Couple of new "tactical" Remington shotguns ... 870 and VERSA MAX.

[MCMXI]

I'm very pleased with these two new shotguns, a VERSA MAX Tactical and an 870 Express Tactical A-TACS both purchased within the last few weeks. I tried a bunch of different shotshells in both and they worked just fine with the exception of Winchester low recoil, low noise target load (AA12FL8) in the VERSA MAX which didn't produce enough gas to cycle the action. The finish on the VERSA MAX receiver is really nice ... looks like Cerakote or similar. The VERSA MAX comes with green, red and white HiViz interchangeable front sights as well as a Picatinny rail, adjustable LOP and interchangeable cheek piece (taller one shown).

 

[Dave McCracken]

They look nice. They need some wear marks.

About how many shells so far? That auto may cycle better after a few hundred rounds.

 

[MCMXI]

About how many shells so far? That auto may cycle better after a few hundred rounds.

About 25 through the VERSA MAX using two loads from Remington and two from Winchester. The 0 and 00 buck from both manufacturers worked well but I wonder if the Featherlite stuff will ever prove to be reliable. I like the fact that 0 and 00 buck is comfortable to shoot out of the VM. It makes for a good HD gun with 8 rounds in the mag and one in the chamber. The magazine will hold 8 x 2-3/4" rounds or 6 x 2-3/4" plus 2 x 3".

 

[Dave McCracken]

Add a few hundred more to that round count. Betcha it fixes.

Meanwhile, do not use those feather loads for defense. Problem solved.

Please keep in touch on this, I'd like to see how the thing works over time....

 

[CSA 357]

im guessing no trouble with the 870

 

[MCMXI]

im guessing no trouble with the 870

No problems at all and I don't consider the VERSA MAX to have any issues either. Maybe as Dave said it will cycle the Featherlite stuff after a few hundred rounds but it's not a big deal to me. I bought the Featherlites to shoot in my '97 since they won't beat that old shotgun to death.

The VERSA MAX has a cartridge release button, a first for a Remington autoloading shotgun according to the literature.

 

[MCMXI]

UPDATE: Still very pleased with the VERSA MAX.

I went to the range yesterday and shot another 30 shells through the VERSA MAX ... five of each in the order shown below. I patterned the shotgun and it shoots to POA at 25 yards. All of the shells fed, fired and ejected perfectly with the exception of the low recoil, low noise WINLITE stuff. I had to pull the bolt back manually for the first three but the last two worked fine. The felt recoil with the WINLITE is like shooting an AR so it doesn't surprise me that it doesn't have enough energy to cycle the bolt reliably. I'll try some managed recoil shells from Remington to see if they work although Remington states that they're not for autoloaders.

Remington 2-3/4" 4BK
Remington 2-3/4" 000 BK
Remington 2-3/4" 00BK
Remington 2-3/4" 0BK
Winchester 3" Super-X Magnum 00BK
Winchester 2-3/4" WINLITE #8 (AA12FL8)

 

[Dave McCracken]

Thanks!

That round count needs a few more zeros.....

 

[MCMXI]

That round count needs a few more zeros.....

The problem is I'm not much of a shotgun shooter. I shoot pistols or rifles almost every weekend but I bought the VERSA MAX for 3-gun and home defense. The round count isn't going to be that high I'm afraid. I just wanted to make sure that it works with "typical" HD shotshells but I'll update this thread periodically. If you'd like to borrow it and shoot a few thousand rounds through it you're more than welcome!!

 

[PJR]

I wouldn't be too worried if an autoloader did not function with the Low Recoil/Low Noise. They are not recommended for autoloaders and are so light that I've had them not reset the inertia trigger on an o/u.

 

[throdgrain]

Round count needs a LOT more zeros

 

[Dave McCracken]

Personally, the guns I depend on to defend my life would get shot more than hobby guns, not less.

I've always been bothered by the "Shoot it a little,load it up and stick it in the closet, five years from now I hope I'll remember where the controls are" attitude.

My HD 870s do not get shot much, but the others here do.Commonality of controls and operation, diversity of use.

Sorrry I can't up your round count. There's still a Beretta A400 on loan here I need to shoot some more before writing it up and sending it back....

 

[MCMXI]

Personally, the guns I depend on to defend my life would get shot more than hobby guns, not less.

I agree and that's why I shoot pistols and revolvers just about every week. My primary HD firearms for the last 20+ years have been pistols and revolvers and I've added an 870 to the mix in the past couple of years. Simply handling and dry firing firearms goes a long way to familiarization so I don't feel that one has to shoot a shotgun weekly to retain reasonable proficiency ... for "typical" HD scenarios that is. Handguns need a lot more practice so that's where I'll continue to focus my attention.

 

[Dave McCracken]

1858, you know what you can do far better than I. But, shotguns in the hands of shotgunners are amazingly effective.

And gaining proficiency is fun.

Shoot any clay game involving doubles. Obliterating two 4"discs moving on separate vectors at a distance means fast centered shots on closer, larger,slower targets are easy.

Shotguns have unmatched terminal performance. Please reconsider what your primary weapon will be....

 

[MCMXI]

UPDATE: I shot two rounds of trap (singles) today with the VERSA MAX. I shot Premier STS Target loads (20250, 2-3/4", 1-1/8oz, 7-1/2, 1200 fps) which were very soft shooting. I'm not a trap shooter but I managed to break about 60% of the birds from the 16 yard line with the Picatinny rail attached and the VERSA MAX worked perfectly. I shot my coworker's Silver Seitz for the last station of the second round using the same loads and there was noticeably more felt recoil. Still two thumbs up for the VERSA MAX Tactical.

American Rifleman featured the VERSA MAX Tactical this week and stated that the receiver is steel and that the VMT is chambered for 3-1/2" shells. Both of those specs are incorrect according to my magnet and the stamping on the barrel!

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

I just picked up an 870 Express Tactical Model 81198 - it is the same one you have without the pistol grip and a the paint job. I am looking forward to getting it out to the range tomorrow and putting some lead down range. A buddy of mine got one about 2-3 years ago, and he has been humming along with it.

 

[PT92]

I'm very pleased with these two new shotguns, a VERSA MAX Tactical and an 870 Express Tactical A-TACS both purchased within the last few weeks. I tried a bunch of different shotshells in both and they worked just fine with the exception of Winchester low recoil, low noise target load (AA12FL8) in the VERSA MAX which didn't produce enough gas to cycle the action. The finish on the VERSA MAX receiver is really nice ... looks like Cerakote or similar. The VERSA MAX comes with green, red and white HiViz interchangeable front sights as well as a Picatinny rail, adjustable LOP and interchangeable cheek piece (taller one shown)...

Not too proud to say it--I'm Jealous at that beautiful hardware! Seriously nice looking stuff--I have yet to see a bad review of Remington's newest line (first saw them at Shotshow and was awestruck and then again in April in STL's NRA Convention). The only thing I would have liked to have seen different for a 'tactical' shotgun is a shorter barrel like that found on my 1187P. Yet 22'' is not a deal killer I guess unless your actual LE/MIL.

-Cheers

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

I took my 870 express tactical out today and had great fun blowing jugs down the range. Federal Field loads worked great, Remington Field loads jammed frequently, Winchester 3inch magnum buckshot, and slugs cycled well but destroyed by shoulder.

 

[XTrooper]

My apologizes for resurrecting this post, but I'm considering the purchase of a Versa Max Tactical as my next shotgun and am wondering if you're still happy it?

Also, do you find the 22" barrel to be a hindrance (too long or too heavy) in its role as a tactical shotgun? I ask because I'm also considering waiting for the R12 (with 18" barrel) to become available, supposedly by the end of the year.

BTW, I have a 870 Tactical 81198. It's a good, solid gun, but, honestly, I prefer my autoloaders.

 

[PT92]

...the R12 (with 18" barrel) to become available, supposedly by the end of the year.

BTW, I have a 870 Tactical 81198. It's a good, solid gun, but, honestly, I prefer my autoloaders.

It's interesting that Remington seems to be manufacturing three different tactical shotguns now: 1) VersaMax 2) R12 3) the 1187P

 

[XTrooper]

The R12 is simply their designation for the police versions of the Versa Max. I'm considering the 18" barrel version.

 

[PT92]

The R12 is simply their designation for the police versions of the Versa Max. I'm considering the 18" barrel version.

That's confusing in that they specifically market the 1187P (P for police) whereas neither the R12 or Versa are marketed as such? The VersaMax has, of course, an 8+1 capacity as well. Just seems to be three different tactical models which is unique (I have the 1187P and swear by it).

 

[MCMXI]

I'm considering the purchase of a Versa Max Tactical as my next shotgun and am wondering if you're still happy it?

Yes, I'm very happy with it. I was going to buy a Benelli M4 but feel that the VERSA MAX is a good (and considerably cheaper) alternative. It seems to be reliable, comfortable to shoot and I'm very impressed with the overall build quality.

Also, do you find the 22" barrel to be a hindrance (too long or too heavy) in its role as a tactical shotgun?

I don't find it to be too long or too heavy. If I were getting in an out of vehicles all day I might wish for a shorter barrel, but since I'm not it's not an issue for me.

BTW, I have a 870 Tactical 81198. It's a good, solid gun, but, honestly, I prefer my autoloaders.

I bought one of those a couple of weeks ago. I haven't put any rounds through it yet but I'll get around to it.

I spoke with the lead engineer on the VERSA MAX Tactical program recently to ask why the barrel doesn't have 3-1/2" stamped on it. He told me that with a full magazine tube of heavy shells and the extra recoil using heavier loads, the hulls in the magazine can buckle which may cause feeding/ejection issues.

 

[XTrooper]

Yes, I'm very happy with it. I was going to buy a Benelli M4 but feel that the VERSA MAX is a good (and considerably cheaper) alternative. It seems to be reliable, comfortable to shoot and I'm very impressed with the overall build quality.



I don't find it to be too long or too heavy. If I were getting in an out of vehicles all day I might wish for a shorter barrel, but since I'm not it's not an issue for me.



I bought one of those a couple of weeks ago. I haven't put any rounds through it yet but I'll get around to it.

I spoke with the lead engineer on the VERSA MAX Tactical program recently to ask why the barrel doesn't have 3-1/2" stamped on it. He told me that with a full magazine tube of heavy shells and the extra recoil using heavier loads, the hulls in the magazine can buckle which may cause feeding/ejection issues.

Thanks for the reply. The Versa Max is definitely high on my want list.

 

[XTrooper]

That's confusing in that they specifically market the 1187P (P for police) whereas neither the R12 or Versa are marketed as such? The VersaMax has, of course, an 8+1 capacity as well. Just seems to be three different tactical models which is unique (I have the 1187P and swear by it).

The R12 is marketed as a military/police shotgun, but it seems they are currently pushing it more as a military weapon. I can only guess this is because of the large number of 1187 shotguns they likely still have in inventory.

http://remingtonmilitary.com/en/Firearms/Shotguns Auto/R12.aspx