Lincoln Vogue HSX Sporter 12-bore reviewed by Shooting Times

Conclusion

So, is the HSX a true all-rounder? It does possess sufficient class to take out on a game day — there is nothing about this gun that would cause embarrassment.

It is not a high-end piece of kit by any means, but you are not paying that sort of money for it either. It is clearly competent on the clay ground, and certainly able to take a morning’s round on the Sporting set-up without a problem.

I don’t think you would be giving too much away to anyone with fancier guns, but it would be a great gun to start out with and could be your best friend for years. Would it work as a rough shoot/pigeon gun? It would, without a doubt.

The 3in chambers and steel proof wouldn’t hold back your cartridge choice for non-toxic, though at 30in barrels with external chokes, the overall length of 48¼in is starting to get a touch long to be manageable in a pigeon hide. It just depends upon what you are used to.

I have come across autos that are longer still, and people use them in hides, though you don’t break an auto open.

It is not so heavy as to be a chore to carry around a rough shoot, yet it possesses enough mass to absorb the constant recoil of use on clays. It has sufficient stature to be used on a game shoot, yet is basic enough to be used on pigeons without too much fear of expensive damage. Overall, it does seem to fit most bills respectably well. It will be interesting to see how well the HSX sells as to whether others see what I do in this gun, as for the money it pretty much ticks every box for an all-rounder.

Scores

Action/barrels: This is a basic, highly functional action. Perhaps not as smooth running as more expensive guns, but it gets the job done all the same. Barrel finish is excellent, but I’m not too sure I like the decoration on the action. 17/20

Stock: A good piece of wood has been used on this gun, of decent length and with good drop and cast. It would definitely benefit from a broader section in the hand, but otherwise the proportions are great. 16/20

Trigger: The mechanics of it are simple, made well enough to last, if a little rudimentary in use. It just lacks a bit of feel and slick motion. A decent break when it finally comes, just something to get used to. The safety and selector is good though, and the adjustable trigger is advantageous. 17/20

Handling: Trying to fit every task is always going to show up compromises. It shot well on clays with lighter loads. Not the lightest game gun to cart around a shoot, but won’t leave you aching from the recoil of heavier loads either. 18/20

Value: You have to take this at its price bracket range and try not to compare with higher-grade guns. For what you are actually paying, and what you are getting, you have to give it more than a second look. Lincoln has made a pretty decent job of filling the boots of each task set for this gun. Not a bad job at all. 18/20

Overall 86/100