Simon123 Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 (edited) Been searching for a while now for a new semi auto to replace the (old faithful) hatsan escort.. I've been looking for reviews of the versamax but not having much success at finding much reviews of the gun. Is the versamax as reliable as the sx3, what they like with light loads? Today i handled the versamax, sx3 and benelli comfort. I wasn't too keen on the benelli. both the sx3 and versamax fitted quite well, but the versamax did feel considerably more paintable somehow. I was told that the versamax is considerably heavier than the sx3 but i couldn't tell much difference whilst shouldering the guns. I really liked the tapered rib of the versamax and also the mid bead. Any advice would be greatly appreciated and your verdict on SX3 or Versamax + state reason why Edited January 31, 2015 by Simon123 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony G Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 I use a SX3 and love it Just find it light,point able and simple to use I also have mates who have a Versamax and they love them to Not used a Versamax myself so can't really pass judgement on them The SX3 is cheaper though if budget is a factor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 I have a Versamax , I brought it nearly new S/H . I was a little worried at first as I sold a Beretta 391 to purchase it and it had been pretty much faultless and I was unsure if a remington could match it for reliability. I have now had the Versamax the best part of two years and as yet I have not had a single jam or miss feed and i use it a lot , it has handled everything from 3.5" HP steel loads to 28 gram clay loads without a hitch 65mm , 67mm,70mm and bigger have all been through the gun. It shoots softer than the Beretta and I shoot better with it , it is heavier than similar guns but I have never noticed and the balance is good . The gun is also extremely easy to clean. Two slight niggles , the forend cap tends to loosen a bit after a few shots though I believe this was sorted on later models and the trigger pull is quite heavy but again after a little use I no longer notice. I am surprised that the Versamax and winchester both suit you though as I looked at a SX3 and the fit was very different , not used a SX3 so cannot really comment other than say I know plenty of people who are happy with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon123 Posted January 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 I use a SX3 and love it Just find it light,point able and simple to use I also have mates who have a Versamax and they love them to Not used a Versamax myself so can't really pass judgement on them The SX3 is cheaper though if budget is a factor I've been to Sportsmanguncentre (newport) today and they offered me the versamax (new) for £740 even though the price tag said £1379. i was also offered the SX3 for £700 so there isn't much in it really money wise!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony G Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 That sounds cheap for a new Versamax,sure it's not the new sportsman version ? With a SX3 the cheapest ones are the plain black,not a very good barrel coating if you want it for wildfowling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 I've been to Sportsmanguncentre (newport) today and they offered me the versamax (new) for £740 even though the price tag said £1379. i was also offered the SX3 for £700 so there isn't much in it really money wise!! I would take their arm off for that , I paid £850 S/H , double check its not the Versamax sportsman that they are offering for that , its still basically a versamax but without all the bells and whistles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon123 Posted January 31, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 I would take their arm off for that , I paid £850 S/H , double check its not the Versamax sportsman that they are offering for that , its still basically a versamax but without all the bells and whistles. That sounds cheap for a new Versamax,sure it's not the new sportsman version ? With a SX3 the cheapest ones are the plain black,not a very good barrel coating if you want it for wildfowling Well i asked for the best price of the one which they had in store (which was the proper one with grey inserts) Is the older grey SX3 more durable than the new all black ones? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 Yes the grey barreled SX3 is a much better coating for the marsh , the black one rust easily . Sounds like a very good deal on the versamax for the money it should be a no brainer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 I handled a versamax today. It is a fair lump of steel! Chap said he loves it and it don't ever miss a beat! Bit heavy though. U. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 I handled a versamax today. It is a fair lump of steel! Chap said he loves it and it don't ever miss a beat! Bit heavy though. U. You need to eat more weetabix UD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 Lol Think they come with sling studs! U. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psyxologos Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 I have just bought a nearly new Versa Max (two days ago). It is a synthetic 28'' barrel and 3' 1/2 chamber. I bought it for £790 used (very lightly used, perhaps 200 rounds through it in three months of ownership) but it was better quality than the new one they had for £820 as it had a special anti slip coating on the forend and the underside and came with a few spare chokes, a hard case and a number of beads I can interchange. The new one had none of these. I tried a Maxus and an SX3 but the Versa Max felt better than these as it was a tad heavier and the stock was a bit higher which helps me see the bead better. I am also happy with the gas system Remington has. Much less components that the SX3, less recoil and easier to clean. When I shot it at the shop I purposely was given 2 3/4, 3 and 3 1/2 inch cartridges to demonstrate it can cycle them all no problem. And it did. I have since watched a lot of videos on youtube explaining the system and showing the gun cycling all sorts of loads. I had a go and I took it all apart and cleaned it. It was a bit mucky, but after a relatively short time cleaning (as meticulously as I could, using toothbrushes, cotton swabs [the ones for ears] and a few oils and cleaners) it is rather sparkly and clean! All in all happy!!! Here are some videos: 1 2 3 4 You get the idea. Go to youtube and see more videos... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BellySlater Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 If you like the SX try a Maxus - if Carlsberg made guns........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmy1146 Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 Get the Versamax. got mine for £699 new. Reliable, cycles 21g's out of the box. a little heavy due to the gas system on the barrel but not really anything very noticeable. the gas system can go a long time before it needs cleaning. The Versamax is mechanically a Benelli Super Black Eagle 2 but it is gas powered and has Remington on the side. Parts from the SBE2 are interchangeable with the Versamax. Only thing i don't like is it only comes in a 28Inch barrel. would be perfect if it had a 24inch. Bear in mind as well, Remington have just released a new shotgun called V3 which is a re-design of the VersaMax which you may be better of waiting for to come over here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 Get the Versamax. got mine for £699 new. Reliable, cycles 21g's out of the box. a little heavy due to the gas system on the barrel but not really anything very noticeable. the gas system can go a long time before it needs cleaning. The Versamax is mechanically a Benelli Super Black Eagle 2 but it is gas powered and has Remington on the side. Parts from the SBE2 are interchangeable with the Versamax. Only thing i don't like is it only comes in a 28Inch barrel. would be perfect if it had a 24inch. Bear in mind as well, Remington have just released a new shotgun called V3 which is a re-design of the VersaMax which you may be better of waiting for to come over here. As far as I am aware the V3 is a 3" chambered gun not 3.5" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmy1146 Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 As far as I am aware the V3 is a 3" chambered gun not 3.5" true, although not everyone needs 3.5" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon123 Posted February 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2015 Thanks for all of the advice.. In the end went for the SX3 in the end (the mint one from guntrader) with 26" barrels and 3.5" chambers!! Ive put a few round through it and all runs like clockwork so far (touch wood) and the 26" barrels feels so much better than the 28" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon123 Posted January 18, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 Having had the SX3 for over a year now, and really pleased with it, as it's light, balanced very paintable and cycles faultlessly. But due to the adverse weather here in West wales, i am very tempted to purchase another auto for my rough shooting which will require less stripping/cleaning. Therefore i am considering purchasing the remington versa max. I would really appreciate owners/users opinions of the versa max, the only thing which is putting me off is the weight of the gun (as it will be getting carried during long walks), any comment may be appreciated!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remimax Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 (edited) had a versamax for about 3 years and its eaten a lot of carts can't fault it. paid £700 new at the midland game fair so was a no brainer. as working gun it will cycle everything the sales pitch is deffo no ********. has to be easiest gas auto to clean with only one pin holding trigger mech and the rest just a wipe down. you do not need to strip and clean the gas rams very often ,i have yet to do mine as no need, plenty of clearance so almost self cleaning. it is a heavy gun so on walked up i use a sling on mine if any distance. Edited January 18, 2016 by Remimax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 Mine is nearing the end of its 3rd season on the foreshore , I have also used it for pigeon shooting and clays in all that time . I am yet to have a single jam or misfeed its been faultless and I dont really look afterit as perhaps I should the gas pistons get cleaned about once every 6 months . The weight has never been a issue for me and I have carried it miles , some of my fowling trips mean a return trip of 4 or 5 miles ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 Some Gas operated semi autos are quick to clean. The SX3 is easier to clean than the Beretta I have. Benelli are easier again they don't need cleaning. The Remington Versa Max is as close as you can get to a inertia for lack of cleaning required. If your going on a marsh every gun needs a wipe down after to stop rust forming, the slightest scratch or chip in the coating it will rust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 Yes mine does have the barrel wiped down after a trip , the receiver is Aluminium though and the mag tube stainless . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 Amazing action but to heavy for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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