Versa-Max

[HKGuns]

I'm guessing the R-1100 outnumbers all of the other gas shotguns ever made.

Sure, if you like 20+ year old gas technology. Have at it as far as I am concerned.

It is pretty sad too, as it is a great example of a company milking a product, not investing in R&D and resting on it's laurels almost to the point where they'll never catch up. Zero innovation, and very few competitive new products. The quintessential sign of a company run by politicians, career managers and bean counters. -How long did it take them to release a 1911?

I'm curious, who do you think is a more established gas gun maker than Remington?

The B guns of course. Beretta (~500 year old company), Benelli and Browning followed closely by Franchi, Fabarm and Winchester. All of which I'd choose before any Remington, regardless of their history or sales numbers.

 

[Technosavant]

Sure, if you like 20+ year old gas technology. Have at it as far as I am concerned.

I get it, you like the latest and greatest. Nothing wrong with that...

Beretta (~500 year old company)

Uh, seriously? I thought time doing something meant little to you...


You're forgetting that firearms are mature technology. The 1100 works great and at most you need to keep some O-rings on hand, but they're dirt cheap and easy to stockpile. Nothing against the newer B guns, but seriously, dude, you've clearly forgotten that the point of shooting is lead on target and not just having a technological arms race. Whatever helps you get lead on target is the way to get it done, whether it's Benelli's newest design or a Remington 1100 that came off the production line while Nixon was still trying to beat the rap.

 

[HKGuns]

You're forgetting that firearms are mature technology.

No I'm not and for the most part you are correct, if you look at it from the most simplistic view. However there have been significant innovative changes made by Beretta within and between the 391 series of shotguns.

For instance, my 391 Urika is significantly more difficult to clean than my 391 Xtrema2.....and my Xtrema2 stays cleaner longer. The gas system is different and better in the Xtrema2 as compared to the Urika.

Gas system, configuration innovation, recoil absorbing innovation and other changes resulted in already great shotguns getting better. The A400 is yet another step up in that evolution that I don't yet have experience with because my other two Beretta's are so solid I have no reason to part with them.

I don't need O-rings either.

Uh, seriously? I thought time doing something meant little to you...

Come on now.....Your putting words in my mouth.

 

[Rugerismisticness]

That 1100 will never last as long as a 391 or Benelli, Remington just never worked as hard to insure the converse. As far as I am concerned, the 1100 system is outdated. How many people have 200,000 rounds through an 1100? Not many, they wear out and need major parts replacements before that time. HK is spot on about Remington being nothing special at the moment. The Versamax (just to return to topic) has potential in the hands of another company. I'm crossing my toes that Benelli comes out with an ARGO sporting gun along the lines of the supersport.

 

[Dave McC]

Some of my favorite technology in firearms dates back to 1911, another to 1950.

And while I do not commute in an awesome 1950 Hudson,had I one in running condition, I just might.

IMO, the Beretta autos are an awful lot of gun. They seem to run forever, and 1100s eat some parts periodically. However, Bill Gillette, one of the last of the old school gunsmiths, said to me that a well maintained 1100 will handle a zillion shots. He did also say that at that point the internals will have more sharp edges than a hatful of broken glass.

And I'll disagree with a comment by the OP. The banter on this thread shows more about the people than the shotguns.....

 

[.300 Weatherby Mag]

I would not trust Remington at the current time based on all of the problems i've had with their firearms and customer service in the last several years.. Also, as well as I shoot my 1100 skeet, I am hating on it at the current time as the carrier broke at approx 1000 rounds.. It's never been fed anything hotter than three dram Winchester AA skeet loads and never has it been fed a hand load.. Good guns but a pain in the behind to clean and mine has not shown any of the reliability or longevity that these guns are supposed to have.. This is not even a new gun but one purchased by my grandfather in the early 80s and never fired.. So this one is supposed to be a good one but it hasn't been kind to me... My father had one that went through thousands of rounds without any failures.. Can't say that about mine...

I would take a look at the offerings by Beretta, Benelli, Browning, and Winchester (in no particular order) and leave the Remington off the list..

 

[dalecooper51]

Last summer, I cracked the receiver on an inherited 1100 that was my father's skeet gun for a couple decades. I needed a replacement and in August decided on a Versamax after having a chance to shoot one. I just surpassed 3,500 rounds through the gun last weekend and have not had any cycling issues. It has reliably run all 3/4, 7/8, 1, and 1 1/8 oz 2 3/4" loads I have fed it. Recoil is very light.

The gun is not without issues. When I received it, the threads were crossed on one of the gas port ferrules. After calling Remington, I had a new barrel before the end of the week. The finish is chipping around the ejection port a little bit, but shooting steel based Gun Clubs this has happened to every automatic I have used in the past. I don't know how well it will stand up for the duration, but right now I am happy with the gun and would give it a solid A- rating.

The green plastic case looks good, but will become useless if you swap the comb for a higher version or use the length of pull shims.

 

[dgludwig]

I'm guessing the R-1100 outnumbers all of the other gas shotguns ever made.

Sure, if you like 20+ year old gas technology. Have at it as far as I am concerned.

If you're referencing the Remington Model 1100, it's pushing a half century of production.

 

[biblengunlover]

Mosssberg 930

I have to admit the knowledge in this forum is impressive.I don't know about the Versa Max, but I have had a few auto shotguns,1100, 11-87, Winchester 1400, Spas-12, A-5. They all had good and bad points.
But my 930 SPX seems to me to be a better gun than any of the others I have had. It shoots anything, it looks great and it can be had in different configurations, home defense or hunting or sporting.
They had teething problems when they first came out, but that has been dealt with and I hear that their customer service is excellent.
You also can't beat the price for a automatic, I paid a little over six hundred for mine just recently.
Just my two cents and beside the SPX looks just plain cool......