| CABELA'S OUTFITTERS JOURNAL - September/October 2006
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Review: Versa-Mate* Adapters
Some things in gundom are just downright fun to use, and the Versa-Mate shotgun gauge adapter
is among them. These adapters fit into the breech end of break-open shotguns, essentially
converting the gun to a smaller gauge.
For example, Versa-Mates are available in 12-20, 12-28, 12-410, 20-28 and 20-410. I tried the 12-20
in a Cesar Guerini over/under, and used 20-gauge shells in the 12-gauge gun. Literally, it was a
blast.
The Versa-Mate insert tubes essentially re-chamber the gun, and each Versa-Mate ensemble
includes two Versa-Mates, so they are ready to convert single or double shotgun to handle other
sizes of ammo. They are only slightly longer than the shotgun shell itself and it is amazing how
they work so well. For example, my scores at skeet were the same as I shot with that gun, whether
I used the full-bore 12-gauge ammo, or 20-gauge shells through the Versa-Mate inserts.
Gauge reduction systems are not new for shotguns. in fact, there has been any number of "tubes"
used in skeet shooting for years and years. Most of those tubes are full-length and include their
own choking system. Back in the 1970s, Browning marketed tube inserts that were a little more
than a foot long. But the Versa-Mates are much shorter.
Unlike most of the full-length skeet tube designs, however, the Versa-Mate system does not include
a separate mechanism to extract the spent shell after shooting. Most of the time, merely tilting the
gun and tapping it lightly with the hand caused the spent shells to fall far enough out of the Versa-
Mates to grab them and then discard them. Sometimes, though, it was necessary to use a small
screwdriver to pluck the empty from the chamber.
Although this phenomenon caused no significant problems, it would be a bit cumbersome in a
shooting match. For normal bird hunting, or just recreational shooting, however, it is not a factor.
The Versa-Mates can be removed easily and quickly from the gun. Merely use a small tool provided
with the kit to pull the Versa-Mate out of the barrel.
Overall, there is no question that the Versa-Mate system does what it is supposed to do, and it is
downright fun to use. It is definitely worth its weight in enjoyment should parents want to use a 12-
or 20-gauge shot-gun when instructing new shooters. It affords the opportunity for the gun to be
shot, but with ammo that doesn't recoil as much as the full bore size loads.
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| — Steve Comus, Cabela's Outfitter Journal columnist |
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| *note: Versa-Mate is designed and custom manufactured by GaugeMate specifically for Cabela's and is equal to our GaugeMate-Gold line of products. |
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