Remington Versa Max Review

A short time ago I was asked by my good friend Ross Landsborough of Triggers and bows to try out the new Remington Versa Max shotgun and write a review. I was eager to get my hands on the newest offering from sporting arms giant and quickly agreed to check it out. At first glance I was very pleased with the depth of the camo graphics and the cronite corrosion control coating. An excellent addition to any hardcore waterfowlers arsenal the mossy oak duck blind version was the one that I reviewed. With a 28’’ hammer forged barrel and several choke choices included in the rock solid case all form fitted for security in transport, this weapon will give even the most discerning goose shooter plenty to cue on.

Now, let’s talk turkey. The Realtree AP HD version with the shorter 26’’ barrel for easy manoeuvrability offers all the same accessories as the other models but with the turkey hunter in mind. This thing looks sweet with over moulded rubber grips on the pistol grip and fore stock as well as rubber inlayed into the top of the stock to protect the face from upward recoil.

When I took this gun to the range my first goal was to test the validity of the manufacturers claim that it will smoothly cycle loads ranging from 2 ¾” 7 1/2s to the big 3 ½ ”turkey loads. Well to put it bluntly it does. I put a box of the usually problematic light loads through it. Several were pumped through as fast as I could pull the trigger with not so much as a glitch. Likewise the 3” shells only further demonstrated the effectiveness of the Versa Max’s multi port system.

The next test proved to be a bruiser and I mean that quite literally. I loaded the gun with my favourite 3 ½” turkey loads and mounted it on sand bags to commence with the business of patterning. When I touched it off I was shocked at the felt recoil. The problem was immediately apparent. The gun touting sportsmen of today seem to be obsessed with lighter and lighter guns at a mere 7.5 lbs with machined aluminum receivers and synthetic stocks. The price for this light weight extreme is, as I discovered a bruised cheek and a handsome shiner after only 5 3 ½” shells off of the bench. Granted this may be less of a problem for the consumer looking for a weapon strictly for water fowling as the affects are less potent when felt in the offhand position.

In the typical turkey hunting position seated on the forest floor with your shoulder sandwiched between the recoil pad of the Versa Max loaded with 3 ½”s and the trunk of an ancient oak the recoil could compromise the bone structure of even the sturdiest hunter

All in all a pretty nice gun and now you are armed with a little more info. The next step is to drop by the store and check it out for yourself. I’m sure the boys would be happy to show you one and answer any questions you might have.

Anthony Dickson
Creative Nature