doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com RBL Experience

The following are the facts as I see them. CSMC might have a different view--and I will admit that I was a "pest" with excessive letters etc. So here goes:
Received RBL in July. Problem with finish. CSMC graciously agreed to upgrade 4X BW to EX BW for $200 plus $100 shoptime.
Got RBL back in August. Lower tang set too deeply and blemish in wood. Sent Buttstock and receiver back for repair. Got Buttstock and receiver back in Sep--more problems with wood. Contacted CSMC. "LOU" declined to refinish wood. Told me it had passed inspection and I could keep it "as is" or return for refund. Sent it back and got refund last week.

Perhaps I am too "picky," but finish on wood was not satisfactory. I did get a second opinion on quality of finish on wood and it did back up my opinion. You can take this for what it is worth. Not accepting blame or pointing fingers. Just one persons experience and opinion.

Tom McDevitt

Picky or not, Tom, discriminating customers sharing their opinions with others keep manufacturers on their toes

Problem is that this gun is a 2-3K not a 20-30 K gun. Most guns have some problems if you look close enough. My nest to last K-80, which was at the time the second highest grade made, had several issues. They dealt with them as best they could and I got on with life. Ended up selling the gun not because of any issues, I moved onto another direction. Sounds like they made several attempts to make you happy but could not. Only you can be the judge if you were too picky or not.

I'm with KY Jon on this-I'd be more interested in how a $2-3000 gun shot than how deep the trigger guard was set. Since they are in the same ballpark pricewise, how did the finish and fit compare to a Gold Label? What kind of "problem" are we talking on a $3000 guns wood finish? A SBE costs over $1000, and comes with a plastic stock.
Inspite of all the hoopla, an RBL isn't a London gun, and wasn't meant to be at that price. I'm beginning to think some of the RBL buyers spent more for the magnifying glass they look the gun over with, than they did for the gun itself.
How did it shoot?
Best,
Ted

I like this board because it allows me to measure my prejudices.

I have paid about the same as a base RBL to have a gun stocked and depending on some peoples idea of perfection can find issues with the stock job so RBL buyers are getting a gun thrown in for free along with new stock, looks like the deal fo the century to me.

It would be the deal of the century if it didn't have screw-in chokes. Now, it's just a deal.

I agree with Ted, some people will always think a 2k gun should have 20k worth of value, I would be willing to bet Mickey's gun would have been a hell of a shooter....

Well, you know .. Hey. I'd say off hand that they went way out trying to please, and that from Tom's own words. Sorry that it didn't get there, but life does go on and I don't read his story as sour grapes nor do I see CSMC's reputation remotely damaged either. Perhaps someone who would have had a long wait otherwise will get access to Tom's gun and be quite happy to do so. I have enjoyed the one I drew and it was ordered as and is a shooter and a very well regulated one at that. I think it is a good value and I am a happy customer. Tom thot otherwise and it does not sound to me that he was treated in a less than courteous nor benfit of the doubt manner. Sorry it didn't work out, but also glad that he related his experience. I'd say it was positive, but that's my perspective. Oh, and I have been on both sides of that fence at one time or another and on a fairly large scale comparatively. Gentlemen and good businessmen do what is right and move on.

Whatever the price of the gun from a £50 baikal to a £50K London gun, I have seen issues with all of them - it all depends on how close you look.

I admit, I am a picky person as well, and a gun has to be right otherwise I fret!!! However, you have to learn to live with some things. Anything that has an element of hand-finishing or handbuilt ALL have "issues" if you look close enough.

Some of the Japanese built Brownings (AKA Miroku)are finished to an unbelievable standard internally, with virtually no tool marks at all. I have seen Purdey's and Hollands internally with significant file marks...

and some of the top tier engraving on some recent guns IMHO leaves a lot to be desired - pheasants looking like parrots etc - don't get me wrong I am a great fan of the old naieve art style engraving and favour that over some modern engraving, but there are limits.

and as for single triggers on best London guns - forget it, nearly every one I have seen - new and old has had problems, and even led to new guns being rejected by new purchasers !

Jonty