Monday, March 25, 2019

Rock Island Armory VR80

One of the guns I was really excited about at SHOT Show was the VR80. I bought one as soon as I could find it and brought it home to play. I had a few issues with it, but I'm fairly certain they were GunDiva-caused issues, because I did something I never do - I read the manual. Not only did I read the manual, but I took the dang thing apart and put it back together. I never do that; usually, I get a gun home, take it out of the case and start shooting for the first 1,000 rounds.

I made a little video explaining what I think caused my issues, and it turns out others are having the same problem.



I haven't run the heavier loads through it yet, but I'm fairly certain that now that I've tightened everything down, we just have to make it through the "break in" phase. The manual says it takes about 50 rounds and I only have 10 of the lighter loads through. I had planned on running some more rounds through over the weekend, but didn't get around to it.

Once we're through the break in period, I'll post an update.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

After you have shot more rounds, did your problems ultimately resolve? I just bought VR80 and having same issues that you describe.

GunDiva said...

The issues seem to have resolved by using heavier shot. I will admit I haven't run a lot through, though I had every intention of it. It earned its spot in the gun cabinet when it ran flawlessly to kill a rattlesnake. If nothing else, it's proven itself as a farm gun.

Unknown said...

I am looking at buying one and would like an update! Very interested to hear back!

Unknown said...

did the gun ever start cycling correctly

my friend and I both bought one and they both would not cycle and eject.

is this just a function of breaking it in with 50 rounds or so?

or is there a problem in design?

DAVe

GunDiva said...

@Dave - yes, the gun started cycling properly. This is one gun that definitely needs a break in period. It took between 50-100 rounds to get it properly broken in.
-GunDiva

Harleycobra4.6 said...

These guns have very strong springs in them! Everything needs to be tight! After you shoot your gun when you put it away pull the bolt back and leave open! Leave it that way for a month or when you shoot it leave it open again or just leave it that way for a month! Get some Remington 3 inch nitro shells! These shells really have the power to get that bolt way back and really help break in the recoil spring.just be sure and keep everything tight and it should be operating right after a month of doing these things! Or you can buy a bunch of shells and just keep shooting till it’s broke in,which is pretty hard on your shoulder! I put a limb saver on mine and that helps a lot! If you shoot those Remington nitros the recoil is going to be tough!

Steve O said...

I had the same issue. What gas piston are you using? I put the heavy piston in shooting high brass buckshot and it didn’t cycle. I put the light piston back in but haven’t shot it again.

Unknown said...

Thanks you guys for your reviews. For the price. What is RI doing to fix the Problem..I will be looking at other brands.
Do anyone have any suggestions?