590R would be a great turkey gun for any pump-action afficionado. The model we had in had, the 590R Chisel, a 3-inch chambered 12 gauge, comes with a beautifully Cerakoted polymer-ceramic receiver, which contrasts nicely with its black stock, barrel and heat shield. For more information, check out this exclusive video.

Range Review: Tandemkross TKX22 Light Rifle

Tandemkross (TK) has just launched the company's first in-house, semi-automatic .22 LR long gun. Dubbed the TKX22 Light Rifle, it blends the best of this company's Ruger 10/22 compatible race gun components into an impressively lightweight sporting rimfire package. Several companies claim their guns are lightweights, but TK delivers on its promise.

Tips for Bowhunting Birds

Want to shlock a big Tom with your bow this year? Want some tips on closing the distance? Mike Roux has been calling them and sticking them for decades. Read on for some great tactics from an old pro.

First Look: MDT Timbr Core Laminate Rifle Stock

MDT has released its Timbr Core Laminate Rifle Stock, expanding the Timbr Core lineup with a modern laminate option for hunters seeking an upgrade from factory polymer stocks with a classic look and feel.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.