The AR-type rifle is without a doubt the most popular model in the United States today, and it should come as no surprise that some entrepreneurial weapons makers would modify the style. I’m referring about six shotguns from the VR60 line of tough-looking self-loaders.
Even though it has its perks, in this post I’ll be covering the common Rock Island VR60 problems.
These problems include malfunction with low brass ammunition, hefty spring, failure to eject & ill-fitted rail segment.
But first, let’s take a look at the spec sheet.
Features & Specifications of Rock Island VR60:
| Gauge | 12 gauge |
| Barrel length | 20 inches |
| Finish | Black |
| Choke | F. IM, M |
| Weight | 7.3lbs |
| Capacity | 5 rounds |
Common Rock Island VR60 Problems and Solutions
| Problems | Solution |
| Malfunction with low brass ammunition | User more powder/high brass ammo |
| Failure to eject | Check for component failure/ keep the gun clean |
| Long break-in period | Follow proper instruction |
| Ill fitted rail | Take it to a gunsmith/ send it to RIA |
| Not easy to load | Replace the spring |
1. Malfunction with Low Brass Ammunition
Some semi-automatic shotguns have difficulty cycling low brass because there is insufficient recoil to cycle the action.
Unfortunately, the VR60 belongs to the same category. So, you will have to deal with this problem.
The Fix:
You have the option of loading with a lot or a little powder and shot. You don’t even need the brass anymore, and some shells have been sold with no brass at all. The only actual distinction is marketing hype.
In actuality, these shells are often made of steel with a harsh “finish.” One of the reasons we experience extraction issues with the cheaper shells is because of this. Steelheads with more steel in the base expand like brass but do not “relax” or shrink as much as genuine brass heads. This makes them more difficult to remove.
2. Failure to Eject
Failure to eject a cartridge occurs most typically when the casing of a recently fired bullet does not effectively exit the gun’s chamber.
This is typically caused by a damaged extractor claw, an abnormally unclean gun chamber, a failed case rim, or a variety of other factors.
The Fix:
Consider the following principles to avoid failed round extractions:
- Check that your gun has been thoroughly cleaned.
- Check that your gun’s parts are not shattered. Damaged or defective.
- Check the extractor and extractor spring in your firearm with a reputable gunsmith.
If your firearm is having difficulty removing the cartridge from the chamber, get the extractor and extractor spring examined by a reputable gunsmith.
If your weapon is having trouble ejecting a spent case, the interaction between the ejector and the mass and center of mass of the polymer case is most likely to blame.
3. Long Break-in Period
When a weapon is manufactured, it is purposely engineered to be “tight” in specific aspects, because the alternative would be undesired. After all, you don’t want a new gun with a bunch of loose components.
Aside from manufacturing “tightness,” most barrels are claimed to contain minuscule areas that are slightly elevated from the remainder of the barrel. These flaws can have an impact on the gun’s performance.
The Fix:
The procedure starts with firing a shot, then cleaning the barrel and repeating the process multiple times. The bore patch should be quite dirty at the start of this operation, but it should get less gunked with each shot after a time.
After many rounds of alternate shots and cleaning swipes, the frequency of shots before cleaning should be increased, generally 5-10 rounds.
After a few more of these sessions, most people will agree that the rifle has been “safely” broken in, and you may see a tiny gain in accuracy and bullet velocity.
4. Ill-fitted Rail Segment:
There have been complaints of ill-fitted rail segments on this shotgun. As a result, when you wish to install scopes like Vortex Sparc it will wobble from side to side. You will face the same problem when attaching a flashlight.
This problem is caused by the poor-quality control unit that missed this problem and failed to make the adjustment.
The Fix:
Any reputed gunsmith can solve this problem. All they have to do is to make some tweaking on the rail so the scope attaches to it tightly. You could also send it to the manufacturer, it will take some time.
5. Not Easy to Load:
The spring is so powerful that the shell coming out of the magazine will occasionally grab the shell coming out of the chamber, causing a malfunction.
You will also have difficulty reloading magazines if your arms are not strong enough. The strong spring alone is responsible for making the reloading process harder.
The Fix:
Here is how you replace the spring:
- To remove the barrel, first, turn the action to half-cocked and loosen the barrel nut.
- Then, using both hands, grasp the forward end of the magazine tube and spin it counterclockwise. Once it begins to turn, be cautious while unscrewing it because it is under spring strain.
- If you can’t get it to move, the mag tube’s threads may be clogged with Loctite. Heat the receiver where the mag tube is screwed in with a heat gun to soften the sealer. There isn’t too much heat!
- Use no instruments on the tube. It is made of thin metal that can be easily damaged.
User Feedback on Rock Island VR60
If you take a look at the threads like nationalgunforum, and texashuntingforum you will see that this shotgun has got a mixed reaction from most users. As some users said it was a gimmick and others said the shotgun was worth it.
The VR60 12-gauge shotgun, according to company literature, “is ideal for all levels of hunting and sports” aficionados. The fact that they just resemble a modern sports rifle implies that they will most likely appeal to the generation of shooters who have grown up with the platform.
On the AR rifle, the safety is even situated in the same location – on the left side of the receiver, above the grip. If you are an AR fan, then this gun is most likely to fit right in.
Top 3 Alternative Guns of X
Origin 12 Short Barrel Shotgun
Indiana-based The Origin line of semi-auto AR-style 12-gauge firearms from Fostech was first presented a few years back with the slogan “The Fastest-Cycling Such Animal in the Jungle.” Additionally, they are smaller than the VR60.
FEAR-116BLACK
It features a steel barrel with a vented shroud that is chrome lined. The line has an intriguing feature: a slotted fore-end rail that can carry an additional magazine as a makeshift forward grip. A function that VR60 does not offer.
EAA Corp Husan Arms MKA 1919
Many of its modern rivals are merely 1919-style clones. It is simple to understand why it is frequently mimicked given that it has a manageable overall length of 38 inches and can accommodate drum magazines in addition to five separate chokes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Rock Island VR60 a good shotgun?
It runs consistently and is a true workhorse of a gun; for the price, it’s an excellent semi-auto shotgun.
Can you shoot slugs in a VR60?
Because the line-of-sight is 2.5′′ above the bore’s centerline, the center of your pattern will be somewhat low at close ranges. It’s not a major concern with shots, but it may be with slugs.
What is Rock Island VR60?
The Rock Island VR60 Semi-Auto Shotgun is a performance shotgun with AR features and feels that is ideal for all hunting and sporting fans.
What chokes does a VR60 use?
The Rock Island Armory VR60 comes with three chokes for modifying, improving, and expanding the cylinder bore. A good small choke wrench is also included.
Conclusion
Shooting the gun is a lot of fun. It fires shells with ferocity and travels as quickly as you can pull the trigger. I enjoy the power of a semi-auto shotgun, and it’s a lot of fun to go through boxes of rounds with this bad boy. It’s a terrific workhorse of a rifle that operates reliably. It’s a superb semi-auto shotgun for the price.
