For $3000 buy the RBL! For an all-around shooter the RBL is way to go. Once you've bought a RBL you will still want a Parker.
For $3000 one can buy an RBL with a little better than average wood. Will it hold it's value, probably. I would not however invest my life savings into a collection of RBLs. I would buy high grade Parkers. A while ago I stopped buying SxS's that will depreciate. There are too many that will hold or increase in value.
As for value, at least the next 5-10 years Parkers's values will increase (IMHO). Maybe they will be like Colt SAA's and not stop rising in value! I do not expect the same for any firearm such as the RBL whose manufacturer is still in business. After the RBL's CSMC will produce an equally fine if not better SxS. I do however think the RBL-28 will someday be collectable. It's a neat little gun!
To compare a Parker and an RBL, the RBL-20's I've handled didn't feel "magic" like a Parker 20 or Parker Reproduction 20 (stay away from the single triggers!). I would however take an RBL into my duck boat where I would not take either Parker. There's nothing harder on a gun than being in a duck boat. At $4000 or more for either Parker a few dings could be expensive!
In 12 gauge an as new Parker Reproduction DHE (mid grade on a 1 & 1/2 frame size) will cost $4000 - $5500 (If you find one for less let me know!). An original Parker DHE that has been professionally restored will also be over $4000. Try a few of either Parker and you may find one with that "magic" feel like it was built just for you. You can find a lower grade VH (non-ejector) or GH with some honest use for less than $3000. It won't be as vesitile as a RBL but it will be a Parker. Open the chokes to Skeet 1 and Skeet 2 (LM) and by shooting different loads it will handle any game you swing it at.
RBL's are a great choice for a shooter. I ordered a RBL-12 as an clays and waterfowl gun. With 4x wood and a vent rib the RBL cost me almost $4000. The RBL will come with choke tubes, be steel shot capable, and handle all the 3" 1.5 ounce goose loads or tens of thousands of target loads I ever care to shoot. Only a very rare Parker Reporduction Steel Special could do all that! I don't expect the RBL will increase in value anytime soon. Unlike the Parkers I will take the RBL in the duck boat (very carefully of course!). If I scratch the stock a little hand rubbed oil will correct it. If I do other damage to it I can send it back to CSMC who will promptly repair and return it to me.
As I previously wrote, I have an RBL-20 and 28 "on my list". But, a Parker is a Parker and an RBL is not. Parker's are not in demand because they are a fad. "Old Reliable" was true 100 years ago just as it is today. Also, let's not forget the workmanship that made Parkers such a fine gun! Okay, the RBL may be even more reliable due to modern steels and CMC machining. RBLs are not hand fitted guns and have laser cut checkering. To buy a CSMC gun with the workmanship of a Parker DHE grade or higher (C through A grades) would cost around $15000. Just check the CMSC website for the price on their Fox or Model 21.
PS: If Steve "Cobbhead" would care to shoot a few Parkers and an RBL-12 please come to Michigan this summer and shoot mine. Or go to a SxS shoot and you will probably find a fellow shooter with an RBL who would will let you handle and maybe shoot it. One could visit Lou in the CSMC showroom and handle both. If you are ready to buy Lou might even let you shoot them. You'd have to ask Lou of course.
Last edited by MarkOue; 04/19/09 07:47 AM.
