Field Test Review of the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 9 Round, Shotgun Magazine
As someone who’s spent well over a decade putting gear through its paces across a spectrum of demanding environments – from the rugged outdoors to the precise confines of a workshop and the unpredictable nature of fieldwork – I approach new equipment with a healthy dose of skepticism and a keen eye for detail. My recent acquisition of the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 9 Round, Shotgun Magazine was driven by a specific need. My Rock Island Armory VR80, a platform I’ve come to rely on for its versatility, was suddenly finding itself in situations where its standard magazine capacity felt limiting. The need for extended, uninterrupted operation, especially during extended range sessions or specific tactical drills, became apparent.
This wasn’t a purchase made on a whim. I’d considered a few other aftermarket magazine options, but ultimately, the allure of a factory-standard replacement, promising seamless integration and guaranteed compatibility, led me back to Armscor. My initial impression upon unboxing this specific model was one of quiet competence. It possessed a solid, albeit polymer, construction, and the black finish was uniformly applied. It felt robust enough, lacking any of the cheap flex I’ve encountered in lesser magazines. My first reaction was a simple, pragmatic sense of satisfaction – the problem was identified, and a seemingly straightforward solution was now in hand.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 9 Round, Shotgun Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of this 9-round magazine was conducted at my local indoor shooting range, a controlled environment where I could focus on its feeding performance. I loaded it with various 12-gauge loads, from standard birdshot to heavier buckshot, and cycled them through the VR80. The operation felt smooth, with no initial hang-ups or difficult loading.
In terms of performance, it fed reliably through several magazines, maintaining consistent cycling of the action. I noted that the polymer magazine body handled the pressure of fully loaded shells well, without any noticeable bulging or deformation. The ease of use was immediate; it slotted into the receiver of my VR80 with a familiar click, and magazine changes felt as intuitive as with the factory standard.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and well over a hundred magazine changes, this Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 9 Round, Shotgun Magazine has proven itself to be a reliable performer. It has been subjected to repeated loading and unloading cycles, simulating real-world use, and has held up remarkably well.
Durability has been good; there are no visible cracks, significant scuffs, or loss of tension in the spring. It hasn’t shown any signs of performance degradation, which is a testament to its design and material. Maintenance is straightforward, consisting primarily of a quick wipe-down and ensuring the feed lips are clear of debris. Compared to some generic replacement magazines I’ve used in the past, which often developed feed issues after heavy use, this Armscor model has been a significant upgrade.
Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 9 Round, Shotgun Magazine
Specifications
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 9 Round, Shotgun Magazine boasts a 9 round capacity, which is a notable increase over the standard capacity many users might be accustomed to. It is specifically chambered for 12 Gauge ammunition, making it compatible with a wide range of shotgun shells. The magazine features a polymer magazine body, a material chosen for its balance of durability and weight savings. Its black finish provides a utilitarian and unobtrusive aesthetic.
These specifications are critical to its function. The increased 9 round capacity directly addresses the need for more sustained firing without frequent reloads, enhancing operational efficiency. The choice of polymer for the body suggests a design focused on modern manufacturing techniques, offering resilience while keeping the overall weight manageable. The 12 Gauge designation ensures it’s tailored for the specific ammunition its compatible firearms are designed to use.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function, this magazine performs exceptionally well. It reliably feeds 12 Gauge ammunition into the Rock Island Armory VR80, VR60, and VRBP-100 firearms. The spring tension is robust, ensuring positive feeding even during rapid firing sequences.
A significant strength is its consistent feeding reliability across different ammunition types. Weaknesses are minimal; while the polymer construction is durable, it may not possess the extreme impact resistance of a solid steel magazine in the most abusive scenarios. However, for its intended purpose and price point, it exceeds expectations for reliable feeding.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this magazine is straightforward and functional, prioritizing usability. The polymer magazine body offers a good grip surface, and its dimensions are well-suited for handling and insertion. It integrates seamlessly with the host firearms, providing a positive and secure lock-up.
Ergonomically, it’s comfortable to handle, and the texture on the body aids in a secure grip during magazine changes. There’s virtually no learning curve for users familiar with detachable box magazines. The clean lines and consistent finish contribute to a professional look.
Durability & Maintenance
This magazine is designed for repeated use and appears to be built for longevity under typical operational conditions. For a polymer magazine, its apparent durability is impressive, showing minimal wear after extensive cycling. It’s easy to maintain; a quick cleaning and inspection are usually all that’s required.
Potential concerns are minimal. Like any magazine, repeated heavy impacts on hard surfaces could eventually lead to damage. However, for its intended role as a reliable feeder, its durability seems more than adequate.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is a standalone magazine, and as such, it does not come with accessories or offer inherent customization options like an optic might. Its primary utility lies in its direct functionality as a replacement or extended-capacity feeder for compatible Rock Island Armory shotguns. Compatibility with aftermarket magazine wells or speed-loaders designed for the VR series would be the extent of its “accessory” integration.
Pros and Cons of Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 9 Round, Shotgun Magazine
Pros
- 9 round capacity offers a significant advantage for extended shooting sessions.
- Reliable and consistent feeding of 12 Gauge ammunition.
- Durable polymer magazine body construction.
- Designed as a standard factory replacement for seamless integration.
- Black finish provides a classic, professional look.
Cons
- Polymer construction, while durable, might be less impact-resistant than metal alternatives in extreme conditions.
- Capacity is limited compared to some tubular fed shotguns, though it’s standard for this platform.
Who Should Buy Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 9 Round, Shotgun Magazine?
This magazine is an excellent choice for owners of the Rock Island Armory VR80, VR60, or VRBP-100 shotguns who find themselves wanting more rounds between reloads. It’s ideal for shooters who engage in extended range sessions, competitive shooting where faster follow-up shots are crucial, or any scenario where minimizing downtime for reloads is beneficial. Individuals looking for a reliable, factory-spec replacement or upgrade will find this unit fits the bill perfectly.
Those who absolutely require the absolute maximum in impact resistance in a magazine might consider a metal alternative if available, though this is less of a concern for typical use. For anyone operating in environments where dropping magazines repeatedly on concrete is a frequent occurrence, a more robust material might be a consideration, but for standard operation, it’s more than sufficient. I would recommend pairing this with a good quality magazine pouch that allows for quick and secure retention.
Conclusion on Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 9 Round, Shotgun Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG Rock Island Armory VR80/VR60/VRBP-100, 12 Gauge, 9 Round, Shotgun Magazine stands out as a highly functional and reliable accessory for its intended firearms. Its 9 round capacity and durable polymer construction make it a practical and valuable upgrade or replacement. The performance has been consistently solid, with reliable feeding and a design that integrates perfectly with the VR series shotguns.
At a price point of $42.59, this magazine offers excellent value for the improved operational capability it provides. For any owner of a compatible Rock Island Armory shotgun, I would readily recommend this model. It delivers on its promise of increased capacity and reliable function, making it a smart investment for anyone looking to get more out of their shotgun.