RIA or Armscor Pump Nickel

[MachineGuntongue]

Anybody own one if these RIA shotguns in Nickel? I have "longed" for one ever since the positive review on the gun blast video. The look of the nickel (I lice silver and chrome a lot) finish, as well as heat shield and bonus speed feed stock. And the action supposedly buttery smooth.

I have seen these on gun genie just under $300 total through a LGS. Like a win win as the LGS is a huge calguns supporter (Tracy Rifle and Pistol).

I have heard many good things about value priced foreign shotguns vs value based 870 RemLin Expresses or Mossberg mavericks. Whether China, Turkey, or The Philippines. Better (stronger and smoother) actions and less likely to have poor machining or assembly.

This is all "internet hearsay" at this point. No dog in this fight. Just wondering how far $300 goes these days. Just want to hear form anybody who owns these and what they recommend as a shotgun for $300 ish new. Any reason to stay away from an RIA, or good to go. They really look sweeeest. Love the nickel.

(If I had the money for a mossberg marine version in gunmetal that would be my first choice but they seem around $600 these days new). And I value options on CG above other sites.

[Steve_In_29]

While I can't comment as to the RIA shotgun I have been very favorably impressed with their 1911s that my friends and I own.

As far as imported shotguns go my two Escorts (Turkey), two Steven's (China) and the ATI (Turkey) all seem to be very well made weapons.

[Chameleon Loco]

I'm also be interested in one of these hopefully big 5 starts carrying them. I may have to compromise soon as I'm starting to think I will never find a police trade in 870 police magnum.

[kilrain]

I'm also be interested in one of these hopefully big 5 starts carrying them. I may have to compromise soon as I'm starting to think I will never find a police trade in 870 police magnum.

I just looked a nickeled RIA M5 yesterday at Big 5. Seemed sturdy enough except for the crossbolt safety, which was mushy and not positive. Also realize that the barrel of the M5 is fixed and not intended to be removed for cleaning or regular maintenance. Not that it's a big deal, just not common these days.

I might buy one just add to my collection.......

[riftol]

The look of the nickel (I lice silver and chrome a lot) finish, as well as heat shield and bonus speed feed stock. And the action supposedly buttery smooth.

As far as imported shotguns go my two Escorts (Turkey), two Steven's (China) and the ATI (Turkey) all seem to be very well made weapons.

I too like the silvery look of the RIA 12-gauge.

I don't have a lot of experience shooting shotguns.

Years ago I did have a Mossberg 500 which is a proven, low-cost shotgun.

I now have a Stevens 320 Pump, Field Grade/Security Combo which is a clone of the rotary-bolt Winchester 1300.

Savage sells these Stevens shotguns.

I've put about 400 rounds through it with no problems, the cheap Winchester and Federal loads that have a low base.

With the 28-inch barrel the gun feels pretty heavy.

Pumping the Stevens feels much smoother than pumping the Mossberg.

The Winchester 1300's action and that of its clone, the Stevens 320, is designed to self-eject which disconcerted me the first time I shot it but I got used to it after shooting a few boxes of ammo.

Some bloggers who own the Savage 320 have reported failure of the spot welds on the slide arm extension assembly.

Note that Savage also sells the Stevens 350 Pump Security Model which is an all-steel clone of the bottom-ejecting Ithaca 37.

You should be able to find a 320 or 350 for well under $300.00.

[riftol]

I just looked a nickeled RIA M5 yesterday at Big 5. Seemed sturdy enough except for the crossbolt safety, which was mushy and not positive. Also realize that the barrel of the M5 is fixed and not intended to be removed for cleaning or regular maintenance. Not that it's a big deal, just not common these days.

I might buy one just add to my collection.......

I've read that the RIA M5 has a threaded barrel that screws into the receiver.

[89 Vision]

If you're patient and keep your eyes open, Mossberg Mariners come up for sale every now and again. Last one on here was on sale for months without any takers. Price was very good too, $300-$400.

[kilrain]

I've read that the RIA M5 has a threaded barrel that screws into the receiver.

Yes, it is threaded into the receiver but it is not meant to be removed for routine purposes such as cleaning. Refer to Armscorp's own disassembly video:

M5 Disassembly

Unlike most modern shotguns, the M5's bolt locks to the receiver, not the barrel/barrel extension. If you remove the barrel and reinstall the barrel incorrectly, too tight or not tight enough, you can change the headspace. This can prevent shells from being chambered at all or allow them to be chambered and fired with excessive headspace, which could be catastrophic.

[TwinStick]

What's this shotgun for? Is it just for fun or is it for HD/SD?

If it's just for fun, go get it! If your life depends on it, maybe look into a Remington or Mossberg at least.

[Steve_In_29]

....I now have a Stevens 320 Pump, Field Grade/Security Combo which is a clone of the rotary-bolt Winchester 1300.

Savage sells these Stevens shotguns.

The 320 is a clone of the 1300 in all but stock attachment. It has a flat attachment point for the rear stock vice the 1300's V-shaped area. It is possible (I haven't verified) that the stock for a Win 1400 might work.

Pumping the Stevens feels much smoother than pumping the Mossberg.

I agree though the shotty I compared the Steven's to was the Maverick (made by Mossberg)

The Winchester 1300's action and that of its clone, the Stevens 320, is designed to self-eject which disconcerted me the first time I shot it but I got used to it after shooting a few boxes of ammo.

The 1300 and current SX3 versions have a rotating bolt and were advertised (and still are) the fastest cycling pump shotgun actions. The Steven's 320 works the same.

Note that Savage also sells the Stevens 350 Pump Security Model which is an all-steel clone of the bottom-ejecting Ithaca 37.

The 350 is actually the model I bought and it is a VERY solid (7.5lbs) feeling shotty. I bought one for my son and another for my grandson. This is also a good shotgun for a leftie (as my son is) since the empties eject out the bottom and not into his face.

[riftol]

The 350 is actually the model I bought and it is a VERY solid (7.5lbs) feeling shotty. I bought one for my son and another for my grandson. This is also a good shotgun for a leftie (as my son is) since the empties eject out the bottom and not into his face.

I had a cursory look at a 350 that was for sale in Big 5; the gun appeared well made.

[Steve_In_29]

What's this shotgun for? Is it just for fun or is it for HD/SD?

If it's just for fun, go get it! If your life depends on it, maybe look into a Remington or Mossberg at least.

I can't say about the Chinese guns but Hatsan which makes the Escort (and possibly the ATI) has been in business for hundreds of years and produces some VERY well thought of shotguns. They are a huge seller in the UK and you will be hard pressed to find any negative comments on them.

Steven's, while made in China are backed by the reputation of Savage so based on that and the quality of the two I have actually handled and shot, I wouldn't feel under prepared bringing one to a gunfight.

My buddy had quite a bit of trouble with his Remy 870 which required parts replacement, as did my wife's Mossberg .410 pump so American made is no guarantee of quality in and of itself.

[aghauler]

Friend at work has a RIA short bbl shotgun and likes it a lot.

[MachineGuntongue]

I just saw one in nickel for $279 at the Big 5 in Campbell Friday evening (no 22lr bulk packs btw) . It seemed very smooth to rack. A bit heavy, but I like that. Similar to the weight of an IAC Hawk (H&R Pardner pump with ghost ring sites).

Seeing gel tests with slugs is very impressive with any 12 gauge. The softer lead ones seem to go 15-18" with massive wound channels. Are slugs a good choice for home defense, or is buckshot in 00, 01, or 04 the "gold standard"? As it seems with a hit center mass, over penetration less likely. Where as with buckshot the balls not hitting none may pass through?

Any input on this from ballistics wise shotgun fans? Slightly deviating from initial question, but that will be the use purpose of the RIA Nickel. I want to get good with slug shooting up to 100 yards and have fun shooting home built targets or melons. Costco cardboard from pallets makes for low cost targets. Easy to cut and shape just like the ones seen in 3 gun comps. With the head and torso shape.

Slugs seem so extraordinarily powerful. The weight and caliber so massive. Yet relatively affordable and accessible. I do not have an AR yet, but in future plans. But even if an AR in hand, the attraction of shooting slugs is uniquely intriguing!!! For both fun and also safety/home defense (but not in the Biden fashion).