-can you take a screenshot without the console showing?
yes,just bind it to a key. Just type in console: /bind <key> screenshotjpeg ,and it should work everytime you tap that button.
Tip:Don't try to bind any keys outside your main key area(F1,home,insert,number pad,etc.) because it won't work.
I do think the momentary hang is normal because it happens to me with any quake engine game.