Versa Max

[Boudreaux78]

I purchased a versa Max for 3-gun and at my first match, the gun would not function running factory Winchester AA ammo. It was very frustrating. Gun was spotlessly clean and inspected. Anyone have any ideas what is wrong with it?

[roxymajor]

1-1/8 oz @ 1200fps is the standard.  If it was lower power that this, try some hotter loads.  I would take apart and re-assemble.   If that doesn't work, call Remington.

It is usually suggested that you shoot some hotter loads to break in a new shotgun.

[Boudreaux78]

My slugs were 1400 feet per second. It was used when I got it, just not sure if the problem.

[StealthyBlagga]

Can be more specific than "would not function"? Failure to feed? Failure to fire? Failure to eject? Something else? Also, which model: Tactical? Competition? Other? Also, what (if any) modifications have been made, and by who? Did you not test fire the gun before the match?

More info needed.

[StealthyBlagga]

2 hours ago, Boudreaux78 said:

...It was used when I got it, just not sure if the problem.

That may be your problem. Tell us EXACTLY what is happening and we should be able to get you back on track.

[Boudreaux78]

It was a failure to cycle, mostly feed, but a couple of failure to extracts. The only modification was a taran tactical welded lifter. It is not the tactical or competition model. It is a standard early model. 

[StealthyBlagga]

IIRC the TTI lifter is designed for the Benelli M2, not the VM (which has a longer receiver than the Benelli M2), so this can be causing your feeding issues. Some photos of the feed jam would help. Start by replacing the Benelli lifter with a Remington factory standard (not welded) carrier and see if it helps... if so, you can have it welded later.

Next question: Does the bolt cycle smoothly by hand and lock back when empty? If fired with only one shell in the chamber (empty magazine), does it eject properly and the bolt lock open? Does this happen every time (try this test, say, 25 times to be sure). If it malfunctions, photograph each instance before you clear it so we can look for trends.

if not extracting (i.e. leaves hull in the chamber), look closely at the extractor and extractor spring. if in doubt, replace with factory or Benelli equivalents.

I own three VMs, including a very early 26" model, and several friends run them also. I have replaced some parts in mine, but all of them ran reliably out of the box... it is an exceptionally reliable platform (until we 3-gunners start messing with it). 

Edited December 29, 2016 by StealthyBlagga

[Boudreaux78]

Thank you, I will make the change and test fire it. 

[Woodsk]

the only shells I have found that my VM will not run are Winchester AA small game loads. it eats everything else all day long.

[adamge]

TTI lifter is a 3" lifter, not right for the VM.