Surely you've heard plenty of the buzz during the last year regarding Remington's latest gas-operated autoloading shotun, the Versa Max. I've been testing one, and will continue to post updates here in my "Mixed Bag" blog.
Since the gun was released, folks in the shooting and hunting communities instantly began speculating about whether or not Remington was planning to release multiple versions of the Versa Max. Will there be a turkey hunting version with a short barrel? Will there be a deer/big game hunting version with a rifled barrel? Will there be a tactical version?
The jury's still out on a few of the potential Versa Max offerings for hunters, but for all you black gun fans out there, the wait is over. Remington finally leaked some information to the general public on their Facebook page this week about the latest in the Versa Max line: the Versa Max Tactical.
But the North American Hunting Club was there first. The Versa Max Tactical was unveiled at a private showing earlier this week at Remington's research and development facility. North American Hunter Editor Gordy Krahn was one of few hunting and shooting journalists to attend the secret preview showing, so naturally I prodded him for info and photos upon his return.
The Versa Max Tactical will be shipped to retailers this winter (December 2011). As you can see in the photo above, it's a wicked-looking tactical autoloader featuring an all-black finish and, of course, an extended magazine tube. Its mold grips feature the Versa Max's signature checkering—a series of Remington "Rs."
According to what Gordy was told and shown at the unveiling, the technical specs for the Versa Max Tactical at this time are as follows:
- 12 gauge
- 22-inch barrel (more barrel options to come)
- Magazine capacity: 2.75-inch (7+1); 3-inch (6+1); note: there is no 3.5-inch option
- Picatinny rail mounted on receiver
- Clamp on side of barrel for mounting lights, lasers and other accessories
- Over-sized bolt handle, release button and safety
- Two choke options: improved cylinder; ported "tactical" breacher choke
- MSRP: $1,399
Keep your eyes peeled on store shelves this winter if you want to pet this new tactical puppy. But if you decide to take it for a walk, be sure to keep it on a tight leash—it looks vicious.
Do you own a tactical arsenal? If so, what's in it? Share your comments in the box below.