Rock Island Armory's VR80 is a magazine-fed semi-automatic 12 gauge laid out like an AR-15, with upper and lower receivers machined from 7075-T6 aluminum and a fixed synthetic thumbhole stock. The 20-inch barrel sits inside a spiral-fluted shroud, the chamber is 3 inches, overall length is 39 inches, and the standard magazine gives 5+1. Folding front and rear sights come fitted, a Picatinny rail accepts an optic, and the manual safety works from either side.

The appeal in Connecticut is familiarity: anyone who has run an AR will find the controls where they expect them, and the ambidextrous safety suits left-handed shooters. The thumbhole stock and 20-inch barrel make it a steady range and practical-shooting gun, and the 3-inch chamber covers light target loads through heavy ones. For deer, the state lists 12 gauge with single projectiles on private land from November 18 to December 8, but this configuration is really a range and defense shotgun.

Key features

• Magazine-fed semi-automatic 12 gauge, AR-style controls
• 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receivers
• 20-inch barrel with spiral-fluted shroud, 3-inch chamber
• 5+1 capacity, folding front and rear sights
• Picatinny optic rail, ambidextrous safety

The VR80 ships to the Connecticut FFL dealer you name at checkout, who finishes the transfer with you in person.