doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com What's the big deal on RBL's?

I have no intention of dissing anyone but I'm wondering, why all the hype about RBL's? Okay the gun costs ~3k and that isn't peanuts. But every day there are gents buying new Hollands, Perazzi's, Krieghoffs, AYAs, Purdeys, etc., etc. People do post writeups and pics of their new acquisitions all the time, but the number of posts about RBL's seems well out of proportion to their "statistical population".... versus other quality guns that are ordered, waited on, then received. What is it I'm missing on RBL's? Silvers

It's made in the USA...

Tony G. is producing a quality SxS that no other American manufacturer can (or is willing try) to build any where near that price point; from most accounts, you get a very good gun for the money; and, Tony did a great job of stimulating pre-production demand.

My hat's off to Tony for taking such a risk and producing a product in a way that seems to be completely contrary to today's business model. I wish him nothing but success. To me the strategic business plan is just as interesting as the finished product.

JDG

Silvers,
I think the stats have the key; how often have a dozen of us ordered the same gun at the same time? A somewhat risky order at that! I think the risk part keeps the chatter level high.

BTW, That old GH is pretty happy here, thanks!

I shot a couple skeet rounds along side my vet using his RBL the other night. Prior to that I got a look at his along side his CSMC M21 and his 1 1/2 Flues restored with 4E wood and wood carving. My taste ran towards the Flues then the 21. The RBL was just OK by comparison. The gun was a bear for him to break open. I don't think it's supposed to be that hard. He shot it well though once he figured out the barrel selection button and auto safety.

I agree with Jay and ty 100%---have we forgotten our roots in the United States? Does everything have to be made off shore to make a profit for American businessman? I know Tony had to bring in European help and has to sell direct to cover costs, but at least he has a hint of an American Henry Ford in some small way. The Wal-Mart model has been the death of any new products, unless you can get it on their shelves and make it in China cheaply. Those that have placed orders want to know they did the right thing and some have had second thoughts and sleepless nights. Did they pick the right options, should they upgrade wood, do I need assisted opening, case color, etc, etc. Those are the people that are looking for answers---time will tell.

The shotguns 'roots' are in England.

When I first saw a picture of an RBL I thought it looked like "too much gun for the money".
I'm sure they shoot well and they certainly have eye appeal in their pictures. I've never held one in my hands but I don't see them being worth more than people have paid for them...as some evidently hope they will. There are a lot of really nice vintage guns for $3200.
Time and use will tell the story of the RBL.
L.F.

I paid 2550 for mine and it is a long way from perfect but it shoots well and is one hell of a deal. I think the price would be 5000 to 7000 if it had been to a distributor, wholesaler, and dealer.
bill

Ralph,
I'm with you all the way on this product and I have one on order. Remember, even Henry Ford hired immigrants.

Homeless,
You are, of course very much correct, in that time and use will tell the story of the RBL. I hope it's a good story since I have one on order. I've held the prototypes at Vegas and at CSM's facility. They are very nice guns even in their prototype form. Production guns, of course, will be the proof in the puddin'. I agree with you that there are a lot of nice vintage guns for similar money. But, there are a lot more junk vintage guns for similar money than there are good guns. I've bought a small pile of vintage guns and have some junk and some good fixer uppers and fewer good-to-go guns. When I buy a new gun I don't make a comparison to the vintage guns. They each give me something different. Both worth something to me. My take is that having $3200 or $4000 in your pocket guarantees nothing in the way of getting a good vintage gun but my experience in buying new guns is that generally I get what I believe I've made the deal for.

The price is affordable for a significant number of people. Tony has Brand Value to his name. New guns are desirable to many for avoidance of repair issues; some people actually don't enjoy repairing 100 year old guns. The gun fits a desirable shooting niche. Made in USA. Has enough customizable features to "feel sorta bespoke." Appears to be that extra notch up from the GL (malt instead of a milkshake but not costing like a peanutbrowniefudgeearthquakemuddslidebeltandwalletbuster). Niftly marketed, just a tad mysterious. It is fun to talk about, too.