Rock Island VRBP100
The Rock Island Armory VRBP100 packs a full 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun into a bullpup configuration — moving the action behind the grip to cut nearly a foot off the overall length compared to a traditional stocked shotgun. At just 32” overall with a 20” barrel, the VRBP100 feeds from detachable box magazines instead of a tube, giving it fast reloads and a compact, maneuverable footprint that a standard semi-auto shotgun can’t match.
Read our full Rock Island Armory VRBP100 Buying Guide ↓
Why Go Bullpup: The VRBP100’s Compact Advantage
Moving the action and magazine behind the grip is what makes the bullpup layout so compact — the VRBP100 measures just 32” overall with a full 20” barrel, something a conventional stocked shotgun can’t come close to matching. That shorter length makes a real difference maneuvering through doorways, vehicles, or tight spaces, without sacrificing the barrel length needed for reliable cycling and pattern performance.
Magazine-Fed 12 Gauge: Faster Reloads Than a Tube
The VRBP100 feeds from a detachable box magazine (5+1 capacity) rather than a tube, which means reloading is a magazine swap instead of feeding shells one at a time. For anyone who has fumbled a tube-fed reload under time pressure, that difference alone is a major selling point — it turns the reload into the same manual of arms as an AR-pattern rifle.
Specs That Matter: Chamber, Choke, and Weight
The VRBP100 is chambered for 3” shells, giving it full compatibility with both standard and magnum 12 gauge loads. It uses an interchangeable Mobil Choke system, so choke selection can be matched to the load and application rather than being stuck with a fixed choke. At 7.9 lbs, it carries a bit more heft than a typical semi-auto shotgun — a byproduct of the magazine-fed action and bullpup housing — but that added weight also helps soak up recoil.
VRBP100 vs. VR80: Two Different Rock Island Shotgun Platforms
Rock Island Armory also builds the VR80, an AR-15-style semi-auto 12 gauge that uses familiar AR ergonomics and controls. The VRBP100 trades that familiar manual of arms for maximum compactness — if you want the shortest possible overall length and don’t mind the bullpup layout’s different trigger and reload feel, the VRBP100 is the one to look at. If you’d rather have AR-15-pattern controls in a 12 gauge, the VR80 is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions: Rock Island Armory VRBP100
What gauge is the Rock Island VRBP100?
The VRBP100 is a 12 gauge shotgun with a 3” chamber, compatible with standard and magnum 12 gauge loads.
How many rounds does the VRBP100 hold?
The VRBP100 feeds from a detachable box magazine with a 5+1 capacity.
What is the overall length of the VRBP100?
The VRBP100 has an overall length of just 32” despite its full 20” barrel, thanks to its bullpup configuration.
What’s the difference between the Rock Island VRBP100 and VR80?
The VRBP100 is a magazine-fed bullpup shotgun built for maximum compactness. The VR80 is an AR-15-style semi-auto 12 gauge with familiar AR controls and a traditional stock layout.
Does the VRBP100 use interchangeable chokes?
Yes. It uses the Mobil Choke system, allowing the choke to be swapped to match the load and application.
See Also: Rock Island VR80 • Rock Island Armory 1911s • Semi-Auto Shotguns