The Armscor RIA VR80 is the second generation of their magazine-fed AR-style shotguns. It’s a semi-automatic, magazine-fed shotgun produced in Turkey and imported by RIA. What sets it apart is the prudent decision to equip it like a current AR-15 with all the bells and whistles.
In terms of issues, you are likely to encounter jamming and barrel troubles. FTF, FTE, and gas adjustment as Rock Island VR80 problems.
However, here I’ll also give solutions to these issues. But first, let’s go through the requirements.
Features & Specifications of Rock Island VR80:
| Caliber | 12 gauge |
| Sight | Front and rear adjustable flip-up |
| weight | 7.3lbs |
| Capacity | 5+1 rounds |
| Cylinder Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel length | 20inches |
Common Rock Island VR80 Problems and Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| Jamming Issue | User recommended ammo |
| Magazine spring | Use molybdenum spray/ change the magazine |
| Failure to feed | Use proper ammunition |
| Failure to eject | Keep the shotgun clean |
| Gas adjustment | Take it to a gunsmith |
1. Jamming Issue
On some semiautomatic shotguns, shells can become stuck between the shell lifter and the bolt. The shell is inserted into the magazine tube between the breech bolt and the shell lifter.
Cheap ammunition clogs the trigger mechanism to the point that the safety will not engage.
The Fix:
The shell itself is the source of many cycling troubles with semis. Estates and “cheap” federal hulls have minimal to no lead in on the hull mouth.
This is what hangs up since there is no taper to guide it into the chamber. Because of narrower chambers/internal geometry, certain firearms are just more likely to jam than others.
2. Magazine Spring
Its low-quality magazine creates difficulties such as difficulty to feed and failure to eject. When you insert the magazine, both the Magazine Latch Spring and the Magazine Latch Catch fall out.
The Fix:
You should also attempt to coat the interior and the follower with some kind of friction-reducing spray. It’s incredible how much friction can be eliminated by employing something like this. Make care to tweak the mag-feeding lips as well.
If that does not solve your problem then you would need to try out another magazine.
3. Failure to Feed
The bolt face appears to become caught on the top shell in the magazine, and you must manually change the bolt forward to force it all the way in. This causes a depression in the next shell or totally removes the magazine.
When you remove the magazine, the bolt advances all the way forward and loads the round. This appears to occur exclusively for the first 4-5 shells.
The Fix:
Match the shell gauge to the gauge of your rifle. A 12 gauge cannon, for example, uses 12 gauge rounds. You should not use a shell of a different gauge than your gun, even if the shell fits in the gun’s chamber.
Purchase the appropriate length shells. The length of the shell is measured in inches. The maximum shell length will be etched on the gun’s barrel. That is the longest shell you can shoot with the gun, however, a shorter shell is always available.
If your older rifle is chambered for a 2 34-inch shell, you cannot use a 3-inch shell. You can, however, utilize a 2 34-inch shell if your pistol is chambered for a 3-inch shell.
4. Failure to Eject
When the casing of a recently fired bullet does not effectively exit the gun’s chamber, the cartridge fails to eject.
This is usually the result of a damaged extractor claw, an exceptionally dirty gun chamber, a failing case rim, or a combination of other reasons.
The Fix:
Before commencing the cleaning process, remove all ammo from the shotgun.
1. The first step in cleaning a semiautomatic shotgun is to remove the magazine and inspect the chamber for obstructions.
2. Remove the barrel from the gun, clean the chamber with a brush, wipe the receiver with a solvent, and reassemble the rifle.
3. Using a solvent and a brush, clean the barrel. To guarantee optimal performance and accuracy, semiautomatic shotguns must be cleaned and greased on a regular basis.
4. Next, use a cleaning rod to clean the barrel of the gun. To properly clean the barrel, use a bore brush.
5. Wipe down the outside using a cleaning cloth.
5. Gas Adjustment
The great majority of feeding issues with gas-operated, centerfire rifles are caused by either too little or too much pressure in the system after firing.
When pressures are not within the acceptable operating range for a certain handgun, the system’s timing is thrown off, and gun components begin to battle with one another.
The Fix:
When I have low gas, I first check that the gas block is correctly aligned with the barrel’s port. If the gas system is adjustable, I double-check that the port within the gas block/regulator is completely open.
If the internal port of a non-adjustable gas block is too tiny, it can be bored open beyond the size of the barrel’s port.
Excessive gas pressure in the operating system is becoming more prevalent. The primary technique to solve the problem is to reduce gas flow through the port.
User Feedback on Rock Island VR80
Since its release, the RIA VR80 has gotten rave reviews from the community. It’s clear from discussions and praise on mdshooter and thehighroad threads. It’s a fantastic shotgun with very few flaws.
As mentioned in brianenos forum, jamming could be an issue with this gun. Another user on longrangehunting also talked about its barrel problem. But, these problems with all others are quite solvable.
The VR80 is a reliable, accurate, and simple-to-use rifle with little recoil. Ruger is known for producing high-quality firearms at low prices, and the VR80 is no exception. If you want a straightforward, uncomplicated semi-automatic rifle that can fire straight, this is an absolute must-have.
If you’ve been thinking about getting an AR shotgun but haven’t decided yet, there’s no reason not to. As a result, you can’t go wrong with this fantastic weapon.
Top 3 Alternative Guns of Rock Island VR80
Benelli M4 Tactical
If you want a high-quality tactical shotgun, the Benelli M4 is the way to go. This 12-gauge gas-powered shotgun has Benelli’s A.R.G.O system, self-cleaning pistons, and a 5+1 magazine.
Tristar Sporting Arms KRX Tactical Shotgun
This AR-style shotgun has a detachable choke system, a full-length Picatinny rail, and a bridge front sight. It is less expensive than the VR80.
Century Arms Centurion Optio-III
OPTIO-III AR-style shotgun with adjustable cheek riser and a 5-round magazine. It features AR style platform and adjustable cheek raiser at a very competitive price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the VR80 rifled?
The VR80 also comes with a removable five-round magazine.
Where is the Rock Island VR80 shotgun made?
The VR80 is made in Turkey and marketed by RIA.
Is the VR80 12 gauge?
It is, indeed, a 12 gauge shotgun.
Is the VR80 worth the money?
Its structure is robust and durable, and you can feel that when you hold it. Obviously, there might be a manufacturing line flaw.
What year did the VR80 come out?
The new AR-style 12 gauge magazine fed shotgun, developed by Rock Island Armory’s Philippine parent firm Armscor, will be available in 2019.
What size shells does VR80 use?
It is magazine fed and has a capacity of 5+1 rounds of 2 3/4 in and 3 in ammunition.
Conclusion
Semi-automatic shotguns are not for everyone. Because some may regard it as a jack of all crafts and master of none. The VR80 might be used for competitions, home defense, and target practice, but there are alternative options, some of which are less expensive and more commonly accessible.
The AR appearance and feel are extremely important, especially in a market saturated with AR-like weapons and systems. It all boils down to your preferences and requirements. If the VR80 appeals to you, you should consider purchasing it.
