Thread: Brand new Hatsan shotgun exploded in my face

Seeking advice regarding a faulty shotgun that blew up in my face and a gun dealer who is acting cagey.
I bought this new Hatsan Escort Magnum semi-auto shotgun from a dealer in October to take it on a goose hunt. It was really cheap ($700 or so)but I looked it up online and the reviews were quite positive so I bought it.
Long story short, after I had fired about a dozen shots or so, I pulled the trigger on a goose and the shell exploded in my face!
Looks like the gun did not fully close the bolt and fired the shell regardless. It slammed back the bolt and the shell exploded out of the ejection port, a few inches from my face. I sustained some permanent hearing damage and tinnitus but luckily no other injuries.
The ammo was a 2 3/4" 32g #2 steel round, shot through an improved cylinder choke, the barrel was definitely not obstructed.
The bolt lugs and abutments appear intact, the bolt is locked in the open position and something must have bent or broken because it cannot be released anymore.
The firearms dealer has been acting really cagey since, they didn't respond to half of my messages and only with several weeks of delay after repeated calls/visits/messages.
They refuse to put me in contact with the Hatsan NZ representative who I wanted to talk to and want me to hand the damaged gun to them.
I'm reluctant to let go of the major piece of evidence so I have a few questions:

1. Has anyone heard of similar issues with these shotguns?
2. Can anyone provide me with contact details for the Hatsan representative for NZ?
3. Does anyone know an independent armorer who could do an assessment of the gun that would hold up in court if needed?

Thanks so much!