Semi auto gas question. Hatsan Escort cycling

[Alan Surry]

I’m fairly new to clay shooting.  My first gun is a  Franchi Alicione O/U that I’m getting on Ok with, but my shooting partner finds the recoil a bit harsh and is getting less keen on shooting.  I want to encourage her to keep coming with me, so I found myself buying a nearly new 24” Hatsan Escort semi auto for a bargain £200.  I know these guns have a bit of a “love em or hate em” reputation, so I bought it on the basis that if it’s not right, I’ll get most of my money back on a trade in, so bear with me.  I’m ex army, so I understand how gas operated weapons cycle and the need to keep them clean.  What I’m less sure about is what cartridges this gun will perform well with. From what I’m told, 70mm cartridges are a must, but I don’t want to waste time and more importantly, faff about with cycling problems when I want her to be getting the most of the gun to encourage her to keep shooting. The question is, does a 24” barrel affect the cycling any more than a longer barrel? I’m assuming that a longer barrel will provide more gas feeding back pressure on the piston before the load leaves the barrel (correct me if I’m wrong) Therefore, am I likely to need to stick to heavier loads to compensate for the shorter barrel?  The seller assured me it cycled 24g loads if kept clean, which it will be.  Any advice would be appreciated.  I can well afford £200, so even if it’s not the right gun, it’s not the end of the world and I’ve got a decent Italian gun, so I’d appreciate not being told it’s not good enough.  In my mind, anything that sells in large numbers can’t be all bad. I just want to make sure it works well for her and if possible with lighter loads without a lot of trial and error which may well have the opposite effect of encouraging her from shooting.  Thanks for listening.