Let’s Talk About Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine is a critical component for anyone relying on the VR series of shotguns. Manufactured by Armscor Precision Inc, this 5-round, 12-gauge magazine is designed for compatibility with the VR60, VR80, VRPA40, and VRBP-100 models, offering a streamlined and reliable feeding solution. I needed a dependable magazine for my VR80 for 3-gun competitions, and the factory magazines weren’t always cutting it.
I was searching for enhanced reliability, specifically looking for consistent feeding without malfunctions. My journey led me to this magazine, hoping for a more robust and dependable solution. Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the sturdy steel construction and the smooth finish of the blued steel. The magazine felt substantial and well-made, indicating a level of quality I was hoping for.
Compared to some aftermarket polymer magazines I’ve used in the past, the Armscor magazine’s steel construction instilled confidence. While some argue for the weight savings of polymer, I prioritize durability for competition use. Initial impressions were positive – the magazine felt like a significant upgrade over the flimsy import magazines that sometimes plague these types of shotguns. I was eager to see how it performed in live-fire testing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range, under bright sunlight and relatively dry conditions. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid magazine changes and controlled pairs to assess the feeding reliability. The magazine seated positively into the magwell of my VR80 with a reassuring “click”.
The first few magazines ran flawlessly. Shells cycled smoothly, and I didn’t experience any of the dreaded failures to feed that I had with some other magazines. There were no issues with the follower sticking or the magazine failing to lock the bolt back after the last round.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including weekly range trips and participation in two 3-gun competitions, the magazine has proven to be exceptionally reliable. There are only minor signs of wear, primarily some slight scuffing on the blued finish. The magazine has consistently performed without any malfunctions.
Maintenance is straightforward; I typically wipe down the exterior with a silicone cloth and occasionally disassemble it to clean the interior. The steel construction has held up well, showing no signs of bending or deformation. This magazine has significantly outperformed the original factory magazine that came with my VR80. I now trust it implicitly for competition use.
Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine
Specifications
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine boasts several notable specifications. It is chambered for 12 Gauge shells, holding a capacity of 5 rounds. The magazine body is constructed from steel and features a blued finish for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.
It is designed specifically for compatibility with the Rock Island Armory VRPA40, Rock Island Armory VRBP-100, Rock Island Armory VR80, and Rock Island Armory VR60 shotguns. The magazine includes a polymer anti-tilt follower and a polymer base plate. These specifications contribute significantly to the magazine’s overall performance. The steel body ensures robust construction, while the anti-tilt follower promotes smooth and reliable feeding.
Performance & Functionality
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine excels in its primary function: reliably feeding 12-gauge shells into compatible shotguns. Its robust construction and anti-tilt follower ensure consistent performance. The magazine locks positively into the magwell, and the shells cycle smoothly.
The primary strength of this magazine is its reliability; it has consistently fed a variety of 12-gauge loads, including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, without any malfunctions. A minor weakness might be the limited 5-round capacity, which may not be ideal for all users, particularly those in states with magazine capacity restrictions. Overall, it has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine is simple and functional. The steel body gives it a solid, reassuring weight, without being overly heavy. The magazine is comfortable to handle and easily manipulated during reloads.
The polymer base plate is slightly textured, providing a good grip for stripping the magazine from a pouch. There is no noticeable learning curve associated with using this magazine. It operates just as you would expect a high-quality shotgun magazine to function.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine suggests it will last for many years with proper care. The blued finish provides a reasonable degree of corrosion resistance. Regular maintenance involves cleaning the interior and exterior after each use.
Disassembly is simple, requiring only a few basic tools. Replacement springs and followers are readily available if needed. The magazine is designed for easy field maintenance, ensuring long-term reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine comes standard with a polymer base plate and anti-tilt follower. There are limited customization options available directly for the magazine itself. However, it is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for AR-15 style magazines.
Aftermarket followers and base plates may be available from third-party manufacturers. The magazine is designed to work seamlessly with the existing accessories for the VR series shotguns, such as extended charging handles and improved bolt releases.
Pros and Cons of Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine
Pros
- Reliable Feeding: Consistent cycling of various 12-gauge loads.
- Durable Steel Construction: Long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple to disassemble and clean.
- Compatible with VR Series Shotguns: Seamless integration with VR60, VR80, VRPA40, and VRBP-100 models.
- Improved over Factory Magazines: A significant upgrade in reliability and performance.
Cons
- Limited 5-Round Capacity: May not be ideal for all users or compliant in all jurisdictions.
- Blued Finish: The blued finish is durable, however, there are more resilient finishes available.
Who Should Buy Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine?
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine is perfect for owners of VR series shotguns who prioritize reliability and durability. This includes competitive shooters, home defense enthusiasts, and tactical training participants. Anyone who relies on their VR series shotgun for serious use will benefit from the enhanced reliability of this magazine.
Those who should skip this product are users looking for high-capacity magazines or those who require ultra-lightweight options. Also, if magazine capacity is restricted to less than 5 rounds, this wouldn’t be suitable. A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch designed for AR-15 magazines, as these typically fit the VR series magazines well.
Conclusion on Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine
In summary, the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRPA40/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 5 Round, Shotgun Magazine is a worthwhile investment for owners of compatible VR series shotguns. Its steel construction, reliable feeding, and ease of maintenance make it a significant upgrade over standard factory magazines. At a price of $41.99, the value proposition is justified by the enhanced reliability and durability it offers.
I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone looking to improve the performance of their VR60, VR80, VRPA40, or VRBP-100 shotgun. Upgrade your VR series shotgun today and experience the difference a quality magazine can make!