Remington's New 3.5" Auto the Versa Max.

I also would like to hear more about Remington’s new Auto loader. I really hope that big green has done their homework on this one and not have another failure like the CTI. It would be nice to one day see this American company on top of the import pile.

So far it seems that it may be a decent addition to the scattergun world assuming that it is deemed dependable. I doubt Benelli or Beretta is loosing any sleep over it though.
 
The way the VersaMax self regulates, the gas pressure is accumulated by an array of vent openings in the forcing cone area. The shorter the hull, the more openings are exposed. Theoretically, this is an interesting concept; however, with gas guns, the farther back the gas vent is located, the more fouling they accumulate -- the forcing cone is probably the worst location for vents. Typically, gas operated rifles have a tube to collect the gas from further up the barrel (one gives the Kalashnikov its distinctive profile), this is to minimize vent fouling. Since vent fouling is a problematic in the large, mid-barrel, vent hole/s of the R-1100 and R-11.87, what happens with an array of smaller holes at the back if the barrel?

Another question, with the vents in the forcing cone area, what happens to the hulls if you're a reloader? Will the 3 and 3-1/2-inch hulls tend to self destruct where they cover vent holes? Unfortunately, the Remington site doesn't have the VersaMax owners manual available, so we can't peruse the specific ammo recommendations and cleaning procedures.

I'm a Remington owner; but, I don't think I want to be the first one on my block to have one of these new Remingtons, do you?
 
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Here's what I think !

I'm not in the market for a new semi-auto shotgun , as my 1100s and 870s work just fine ! I'd look this gun over if I was . ;)
 
I would think that given what I have seen out of Reminton in my few years of shooting this one may be more a dud than a stud. I have seen a couple of new 870 "express" shotguns that didnt function properly in the past couple of months, if you cant make a proper pump gun maybe don't bother trying with a 3.5" auto.

How does the 3.5" hull not collapse into all those holes under it and jam?

How do they keep it from fouling horribly with all that hot gas straight out of the forcing cone?

I think I'll stick with my new Beretta Xtrema 2.
 
From Remington's website: said:
Product Recall Notice

Warning

DO NOT USE YOUR REMINGTON VERSA MAX SHOTGUN

Remington has found that a limited number of its Versa Max shotguns may have hammers out of specification. This condition may result in inconsistent firearm performance. Inconsistent firearm performance may result in property damage, serious personal injury or death.
Click to expand...
http://www.remington.com/pages/news...er/safety-warning-recall-notice-VersaMax.aspx

Not a good way to launch a new shotgun design....
 
It's not the first time a new gun has been called back. Look what happened when S&W took over domestic production of the time tested Walther PPK/s -- they messed it up and had to do a recall. What about Ruger's new pocket pistol, the LCP -- it got recalled, too. Recall, or not... I'll stick with what I said in early September,
I'm a Remington owner; but, I don't think I want to be the first one on my block to have one of these new Remingtons, do you? ​
 
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