Remington V3
The Remington V3 is Remington’s current-generation gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun — a lightweight 12 gauge that uses the VersaPort gas system to cycle everything from light 2¾-inch target loads through 3-inch magnum shells without adjustment. Available in Field (26–28 inch barrel for hunting and clays) and Tactical (18.5-inch barrel for home defense and competition) configurations, the V3 fills the mid-price semi-auto shotgun market between budget Turkish imports and premium Italian shotguns.
Read our full Remington V3 Buying Guide ↓
VersaPort Gas System
The V3’s VersaPort system uses gas ports located in the barrel just forward of the chamber that self-regulate — light loads vent less gas for a softer cycle, heavy loads vent more for reliable extraction. This means the V3 runs the full range of 12 gauge ammunition (2¾-inch through 3-inch) without any user adjustment. The system also keeps the action cleaner than traditional gas guns by venting excess gas and fouling forward of the receiver.
Remington V3 Field
The V3 Field is the hunting and sporting configuration — 26-inch or 28-inch barrel with Remington’s ProBore choke system (flush chokes), walnut or synthetic stock, and a weight around 7–7.25 lbs. It competes with the Beretta A300 Outlander, Franchi Affinity 3, and Browning A5 in the mid-price semi-auto hunting shotgun market.
Remington V3 Tactical
The V3 Tactical shortens the barrel to 18.5 inches and adds a fixed or adjustable stock with a pistol grip, enlarged controls, and a magazine tube extension for 6+1 or 7+1 capacity. It’s Remington’s answer to the Beretta 1301 Tactical and Mossberg 930 Tactical in the tactical semi-auto shotgun space. The VersaPort gas system makes the V3 Tactical one of the softest-shooting tactical semi-autos available.
V3 vs. Remington 1100 vs. Remington 870
The Remington 1100 is the classic gas-operated Remington semi-auto — heavier, with a traditional gas system that requires more cleaning. The V3 is lighter and uses the newer, cleaner VersaPort system. The Remington 870 is Remington’s pump-action — mechanically simpler and less expensive, but requires manual cycling. The V3 is the modern semi-auto option for shooters who want gas-operated reliability with less maintenance.
Weight and Handling
The V3 is one of the lightest gas-operated semi-auto 12 gauges on the market — roughly 7 lbs in the Field configuration, which is comparable to many inertia-driven semi-autos. That light weight makes it easier to carry in the field all day and faster to mount on flushing birds, with the trade-off of slightly more felt recoil than a heavier gas gun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the V3 need to be broken in?
Remington recommends firing 25–50 rounds of full-power loads to break in the gas system. After break-in, it should cycle light target loads reliably.
V3 Field or V3 Tactical?
Field for hunting, sporting clays, and trap. Tactical for home defense, 3-Gun, and tactical training.
Does the V3 shoot 3.5-inch shells?
No — the V3 is chambered for 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells only. For 3.5-inch capability in a Remington, look at the Versa Max.
What choke system does the V3 use?
Remington ProBore (flush choke tubes).
See Also: Remington • Remington 870 • Remington 1100 • Semi-Auto Shotguns • 12 Gauge Shotguns • Home Defense Guns • Shotgun Choke Tubes