Today’s news section has the formal announcement of Remington’s V3 Compact shotgun. You can read that for yourself and get the full specs on their latest offering. As you do, you’ll probably recognize some familiar characteristics, including their VersaPort gas system.
That’s because the V3 is Remington’s answer to those shooters who find Remington’s VersaMax a bit large for them. The V3 differs in length of pull, and unlike the VersaMax, won’t take 3 1/2 shells. The V3 will run 2 3/4 and 3-inch shells - from light to magnum loads - without any problem. Removing the 3 1/2 inch option is one reason the gun’s MSRP is lower and the overall weight’s less than the VersaMax.
During a Texas dove hunt a few days ago, I had the occasion to run the new V3 while shooting clays before heading to the dove field. It actually fits me a bit better than the VersaMax and I found it almost identical in handling characteristics. It swings well, balances great and the VersaPort gas system eats up recoil, making it a very pleasant gun to shoot.
It was, however, lacking one thing that I now consider a requisite on virtually any gun I’m using without optical sights: fiber optics. My aging eyes have taken the simple front bead out of play anymore, so I opted to run a VersaMax on the dove fields.
For me, the difference is measurable in my ratio of shots to hits. They’ve never been one-to-one (especially with doves), but the advantage of fiber optics on the front brings the ratio far closer than it had ever been before I realized the problem was my vision.
It’s a simple matter to add fiber optics to the front- either via an outright bead change or the addition of a magnetic front fiber optic like the ones from Hi Viz that simply snaps onto the rib of your shotgun.
If you’re having problems with your shotgunning and don’t have a fiber optic, you might want to consider checking them out. I go long stretches without doing much shotgun shooting- primarily because there never seems to be a place to shoot nearby. I’ve found the fiber optics make a big difference in getting me reacquainted with the idea of pointing a shotgun versus aiming a rifle.
Don’t know if you’re a college football fan, but if you are, you likely saw one of the most inspirational messages I’ve seen in quite some time at some point during Saturday’s games.
Allstate is best known for their “Good Hands” nets hoisted for field goals and extra points, but they raised the bar for inspirational messages with their “Angel Oak” tribute to the Carolinas.
The Angel Oak, located outside Charleston, South Carolina, is regarded as the oldest living thing on this side of the country. The 500 year old oak has seen its share of tests, and remained immovable.
Allstate’s Dennis Haysbert’s inspiring script over a single shot of the Angel Oak has been credited with inspiring many viewers enough to call the American Red Cross and donate to the Carolinas relief efforts. Pretty special, considering there was no solicitation of any kind in the spot.
One of my favorite competitions happened this weekend. And, as has been the case for the past three years, I wasn’t there. Much as I enjoy the competition and companions at the NRA World Shooting Championships and the West Virginia hospitality (although everyone stays in Winchester, Virginia), it is bumped off the schedule because it coincides with my wedding anniversary.
I like shooting competition, but I love my wife. And she’s put up with my crazy schedules longer than many of the shooters have been alive. Missing a fun competition to spend quality time with her isn’t a sacrifice.
This year there’s a new champion - and he’s a lot younger than my marriage. Tim Yackley bumped defending champion Greg Jordan to take the top slot. Jordan finished second, followed by Bruce Piatt, Jerry Miculek, and Ryan Mueller in the top five slots.
No surprise in the top lady finish- Lena Miculek finished in fifteenth place overall- and the high lady slot. She continues to prove the old expression I heard growing up in horse racing: “bloodlines don’t lie.”
Oh well, maybe next year- if they’ll adjust the match date.
As always, we’ll keep you posted.
—Jim Shepherd