1500-Round Review of the RIA VR80
By Matt Broxterman – Updated January 26, 2022
The RIA VR80 is a semi-automatic, magazine-fed, 12 gauge shotgun that has become very popular in the multi-gun competition world.
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We should begin this review by tipping our hat to whoever came up with the idea of combining an AR15 and a 12 gauge shotgun into one firearm. I‘ve had many enjoyable shooting experiences over the years, but there is nothing quite like putting eighteen 12 Gauge rounds downrange in 2.9 seconds.
Brief introduction to the VR80 series & destroying some targets at the range.
The VR80 is a ton of fun to shoot. Like many semi-automatic, magazine-fed shotguns, however, the VR80 can be finicky.
We’ll say more about that below. First, here’s a quick outline of what we’ll be covering in this review.
Click on any of the titles in the outline to jump directly to that section.
VR80 Review Outline
Summary
When it comes to semi-auto, mag-fed shotguns, at least in the world of multi-gun competition, there are two models that dominate. The Dissident Arms KL-12 Elite (starting at $4,100) and the RIA VR80 (starting at $599).
Most VR80’s that are running at a high level have been thoroughly modified (putting them closer to the $2,000 mark), but that is still considerably less than the Dissident option. This is a big reason for the VR80’s popularity, especially among those who are still testing the waters of Open Division.
Reports vary widely when it comes to the reliability of unmodified VR80’s. Some claim theirs run great right out of the box, but chances are you will have to do some work if you want a VR80 that is up to the demands of competition shooting.
Of course, not everyone is in the market for a competition shotgun.
If you are looking for something that is unique, somewhat awe-inspiring, and REALLY fun to blast pumpkins with out on the range, the VR80 is pretty perfect – as long as you don’t mind clearing an occasional misfeed.
This review is based on my experience with a VR80 I purchased about a year ago. I have done a fair amount of work to my VR80 and have around 1500 rounds downrange with it. I also used it to compete in 9 multi-gun matches this past season.
While writing this review, I consulted with two people who shoot, sell and work on VR80’s for a living.
In a nutshell, my experience with the VR80 over the last year has included many ups and downs, but I have learned a lot. One thing I learned for sure is that I love Open Division and don’t think I can ever go back.
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
As a Recreational Firearm –
ABSOLUTELY
As a Defensive Firearm –
ABSOLUTELY NOT
As a Competition Firearm –
Only if you are willing to invest the additional time & money it will likely take to get your VR80 up to speed.
Pros & Cons
PROS
CONS
- Starting around $599, the VR80 is very reasonably priced.
- The AR-style platform means a large selection of upgrades & accessories are available for the VR80.
- VR80s have been around for a few years so a fair amount of information is available about them.
- The VR80 is a good entry-level option for multi-gun competitors who want to try their hand at open division.
- The VR80 is very unique & incredibly fun to shoot.
CONS
- You may have to spend additional time & money to get your VR80 to run reliably enough for competition use.
- The VR80 requires frequent cleaning & proper lubrication for optimum performance.
- The VR80 is a little on the heavy side – especially when you get 19 12-gauge rounds & a steel mag on board (base weight is 8.27 lbs).
10-Point Review
1. Reliability (6/10)
Evaluating the reliability of the VR80 is the most difficult part of this review as I’ve heard reports of so many different experiences.
Some claim theirs work great right out of the box. Some have good luck after running 150 or so high-brass rounds through or leaving the charging handle locked back for 30 days. Others have only been able to get their VR80 to run consistently after expanding the gas ports, polishing down machine marks from the factory, or sending it off to a specialist to tweak it for them.
I have done a fair amount of work to my VR80 and still have some issues with spent shells not wanting to fully eject. My personal experience is the reason for the low reliability score.
I should add that I have yet to send my VR80 to a specialist, I have not been running premium ammo and there’s a good chance my magazines are a little bent out of shape.
I know a handful of multi-gunners who compete with VR80’s on a very high level and have no problems at all, however, each has had their VR80 serviced by a specialist and are running tuned magazines with high quality shotgun shells.
This video shows a common malfunction that I experienced with the VR80 + HOW TO FIX IT.
2. Accuracy (10/10)
I could not be more pleased with the accuracy of the VR80. When I am doing what I’m supposed to (and my choke is clean), target loads are always spot-on.
I can also shoot about a 3-inch group at 50 yards using 438 grain Federal TruBall slugs.
Since we’re on the subject, don’t forget to use rifled slugs (as opposed to sabot).
3. Trigger (7/10)
The factory VR80 trigger is nothing to write home about. It is clunky and pretty much feels like your average mil-spec trigger. I will add the actual pull weight to this review when I have a chance to measure, but I would guess it breaks around eight pounds.
Shooting a shotgun does not generally require a premium trigger for precision purposes, but upgrading can help split times and just make it more fun to shoot.
It is worth mentioning that the VR80 trigger is slightly different than a standard AR trigger, so options are limited.
As far as I know, only two are available (one made by Elftmann and the other by Tooth & Nail Armory). Both are great and both are available with curved or flat shoes
4. Warranty (10/10)
“Rock Island Armory’s warranty covers its firearms and parts. We offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on our products for their intended purpose.” This is what the Armscor website says about the VR80’s warranty.
To activate your warranty, you must register your VR80 with RIA. Click the button below to learn more and to register your VR80. FYI – Armscor and Rock Island Armory are the same company.
5. Fit & Finish (7/10)
I have no complaints about the VR80’s external fit and finish – especially at a base price of $599.
Some VR80’s may require a little bit of work on the inside, however, like buffing out machine marks or smoothing a few surfaces to get them running at competition level.
There are also occasional inconsistencies in the mag well, which means you may have to try a few different magazines to find a good match. My VR80 has never had this issue, but the stock VR80 I used as a reference for this review was a little pickier.
6. Available Accessories (10/10)
Since the VR80 is built on an AR-pattern platform the number of available upgrades and accessories is considerable. This is one of my favorite things about the VR80.
The button below will take you to a page on our site that covers our favorite VR80 upgrades & accessories. I also walk through some of the upgrades I made to my VR80 in a video at the end of this review.
7. Caliber/Gauge (10/10)
This is a category in my matrix that is probably more important for other firearms I review.
As far as I’m concerned, 12 gauge is a no-brainer for the VR80 as it is the standard for action competition shooting and, in my opinion, just having a good time.
Ammo options are also plentiful and easily accessible (at least in normal times).
8. Sights / Optics (8/10)
The VR80 ships with a set of plastic flip-up sights. While they are nothing fancy, I really appreciate the fact that RIA includes them – they didn’t have to and that is the primary reason for the positive score.
The factory sights will get you by for a while and when you decide to upgrade, you’ll have plenty of options.
The VR80 features a full-length picatinny rail that makes it compatible with almost any red dot, holographic or iron sight system.
Here are a few of our favorites for the VR80.
9. Ergonomics (10/10)
Anyone who is familiar with an AR15 should find the VR80 very easy to operate. The side charging handle might be a little different, but it doesn’t take long to get used to.
I shoot my VR80 from the right shoulder, so I usually run my charging handle on the left side, but it’s nice to have the option of running it on the other side if I want to.
I really appreciate the oversize mag release button as well.
Since the VR80 is so customizable, I can also run my stock of choice (Magpul ACS) and grip of choice (Ergo Deluxe).
This makes my VR80 even more comfortable to shoot and offers consistency with other guns I run.
Note – There is a buffer tube underneath the factory v-stock, but it is finicky. Some commercial stocks work great, but others (like the ACS) will require installation of a new tube.
10. Overall Value (9/10)
As I wrap up this review, I am reminded that the VR80 isn’t actually marketed as a shotgun that is ready to race right out of the box.
Expecting competition-level performance from the VR80 without doing some work on it first is a like taking a factory car to the race track and hoping it will keep up with the big boys.
As a recreational firearm, the VR80 delivers, especially if you take the time to break it in and pick up a few tuned magazines.
There is a chance you may have to drop a little extra cash if you want to eliminate an occasional misfeed, but with a base price of $599 can we really complain?
If you ARE interested in the VR80 as a competition shotgun, look at it this way.
Best case scenario, you drop $599 and get one that runs right out of the box. That would be an insanely good value (and it is within the realm of possibility).
On the other end of the spectrum, picking up a VR80 for $599 and sending it off to Tooth & Nail Armory for a complete competition overhaul ($949) only puts you at $1,548 total (excluding magazines, optics and other upgrades you might make).
In the world of competition firearms, I would say that’s still a pretty good deal.
SCORE – 87/100
Semi-Automatic, Magazine-Fed, 12-Gauge Shotguns Under $1000
THE VR80 IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN THESE COLORS
Upgrades & Accessories
One of my favorite things about the VR80 is its customizability.
In this video I compare my VR80 side-by-side with one that is fresh from the factory and talk about my favorite upgrades & accessories.
Tips & Tricks
The internet abounds with advice on how to get peak performance out of the VR80 shotgun.
The Tips & Tricks included below come from people who make a living shooting, selling, or working on VR80’s.
1. Break in your Recoil Spring by running 150 rounds of high brass ammo through your VR80.
Locking the charging handle back for 30 days can also help.
2. Run magazines that have been tuned by people who know what they are doing.
Tooth & Nail Armory sells tuned magazines (and they know what they’re doing).
3. Keep Your VR80 Clean & Properly Lubricated
Do not apply lubrication forward of the upper receiver (covered in my Basic Maintenance Video below).
4. Use Quality Ammo with Firmer Hulls
(Winchester AA, Federal Gold Medal Grand, Remington Nitro or STS)
* Don’t let shells get too warm or hulls will soften *
If you have tried all of these are still having issues, it may be time for some internal work.
Expanding the gas ports with a #31 drill bit & buffing out any factory machine marks (especially on the barrel) can make a big difference.
Have a professional gunsmith do this for you.
If this doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to send your VR80 to a specialist.
Here are two of the best in the business.
Tooth & Nail Armory – https://www.toothandnailarmory.com
Service Packages range from $349 (includes new trigger) – $949.
Turn-around time is generally pretty fast.
Hayes Custom Guns – https://hayescustomguns.com
Service Packages range from $600 – $1500.
Turn-around time is generally several months.
Unboxing Video
Here’s a quick unboxing video – in case you are wondering what ships with the VR80 (or you just like unboxing videos).
Basic Maintenance Video
This video covers basic maintenance of the VR80 – Disassembly, Lubrication, Essential Cleaning & Reassembly.
Thank’s so much for reading – hope it was helpful. We will continue to post more content on the website & our YouTube channel.
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We also invite you to share your experience with the VR80 in the comment section of our videos.