Connecticut Shotgun MFG. Model RBL Launch Edition 20 GA 28″ Double Barrel
SOLD FOR: $3550
LSB#: 210610PK01
Make: Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co. / Galazan
Model: RBL Launch Edition
Serial Number: RBL000511
Year of Manufacture: 2005-2010
Gauge: 20 Gauge 2 3/4? Shells
Action Type: Boxlock Side-by-Side SXS, Top Break, Dual Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “CONNECTICUT SHOTGUN MFG. NEW BRITAIN CT. U.S.A.”, the top of the left is marked “RBL LAUNCH EDITION 20ga. 2 3/4”, each chamber and the top-rear of the rib have a foliate scroll motif. The left barrel flat is mraked “511”, the right “RBL / PROOF”. The water table is marked “RBL000511” and “MADE IN USA MODEL RBL / CONNECTICUT SHOTGUN MFG. / NEW BRITAIN, CONN.”, the top tang is marked “RBL000511”, the bottom of the trigger plate is marked “RBL” on banner. The receiver, trigger plate, guard, base of the forend iron, and lever have beautiful foliate scroll engraving with fine matting in the negative spaces.
Barrel Length: 28”, Solid-Rib
Choke: The barrels are threaded for RBL choke tubes with Improved Cylinder installed on both barrels. Also included are Full, Modified, and Improved Modified.
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib.
Weight: 6 lb., 2 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select black American walnut with a capped pistol grip, straight comb and serrated black hard rubber buttplate. There are some spots of dark discoloration on the pistol grip cap. There are a few marks on the top rear corners of the forend. The diamond on the bottom of the forend has some marks into the edges. The bottom of the forend has some wear on the rear edge with a tiny hairline crack on the right side, not even 1/8″. The buttstock has a few light compressions and a couple scuffs. There are a couple little tiny dings and a couple of hairline scratches, the most noticeable is on the left side by the heel. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 1/4? and 13 1/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the pad, 14? and 13″ to the back of the wood. The pate has some light wear. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2?, drop at heel 2 1/8?. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & French Gray
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrels, forend iron and receiver have very light operational wear on the bearing surfaces, concealed when assembled. There are a few light marks on the barrels and rib. The barrel has some faint mottled thinning and discoloration at the front, most noticeable on the bottom of the right barrel. The bottom tang has some little spots of dark discoloration and fingerprinting. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes in a gold-colored canvas hard-sided luggage case with leather bolsters, brass locking latch with key, English-style leather straps, maroon felt interior with “CONNECTICUT SHOTGUN MFG. CO. / NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT / RBL / LAUCH EDITION” label with Galazan seal. The interior of the case has compartments for the barrel assembly with storage for a wood cleaning rod under the barrels, receiver assembly with wrist-strap, snap caps, and other accessories. Accessories include the cleaning rods, bore brush and mop, snap-caps, CSMC RBL marked oil bottle, CSMC RBL marked leather snap-top choke case with wrench, ear plugs in RBL CSMC marked screw-top alloy carry case, CSMC RBL marked shooting glasses, and manual. The accessories are in Fine and Excellent condition. The case has minor storage wear, in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: Tony Galazan, the founder of Connecticut Shotgun Mfg., is a tireless perfectionist with a passion for making the finest gun possible. It shows in their products such as this RBL Launch Edition with its gorgeous black American walnut stocks, french grayed receiver and intricate foliate scroll engraving. These shotguns aren’t just meant to be pretty, though, they’re meant to be fired. Every operation in the production of their guns takes place at their New Britain production facility, giving them control of the quality of every aspect of the gun’s construction. All of CSM’s production crew test-fire their guns during the construction process, ensuring that the gun is fit perfectly, functions flawlessly and the craftsmen have an intimate understanding of how a gun should feel for its user. The RBL was designed by examining several other successful side by side shotgun designs with the final product incorporating a double bridged action, a removable hinge pin, a special dog bone locking bolt, and other features that make the RBL truly unique. Chambered for 20 gauge with 28? barrels and an assortment of chokes, this is going to be a wonderful gun for everything from pheasant dove and qail to challenging yourself on the Skeet field with a gun that will turn heads. With a nice case for transport, factory accessories and function matched only by the beauty of its form, this shotgun will be the pride of any collection and should make for a fine piece for hunting or sporting that will be the envy of all who see it. Please see our photos and good luck!