Thoughts on AR style shotguns

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I have a semi automatic 20 gauge which I was considering using for predators as well. But the more I think about it the more I think a 12 gauge will be beneficial. Being that I use my 20 gauge for turkeys and deer, I was considering a 12ga AR style shotgun for home defense and also being a nice compact gun for predators and running bobcats with dogs. What are your thoughts on AR shotgun’s?? Or should I just stick with a traditional semi automatic shotgun, something like a Mossberg 930

Something like the one below. Feel free to make recommendations

https://www.armslist.com/posts/12948769/...de--tac-pro--12
 
Get a Benelli M2 with a +2 magazine extension. You'll either be out of coyotes or yardage before you are out of shells.
 
Hard pass.

They look cool on TV but I have found them difficult to shoot. If your an AR-guy then you may like them. But I prefer a traditional style shotgun.
 
Biggest issue would be no chokes (which is critical), second issue would be heavier weight. There are also more than a few tales of function issues with the AR styles. Personally, I would take a pass.

P.S. I run a Benelli M2 with a red dot sight and a bright green zombie camo Remington versa max with fiber optic iron sights. Both are high speed low drag shooting machines.
 
I don’t like telling a person on how to spend their money. I would take the advice given by the other members. I have one buddy that has a AR style shotgun, it’s awkward and doesn’t function very well. Another buddy has a AK style shotgun same issues. I don’t remember the brands of the shotguns. Both have quality issues. My opinion is those style of shotguns are for weekends with your buddies. Absolutely not for coyote hunting. Just my 2 cents.
 
If it's dependable I don't see why not. Find out how good it patterns out to 45 yards and go by that. Personally I like a standard shotgun for any kind of huntin. But that's what I'm used to and shoot well. If you could get one threaded for a choke it'd be even better. Having said that out to 35 yards you shouldn't have a problem getting it to pattern pretty good. There's only one way to know for sure. You could try it and trade it in or buy something you like better down the road if you don't like it. It comes down to what you are comfortable shooting. It'd take some getting used to for me. But that's not a big deal because I won't be shootin your gun at coyotes.
 
The OP did state he wants a "nice compact gun." And none of those AR/AK style guns fit that definition.
 
I have the RIA VR80 AR style 12ga...contrary to most of the posts, it is very compact, light and it comes with 3 choke tubes. It does require a "break in" period to get it to cycle reliably...this is usually accomplished in 200-300 rounds and using some high velocity ammo. I actually wish it was a little heavier because with high velocity ammo it has considerable recoil to it. I did put a different stock on it with a 1" recoil pad and that helped a bunch. I attached an Atibol red dot sight to it and it works flawlessly.
A friend of mine purchased a VR80 as well and his runs great now after break in. So I say to the OP...go for it.
 
Actual weight of the VR80 is listed as 9lbs with a five round magazine. That isn't lightweight.
 
I gave my son an 870 several years ago. He took off the wood stock and got a really ugly plastic one similar to those on here and to the best of my knowledge has never fired it one time since! Those AR type guns I just thnk are ugly but don't look all that well to handle either.
 
Originally Posted By: GCActual weight of the VR80 is listed as 9lbs with a five round magazine. That isn't lightweight.
With a 10 round loaded magazine my VR80 weighs 9#2oz. including the red dot sight...add a mag extension to the M2 or an 870 or pretty much any shotgun capable of making that gun hold 10 rounds and see what you have for weight. It will be 9#'s + as well, so I fail to see your point...an M2 weighs 7.2 without mag extension(for 10 rounds) or ammo, an 870 weighs close to 8# and then add mag extension and 10 rounds to it...same thing. Yes, I own an M2, an 870 and a VR80...the VR80 was more a novelty purchase but it is also a very practical weapon and it appeared a lot of answers to the OP question were from people that had no first hand knowledge of them. Not knocking any of the other options expressed...just stating what I know about the VR80. Also my VR80 has a collapsible stock and is as compact as any AR15 rifle. Pics are posted in the photo gallery section to draw your own conclusion.
 
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the one i got to test fire ( i dont know the exact make/model) was poorly tuned out of the box.

the buffer was bottoming out in the buffer tube on every shot - especailly the high brass loads the new guy thought would be funny to slip in the bottom of the first mag he gave me to try to surprise me. He gonna get a surprise when i slip a breneke 3" black magic or magnum crush in the tube of my 870 one of these days when hes shooting with us again "here give this a whirl!" LOL

the gun ran, and never jammed up on us... but felt recoil was more than i expected it would be due to the semi-auto thing.
 
A guy that I know bought a bullpup stock setup for an 870 Express. I've never handled it but I hear it's pretty maneuverable.
 
I know multiple people that have used mag fed semi auto shotguns for competition shooting and so far they are fairly reliable if kept up and clean.
If you are an AR type guy who likes the ergenomics and manual of arms I don't see why you couldn't use one for coyotes.
They are all a bit heavier and bulkier so I wouldn't want to carry 2 guns but on shotgun only stands it would work just great.
Personally I find a traditional non pistol grip shotgun points and swings way better but to each their own
 
Choke problem is an easy fix, you can get it threaded for tubes at a number of places, Briley, Colonial, Orlen.
 
Originally Posted By: G AndersonI have the RIA VR80 AR style 12ga...contrary to most of the posts, it is very compact, light and it comes with 3 choke tubes. It does require a "break in" period to get it to cycle reliably...this is usually accomplished in 200-300 rounds and using some high velocity ammo. I actually wish it was a little heavier because with high velocity ammo it has considerable recoil to it. I did put a different stock on it with a 1" recoil pad and that helped a bunch. I attached an Atibol red dot sight to it and it works flawlessly.
A friend of mine purchased a VR80 as well and his runs great now after break in. So I say to the OP...go for it.

Which brings up another point, I find it absolutely infuriating when a manufacturer (top of the list is Kimber .45) says you will need a "break in period" of 200-300 rds BEFORE it will work properly. Back in the day, that meant $50-$100 of my own ammo. Today, god knows what the cost is if you can find the ammo at all. I just walk away from a company like that. If it doesn't work right straight from the box I want NO part of it.
 


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