doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Hunting a CSM RBL

I have hunted a little with all of my RBLs, but I've really settled in to hunting with my RBL-16. Mine are all straight stock, slim forearm, double trigger guns. Mine weigh --

RBL-28 with 30-inch barrels -- 5 pounds 12.3 ounces
RBL-20 with 28-inch barrels -- 6 pounds 3.8 ounces
RBL-16 with 29-inch barrels -- 6 pounds 14.8 ounces
RBL-12 with 30-inch barrels -- 7 pounds 4.9 ounces

Don't have a picture of all four, but here are the 28-, 20- and 16-gauges --



Here is the RBL-12 and the RBL 16 --



My RBL-12 is one of the lighter weight ones on the same frame as the RBL-16. Kind of like a 1-frame Parker Bros. 12-gauge. I originally got one of the big frame 32-inch 12-gauges with a beavertail and vent rib that tipped the scales at 8 pounds 14.5 ounces. Didn't like it at all, even though it was exactly what I had ordered. Lou took care of me and got me the lighter RBL-12.

Whats the discussion about? The RBL or 28 bore? The RBL is like any other shotgun, nothing very special except for the promotional hoopla..A mid priced modern double.And not even scarce. The debate over ounces in weight seems silly. My land! if you cant carry a couple of extra ounces, stay home and buy safeway chickens..

You're up early! The question is if anyone hunts with an RBL and what do they weigh. I think we've stayed on track up to now.

What does scarcity of a gun have to do do with hunting with it?

I agree with you on the few ounces,although I don't detect much of a debate here.

I have shot ring necks, dove, ducks with my RBL 20. 3/4 oz steel is marginal on ducks.
bill

I guess my point is was, if I had one..is that the RBL is just another double...Any difference in the field would be in load-fit-capability..Not maker..I bet 3/4 oz steel is no more or less marginal on waterfowl out of an RBL than it would be out of anything else...

Veering farther from the OP's questions I would agree with you. The RBL is just another SxS. For new guns in its price range a fairly nice example. I am well pleased with mine, it is balanced slightly foreward of the pin and the weight is as close to what I wanted that I won't change a thing. The gun fits me well, I shoot it well. I have handled two other RBL 16's that I would not have been satisfied with. Not set up like I like and just didn't have the weight or "feel" I would want. Had I recieved a gun like that it would have been quickly sold. Not because it was a bad gun, just not what I'm after. It might be the next person's "just right".

We had quite a few hunter/guests with RBL's...They are pretty nice guns generally. I owned a 20 for a short while. As you said the "feel" wasnt there. One should be able to pick up a SxS blindfolded and tell by the feel between the hands if its "the one"...Make makes little difference...Our family owned Purty Purdey Purdy is a cosmetic disaster, but you just have to pick it up to know it will work...Grandpa bought it new in 1919,and it has been HUNTED ever since, rain or shine,,thats what is what is was built for....RBL's should be treated the same way...

I guess I don't understand the question. I bought a 20 ga. RBL last September, never gave a thought to not hunting with it. Got a blue grouse three days after purchase, first shot out of the gun. It has, like several before it, become my favorite bird gun and will likely stay in that position this year, too. The odd thing, though I shoot it very well on birds, I can't hit a lick with it on sporting clays or 5 stand.

Oh, though I don't have a precise scale, I believe it weighs a few ounces over 6# and is a pleasure to carry in the field.

Steve

I thought about this old thread as I pulled my now "old standby" RBL Launch Ed. out for the season. Since I first shot it I have extolled the dynamics of this gun. Now after 5 seasons and contemplating my next I would add that as a hunting shotgun the RBL has so far passed another important test. Shots at a ruffed grouse are just too dear to tolerate any gun that occasionally misfires. The RBL never misses a beat. Happy Bird Season to all.

Homer,

Have you had others that misfired?

I ask because your comment has never been a concern for me. After more than a half century in the field with how many guns that only God knows the number, I have never had a misfire because of a mechanical or gun issue.

The very, very few I have experienced were all primer issues.