Versa Max Competition Tactical

I used to own a Versa Max Tactical until I let a 3Gun buddy shoot it and he decided that he had to have it. He offered more than I paid for it so... It is an awesome semi auto shotgun. I wasn't aware that the R12 was available to us here in Canada though. The new Versa Max Competition Tactical is pretty neato. They fixed the lifter issue that I kept stabbing myself with on reloads. The mag extension is pretty much just for show in Canada. That being said, I am very seriously considering buying one.
 
I don't have confirmation on the R12 yet, it's not available to the public (I know a guy). I haven't seen the comp tac available either yet but it is widely available in the US so I am hoping for one of the two.
 
The versamax still needs work to make it perfect.
The fore end needs trimming in front of the loading port to get it out of the way for load 2/quad load method of reloading (which are the fastest methods for reloading), the shell catch needs tuning/re-profiling to make reloads easier, the lifter needs tuning and some fitting - Remington extended it to help prevent the thumb getting caught, but it sometimes binds shells as they are loaded in the mag tube, etc
And this is personal preference, but the front of the loading port could use work to really create a funnel and make reloads fast. Remington did a good job with most of it, but there is only so much you can do with a production gun.

Its a new and unique gun, but I could build a much better gun myself based off a regular sportsman model, and likely for quite a bit less cost than the competition model would retail for here.
Considering it still needs work to make it "race ready", I don't think the value for money is there.

This is just my opinion, but I've built a number of vmax's for people and have played with the competition model, so its an opinion based on some experience.
 
Thanks for the first hand account. I won't be competing with this shotgun, it will be just a fun gun for plinking and maybe some clays or light hunting. I like the R12 for the "only one on the block to have it" factor but I would prefer to have it threaded for chokes which leads me to the comp tac.
 
I agree with Pauls. I have done a ton of research and shot lots of other people's guns and in the end decided MY preference was the Versa Max. Bought a sportsman, a few extra parts and next week it goes to Pauls to get a "tune up". Still WAY under the cost of the competition unit and now it is done to my specs and preferences.
 
my sportsmen is all comp'd out with accessories of my choosing. great gun! better than the otc competition model imho

What'd you get done? I've had mine upgraded with a tactical charging handle,welded up the carrier and added a mag extension with a Nordic barrel clamp. I'm planning on getting a bigger bolt release and safety knob.
 
Where would someone go to obtain a bigger bolt release ? And I NEED to change the feeding ramp on mine, it keeps catching my thumb.
Is there an aftermarket ramp I can buy that just swaps out? I know some people are welding theirs, but I'm not sure I'm that brave.
##### it up and I'm up sh*t creek without a paddle.
 
nordic big fat bolt handle, arrendondo speed bar bolt release, carbon arms one piece magtube/shroud with plus 2 ext...all for show of course. Had a friend of mine weld the lifter. took it to another buddy's milling machine and opened up the loading port and cut gills in the bolt. Silicon carbide custom grip and fore end by yours truly. Just shot it at the z-day 3 gun yesterday and ran beautifully. Going to the redneck 3 gun in lone butte bc this saturday!.
 
I put the Taran Tactical into my Versamax and it caused nothing but misfeeds and jams. Would not center the round going in. Went back to the welded lifter that Casey at TacOrd did originally. Ran perfectly, just oxidizing a bit because it was welded. I got the first one that Casey did. Never had a single problem from it. The Taran cost me $80 plus shipping and didn't work. Really should have tested it before a match.
 
I put the Taran Tactical into my Versamax and it caused nothing but misfeeds and jams. Would not center the round going in. Went back to the welded lifter that Casey at TacOrd did originally. Ran perfectly, just oxidizing a bit because it was welded. I got the first one that Casey did. Never had a single problem from it. The Taran cost me $80 plus shipping and didn't work. Really should have tested it before a match.

Yea Casey's work is top notch. I've got one of his carriers in mine, it works about 98% of the time... Not too sure why I get a failure to feed
 
I had a look at a competition when I was in Michigan last week, and, the competition lifter is the way to go. It's the right length, and, it's dished out to allow some centering of the round, while also not snagging your thumbnail.

I've just practiced my load method to have my thumb bent 90 degrees so that it's inline with the shells as I jam them in. With load two I also don't need to trim the handguard at all, however, for load four this does seem to be the agreed upon modification necessary.

If I'm going to start shooting in the US more like I think I am, I may pick up a second extension that better suits going to the load four method, and then I'll make a few modifications.
 
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