RIA VR80 barrel issue

[smokin502]

So I bought a Rock Island VR80 semi auto 12g. Took it to the range with cheap walmart bird shot and wouldn't cycle. I wasn't surprised, so i brought in some Fiocchi HV 1 oz slugs at 1560fps. The gun is bad *** to say the least. I know it needed about 200 rounds to break in. I shot about half that. I'm cleaning it this morning and finding some weird stuff. The gas piston was sticking bad on the barrel. It looks like it doesn't like heat very much. I cleaned the barrel and was shocked what I saw. The barrel was badly pitted for some reason. Took some pics. If there was something I'm doing wrong please let me know.

 

[Hhardrockminer]

Hey Smokin, I don't have the VR80 yet, but I have the fde on order.
I hear what you're saying about the gun not cycling but I'm of the understanding that it needs a heavier load with "say" at least 1400 behind the rd.
I don't know this but they say it needs a good cleaning before you fire it as it has a lot of grease and oil on it new.
Thanks and would like to hear your opinion on the gun. Hhardrock

 

[smokin502]

Hey Smokin, I don't have the VR80 yet, but I have the fde on order.
I hear what you're saying about the gun not cycling but I'm of the understanding that it needs a heavier load with "say" at least 1400 behind the rd.
I don't know this but they say it needs a good cleaning before you fire it as it has a lot of grease and oil on it new.
Thanks and would like to hear your opinion on the gun. Hhardrock

Agree totally, it took some heavy 1" slugs 1600 fps to break it in. It has lots of oil on and in it. Be careful about over heating the barrel though. After break in, I was shooting with my boys and noticed the barrel was getting hot. Everything still was functioning fine. Went to clean the barrel later and could not get the chunks of something out of it. Sent it in and they replaced it. Awesome customer service. Awesome gun though. Love shooting it.

 

[Hhardrockminer]

How is the recoil and the trigger pull?? I've heard the trigger is set kinda high up to about 10lbs. is this true or are these guys blowing smoke

 

[smokin502]

How is the recoil and the trigger pull?? I've heard the trigger is set kinda high up to about 10lbs. is this true or are these guys blowing smoke

Trigger pull is heavier than what I'm used to. Not sure the weight, I never measured. But when your shooting it's really not an issue. I don't even think about it. The recoil depends on the ammo, but when I was shooting the slugs it felt like maybe a 308 ar-10. Really had no issues with that either. Neither did my 14yr old boy.

 

[smokin502]

Update;
On my second barrel and ran 60 slugs through it letting the gun cool before going again. Brought it home and cleaned it. The inside of the barrel has been damaged again. Metal lining actually seems to be coming off the inside. Really frustrated. Think this gun wasn't made for slugs. I have the new barrel coming and think ill keep to 00 buck shot I guess.

 

[Hhardrockminer]

Hey Smokin, I just got mine from the sons pace and put 75rds thru the gun using 1550 #5 shot, wouldn't cycle yet but I think was getting better towards the end of the shooting. I think someone said about 150-250 rds to get broke in.
How is yours doing for the cycling part

 

[smokin502]

Hey Smokin, I just got mine from the sons pace and put 75rds thru the gun using 1550 #5 shot, wouldn't cycle yet but I think was getting better towards the end of the shooting. I think someone said about 150-250 rds to get broke in.
How is yours doing for the cycling part

Mine cycles fine, but I use fiocci 1600fps slugs. Or WAS using. I have to switch ammo since I'm on my 3rd barrel. You have any barrel damage? Like the inside barrel lining Flaking?

 

[cohunt]

is the barrel chrome lined? I'm wondering if the lining is flaking off?

 

[DBonino]

Agree totally, it took some heavy 1" slugs 1600 fps to break it in. It has lots of oil on and in it. Be careful about over heating the barrel though. After break in, I was shooting with my boys and noticed the barrel was getting hot. Everything still was functioning fine. Went to clean the barrel later and could not get the chunks of something out of it. Sent it in and they replaced it. Awesome customer service. Awesome gun though. Love shooting it.

Same issue here smokin502. I was hoping to find out how you went about sending it in for replacement? Quick question as well ..I was also running those slugs at 1600 FPS..but used the light piston with 2.75" shells..not sure if that was an issue or not but now the barrel looks similar to your pictures you posted. Love the gun but this was a little disappointing.
thanks in advance for your reply

 

[DBonino]

is the barrel chrome lined? I'm wondering if the lining is flaking off?

??? Need to research that one.. Not sure..but gun is less than 6mths old.. shouldn't be an issue I wouldn't think..???

 

[smokin502]

I believe I called them about it and got a return number. So I tried again and same results. I ended up buying another barrel and sold the slugs. Now I only shoot buck shot and have no issues.

 

[smokin502]

I only use the 2 3/4 gas. Haven't used the 3" one. It does suck not being able to use slugs. Maybe you can get more info from them to figure this out. Let me know. I shoot the 2 3/4 fiocchi buck shot at 1400fps and does well.

 

[DBonino]

I believe I called them about it and got a return number. So I tried again and same results. I ended up buying another barrel and sold the slugs. Now I only shoot buck shot and have no issues.

Thanks for your reply
..So Ria did not replace the barrel?