Remington V3 TAC-13 Review : Worth it or no?

When it comes to Bird’s Head Grip firearms, Remington has two in its arsenal. This one is the semi-automatic version. It follows a common trend of semi-auto “shorty shotties” that are being released now (like the Charles Daly Defense Honcho or Black Aces Shotgun Semi). Read our Remington V3 TAC-13 review and learn more.

BLUF: what makes the V3 Tac-13 so different is through the incorporation of Remington’s Versaport Gas System. This system is designed to allow for smoother recycling and minimized recoil.

Let’s see if the Versaport system is the right choice.

Remington V3 Tac-13 Action

With guns like these, pump action is normally the way to go because semi-autos usually need a buttstock for the operating spring.

So how can this be a semi-auto?

Well, the Remington V3 uses a unique configuration of two operating springs in the receiver – therefore, a buttstock isn’t needed for this semi-auto to work!

This is what makes the Remington V3 action a perfect candidate for a shockwave-style firearm.

V3 Tac-13 Versaport Gas System

Often, short barreled semi-auto gas-operated shotguns have troubles with reliability. This is because the gas ports are near the end of the barrel and there’s not much time to redirect the gases required to operate the system.

The Remington V3 system, on the other hand, is just about perfect for a short barreled firearm. This is achieved by utilizing Remington’s Versaport Gas System. For those of you familiar with Remington’s line of Versamax shotguns, you’ll understand exactly what’s going on here.

But for you guys (and gals) out of the loop, let me explain. The Versaport Gas system is a pretty neat innovation that Remington uses for some of its shotgun platforms. The ports are right at the front of the chamber and the amount of gas delivered to the action is dependent upon the size of the shotgun shell.

There are a total of 7 different ports used to channel gas into the system. The more ports open, the more gas that enters the system for operation. When using 3″ shells, 4 gas ports are covered. But with 2 3/4″ shells, all 8 ports are uncovered to allow for proper recycling of the gun.

It’s a novel self-regulating solution that doesn’t need more than a few inches of barrel length to work.https:

Remington Tac-13 Features

1 Bird’s Head Grip

This unique pistol grip provides a more ergonomic hold and entertaining experience for the shooter.

2 Versaport Gas Operated System

This is a self-regulating gas system which allows for reliable feeding of different forms of ammunition. It also helps to cut down on the recoil normally associated with this type of gun.

3 5 Round Capacity

This firearm comes equipped with a 5-shell capacity that can fire anything from light field loads to slugs.

4 Hand Strap

Adjustable hand strap to allow for the operator to better control muzzle flip.

Remington V3 TAC-13 – Our Take

If you’re new to these new non-shotgun firearms with the shockwave birds head grip, please check out our Mossberg Shockwave and Remington TAC-14 reviews to get some general background on our thoughts on this type of platform.

We can give you a very simple summary now: If you like this style of firearm and you’d like it to be semi-auto (instead of pump action), then the Remington V3 Tac-13 is the gun for you! However, if you want to shoot mini shells or don’t want to pay for semi-auto, you should get the Mossberg Shockwave instead.

What we liked: This is such a great application of the Remington VersaPort system and the V3 action that we like this firearm configuration better than the full-size V3 shotgun.

Although we are familiar with pump action shotguns, there is something very handy about using this as a semi-auto so that you don’t have to worry about pumping the shotgun between each shot. Also, the semi-auto action helps remove some of the felt recoil…. that’s a plus!

What we didn’t like: Although the Versa Port system is awesome (and we really like in the full-size bigger brother to the V3, the VersaMac shotgun), Remington made a poor engineering/design choice with the V3 handguard – the exhaust gasses from the Versa Ports empty into the handguard, and because of this absurd design, the V3 handguards direct the gasses towards the back and out of the handguard.

On this V3 Tac-13, this just means that your clothes and firing hand may get peppered with some debris and gases. However, on the full-size V3 shotgun, your face (yes, your face) gets peppered with debris!

I have finished shooting a box of shells from a V3 action and you could see an outline of where my safety glasses were from the little specs of debris that hit me in the face. It’s bad enough that I’ve watched someone shoot one 3″ shell from a V3 action and then immediately hand the shotgun off while covering their eyes and saying “hell no, I don’t want one of those!”

Also, just like the Remington TAC-14 (the version of this firearm based off of a Remingotn 870 action), the controls are in less than ideal locations and you can not shoot minishells like you can with the Mossberg Shockwave.

Yes, the gun is reliable and it can be fun to shoot. However, especially with the price considered, we recommend the Mossberg Shockwave instead.

Remington V3 TAC-13 Pros and Cons

If you already have the Remington V3 Tac-13 or are looking to get one, here’s a few things I recommend you get with your gun.  Some of which you might already have, but if not you might want to pick them up.

• AMMO
  • Best Slug Ammo- Hornady 12 Gauge 2 3/4
  • Best Target Load Ammo- WInchester AA Light Target Load
• GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon
• EYE & EAR PRO- See our Best Eye/Ear pro Review

Also, there are some options to upgrade your Remington V3 Tac-13. Here is a quick list of standard upgrades you should think about:

Best Scabbard for the Remington V3 TAC-13

Now that you have the full Gun University take on the Remington V3 TAC-13, it’s time to take another step with your firearm, by exploring the most important accessories needed in order to decide whether this is the right compact shotgun for you.

Voodoo Tactical Shotgun Scabbard

Check Amazon Price

With a side saddle shotgun, a Scabbard is definitely in order. This one in particular can accommodate different side shotguns sizes, like the V3 Tac-13 . I actually like the strap, which seems like a no brainer, but a nice strap makes a big difference if your hiking and carrying it long distances. Check Amazon Price

If you’re looking for a great way to carry your shotgun, this is it. The straps allow for Ambi-mounting and can be slung with the adjustable, removable shoulder strap. AND… I just like the color grey!

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Here is our budget friendly option.  I like that it fully encloses your Remington V3 Tec-13 which is important if for transportation, and this one has multiple color options.

Check Amazon Price

Other Side Saddle Shotguns to Check Out

Ok, so the Remington V3 TAC-13 did not get a great grade. However, it is still a solid shotgun and we know there are some of you that will pay the price and absolutely love it! But, there are also some of you on the fence, and we think there is one that shows up a lot better and has a much better grade. Take a look below at the review we think rivals the Remington V3 TAC-13.

The first thing you need to know about the Mossberg Shockwave is it is a compact shotgun (and not even legally a shotgun).  The Shockwave grip exploits a legal loophole that allows for such a compact firearm. To know more you can READ HERE.

How to Care for Your Remington V3 TAC-13 Shotgun

The most important thing we can do for our firearm is keep it clean and maintain it.  The Remington V3 TAC-13 is not a fantastic firearm, but it’s important to take care of it.  Maintenance is key if you want it to last a lifetime!  If you don’t already have a cleaning kit, we like this one on Amazon from GLORYFIRE . It gives you the option and tools to clean both handguns, rifles, shotguns, etc.  Here is a good video to get you pumped up about your Remington V3 TAC-13.

• GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon

Important Links and Manuals for Your Remington V3 TAC-13 Shotgun

• Remington V3 TAC-13 Website
• Remington V3 TAC-13 Videos
• Remington V3 TAC-13 Manual