Neither a Shotgun, Pistol, Rifle, or SBR: Rock Island Armory Debuts Its VRF14 — SHOT Show 2022

in SHOT Show 2022

Rock Island Armory (RIA) debuted the VRF14 at Range Day at SHOT Show 2022. Legally this 12 gauge is classified as a “firearm,” not a shotgun, pistol, rifle, or SBR. RIA has found a way to bring a fun product to market without delving into the mess that is the NFA. 

While being the first semi-automatic, short-barrel firearm of its kind, the VRF14 boasts many familiar features. It utilizes a standard pistol grip to aid in shooting from the hip. 

Neither a Shotgun, Pistol, Rifle, or SBR: Rock Island Armory Debuts Its VRF14 -- SHOT Show 2022
Rock Island Armory VRF14.

Coming from the factory with a 5-round magazine, users will be thrilled to know that the VRF is compatible with VR-Series 9- and 19-round mags.

Featuring a 14″ barrel, this 12 gauge can still pack a serious punch. The buffer system was cycling well, and powering through the rounds we put through it. I only noticed one stoppage and it looked to be from the shooter limp wristing the firearm while shooing.

Neither a Shotgun, Pistol, Rifle, or SBR: Rock Island Armory Debuts Its VRF14 -- SHOT Show 2022
Side-charging buffer system.

The foregrip includes a continuous Picatinny top rail, as well as Picatinny sides and a Picatinny bottom to allow any and all attachments you may need. This foregrip is both functional and comfortable enough to be used as support when not shooting this one-handed. 

Neither a Shotgun, Pistol, Rifle, or SBR: Rock Island Armory Debuts Its VRF14 -- SHOT Show 2022
Picatinny sections.

The receiver is machined from 7075 aluminum, and the VRF 14 features 2 sling mounting locations. 

Neither a Shotgun, Pistol, Rifle, or SBR: Rock Island Armory Debuts Its VRF14 -- SHOT Show 2022
Sling mounts.

Firing just a few rounds through it at Rang Day, the VRF14 was a blast. A literal blast! Some serious kick for one-handed shooting, but fun nonetheless. 

Available now and with an MSRP of $599, the Rock Island Armory VRF14 could be yours. This highly maneuverable “firearm” would be a fun one to add to your collection.  Learn more at the RIA website.

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • SKU: VRF14
  • SERIES: VR SERIES
  • CALIBER: 12GA
  • BARREL: 14″
  • CAPACITY: 5 
  • OVERALL LENGTH 26 INCH / 660.4 MM
  • WEIGHT: 6.6LBS / 2.99 KG
  • FRONT SIGHT: FLIP-UP
  • REAR SIGHT: FLIP-UP
  • ACTION: SEMI-AUTOMATIC
  • PURPOSE: PERSONAL PROTECTION, RECREATIONAL SHOOTING

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About the author: Mitchell Graf is passionate about hunting and competition shooting. During college he was the shooting instructor for Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team, and these days he spends as much time as he can chasing after pigs and coyotes with night vision and thermals. You can follow Mitchell’s adventures over at his Instagram @That_Gun_Guy_

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  • Robert January 25, 2022, 7:54 pm

    If this is designated a firearm, could one not just add 2″ to the bbl, at which point a stock would not violate any NFA?

  • bill January 25, 2022, 5:44 pm

    After 500S&W rounds, this has to be a cupcake!

  • Jim January 25, 2022, 3:40 pm

    Add a laser and some training time, would make for a good hip-shooter.

  • Michael Christensen January 25, 2022, 3:06 pm

    If you can add a pistol brace to this, it would be a good house gun if it is reliable.

  • Bill Hamm January 25, 2022, 10:54 am

    Another nearly useless rich kids toy sliding around the 18″ barrel limitation. Looks like a bank robber special or perhaps a gang banger tool. 12 Gauge has far too much recoil for this kind of toy as you clearly hint in your commentary.

    • PacosMojo January 25, 2022, 2:43 pm

      Rich kids toy? Did you actually pay attention to the stated MSRP, or do you just get off on being a D-Bag?

  • Brian January 25, 2022, 10:14 am

    Which it had a pistol brace option

    • Justin Nielsen January 25, 2022, 7:30 pm

      Just wait, I promise you one will happen.

    • Rich Zellich January 25, 2022, 9:50 pm

      I take it you have no use for a home defense firearm, or a defensive “trunk gun”.

      Are you just a duck hunter who thinks they will never have a use for a personal defense firearm, and doesn’t understand that a standard long arm – rifle or shotgun – is not very suitable for personal defense in most sutuations, due to their characteristics of awkward length indoors, low magazine capacity, and overpenetration of the ammo you would regularly use in them?

  • MeeesterPaul January 25, 2022, 9:26 am

    hmmm. looks to have the charging handle just on the right., Hoping it can be swapped to the left like the VR80… checking…

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