Well, out of 30+ rounds, only 3 minor feed issues. 2 where I had to bump the charging handle, and one jam of the next round. The jam had a nose-up and dinged the hull, running 1.125 oz Avoirdupois weight system, #8 bird shot. Usual semi-auto break-in procedure.
This is an RIA (Rock Island Armory) VR60, relatively lightweight shotgun. Imported from Turkey. I've read that the Turks make some solid shotties, and lately also some great handguns, too! Most notably the CANIK. My son got one, very solid piece.
Back to the VR60, it's what we sometimes call an "AR12" because it's styled after an AR15. It's obviously not an Armalite RIFLE 😹😹
IMPRESSIONS:
This thing is as close to an M16-A2 as possible, given that it is a shotgun, and not an NFA weapon. One will find most controls in the usual places, if familiar with the AR15 (M16). With the exception of the CH or charging hamdle... It is on the right side, as opposed to being a top CH, and ambi. So I guess in that respect it is like an AK12 😹 It has the old school M16-A1 and A2 carry handle, and similar front sight. These are both bolted down to a full length (plastic) Picatinny top rail, which seems to be very sturdy. Also, the forend has 2 side rails, and a quite long bittom rail. I believe I will install a vertical grip on this AR12. With plenty of room to spare for a light, and one could still get a bipod in there. But I don't plan on many tabletop range sessions shooting slugs at targets 🤣
ACCURACY:
This was quite accurate, actually much more than I expected. At a little less than 20 yards, it was dead-on using the M16 style "irons" and I shot at items as small as 6" diameter. Plus an old 19 liter bucket 🪣 👌 🌞 That's 5 gallons in USA 🇺🇸 😀
For follow-up shots, I need a bit more practice to do it quickly. I didn't even try and do a rapid fire drill, I want to get a better target stand up before I do, and I'm taking longer on a follow-up anyway until I get more proficiency on the weapon.
HDWE & ACC.
Hardware and accessories, it comes with 2x 5 round magazines which are pretty large.
I wear a men's LARGE glove in US sizes, or XL in most Chinese and import gloves. Just for a size reference, and here is another shot...
I have 10x 9 round magazines coming today, may not make my post time but needless to say it will be almost twice as tall!
Here's the 5rd in the shotgun...
Looks quite a bit like an M16 with a 20rd magazine, at least in proportions. I like that look a LOT. Any additional equipment will be purely functional, like the aforementioned front grip, lighting, DEFFO a Sling, and possibly a laser. I like the idea of using this as a hip shooter. I had my neighbor shooting with me also, and he tried a hip shot, which hit the ground about 2-3m in Front of the intended target. When I tried it, nailed the 19l bucket, first shot 😆 I'm thinking it's really a keeper, all in all.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
This ran better than I expected, in every way. The accuracy, reliability and functionality were all grade A, but the reliability was an A- in reality. Shooting over 30 rounds, with only 3 failures to feed (ftf) is a win, especially since I have always read that these semi-auto shotties are usual quite picky at first. I expected around a 20-30% failure rate, with a variety of causes. But I bought decent ammo, (Remington #8) and I also shot ONE ROUND of full power, 12x double-aught buck, at the end. This was nearly double the recoil, seems the bird shot is quite tame, but still recoils about as much as anything else I shoot. The Buckshot takes it to a whole 'nother level, but it's quite tolerable and enjoyable for me. Modern semi-auto rifles really calm down the recoil, and applying these mechanics to shotguns also makes a big difference. A standard 10g (or even a 12g) with heavy loads can wear our a shoulder rather quickly I'd assume 😅😅😅
PS: there is also a 19rd magazine made by a 3rd party, but it would look like a dog with a red rocket 🚀
Looks like a lot of fun there! Will it fit all three sizes of shells (2 3/4, 3 in, and 3 1/2 in)? And can you mix them, or does it just like one or two sizes? I've seen many semi-auto's get finicky with the variation.
this one is good with 2.75 and 3" but one must change gas pistons to run 3" according to the owners manual... 2.75 heavy loads would prolly run with the 3" piston but 2.75 light loads would not. 2.75 light loads may need other mods to the action, but may void warranty.
im breaking it in with #8 bird shot, 1.125 oz and the reliability for brand new is quite good, over 90%
day 2 saw only a single misfire, I think the bolt was not quite completely into battery, but tthe trigger pulled, no bang. So I cleared the weapon, racked out the shell, no firing pin mark at all on the primer. Reinserted ththe sasame shell and magazine, it ran perfectly from then on. My round count is approaching 100, with 4 failures. not bad for a form factor that is notoriously known for needing an extensive break in period 💙
Always nice to get the real scoop of actual hands on use. Looks like tons of fun!
YES a lot of fun! I've not had hardly any soreness of my shoulder, I think the semi-auto firing system turns most of the recoil energy into useful mechanical force.
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