ROCK ISLAND ARMORY VRBP-100
Posted May 19, 2023
Rock Island Armory VRBP-100 Shotgun Review
Rock Island Armory’s VRBP-100 shotgun is an excellent choice for a home-defense and hunting shotgun. The VRBP-100 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun with a 3” chamber that accepts 2.75” and 3” magnum shells. It features an 18.5-inch chrome-lined barrel, a Picatinny rail for mounting optics or accessories, a synthetic stock, and an ergonomic pistol grip. I had the pleasure of testing the VRBP-100, and in my opinion, it’s a great all-around shotgun.
Out of the box, the first thing that I noticed about the VRBP-100 was its excellent build quality. It felt solid and solid as a rock. The barrel is chrome lined, so it’s durable and stands up to wear and tear. The Picatinny rail is well machined and has a strong and secure attachment point. The synthetic stock is comfortable and ergonomic, and the pistol grip feels natural in my hands. I like the look and feel of the VRBP-100, and I think the attention to detail is excellent.
Next, I tested out the VRBP-100’s performance. Right away I could tell that the barrel length and recoil system work together to provide an excellent shooting experience. The gun felt balanced and the recoil was light and manageable. I tested the gun with various ammunition types, and it handled each one without any issues.
I then tested the VRBP-100’s reliability and accuracy. It performed like a champ in both categories. The gas system allowed the VRBP-100 to cycle reliably and quickly. I experienced no failures, jams, or misfires. As for accuracy, the 18.5-inch barrel and sight system allowed me to hit targets accurately out to about 100 yards without any difficulty.
Overall, I think the Rock Island Armory VRBP-100 is an excellent choice for a home-defense and hunting shotgun. The build quality is excellent, the performance is great, and the accuracy is impressive. It really stands out among other shotguns in its class. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an all-around shotgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Very affordable entry-level 12-gauge shotgun.
• Compact and lightweight design which makes it easy to handle and transport.
• Reliable semi-automatic action for fast follow-up shots.
• Shooter-friendly features like a reversible bolt release and ambidextrous magazine release.
• Interchangeable barrels can be swapped easily to adapt to different hunting or target shooting applications.
• Versatility to accept multiple types of choke tubes.
Cons:
• Relatively small capacity with a maximum of 5+1 shells in the magazine.
• Limited access to aftermarket stocks and other accessories reduce customization potential.
• Reported QC issues on some models.
• Limited availability of spares and spare parts for repair or upgrades.
Who Should Buy
This shotgun is designed for a variety of shooters, including hunters, competitive shooters, and recreational shooters. It should be suitable for almost anyone looking for a reliable and affordable shotgun. However, because of its size and weight, it may be too large and heavy for some shooters. Additionally, since it is not an AR-style shotgun, it would not be the ideal choice for those who are looking for a tactical shotgun for home defense or law enforcement use.
Comparisons
| ROCK ISLAND ARMORY VRBP-100 | Remington 870 DM | Mossberg 590 Shockwave | Mossberg 590M Mag-Fed Shotgun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Gas-Operated Semiautomatic | Pump-Action | Pump-Action | Pump-Action |
| Caliber | 12 gauge | 12 Gauge | 12 Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Capacity | 5+1 | 6+1 | 5+1 | 10+1 |
| Barrel Length | 20" | 18.5" | 14" | 18.5" |
| Overall Length | 39" | 40.5" | 26.3" | 40.5" |
| Weight | 7 lbs | 7.25 lbs | 4.2 lbs | 7.3 lbs |
Features / Specs
• Gauge: 12 Gauge
• Weight: 8.75 lbs.
• Chamber: 3”
• Overall Length: 40.25”
• Barrel Length: 19.75”
• Magazine Capacity: 5+1
• Stock: Synthetic Fixed
• Sights: Front Bead
Popular Accessories
SHOTGUN
Common accessories for the Rock Island Armory VRBP-100 Shotgun include a magazine tube extension, enhanced safety, heat shield, side saddle and shell holder, muzzle devices, and various other aftermarket parts offered by performance firearm parts companies such as KA Tactical, JTS Group, and Burris Optics.
Accuracy
The ROCK ISLAND ARMORY VRBP-100 is an impressive shotgun that is known for being both ultra reliable and very accurate. This shotgun can easily achieve groupings of less than 2 inches at 25 yards, which is a significant feat for a bullpup style shotgun. The VRBP-100 also features an adjustable gas system, allowing the user to adjust the recoil impulse and adjust the cycles for different types of ammunition. This is great for hunters, competition shooters, and those looking for a general purpose shotgun for home defense. The VRBP-100 is capable of reliably cycling anything from light target loads to 3-inch magnum shells, making it a true all-around shotgun. And, with its enhanced accuracy, there won’t be any excuses when it comes time to take that perfect shot.
