Connecticut Shotgun MFG. RBL Launch Edition 20 GA 28″ SxS Double Barrel
SOLD FOR: $3835
LSB#: 230511NF008
Make: Connecticut Shotgun Mfg Co. / Galazan
Model: RBL Launch Edition
Serial Number: RBL001169
Year of Manufacture: 2005 – 2010
Caliber: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Boxlock Side by Side (SxS), Top Break, Single Selective 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 marked “1169”, the right “RBL / PROOF”. The water table is marked “RBL002482” and “MADE IN USA MODEL RBL / CONNECTICUT SHOTGUN MFG. / NEW BRITAIN, CONN.”, the top tang is marked “RBL001169”, the bottom of the trigger plate is marked “RBL” on a 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. According to the Blue Book of Gun Values, this scroll engraving was done by Richard Roy.
Barrel Length: 28” Solid Rib
Choke: The barrels are threaded for and installed with RBL choke tubes. The left barrel measures Modified. The right barrel measures Cylinder. No other choke tubes are included.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles.
Weight: 6 lbs, 7.6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select black American walnut featuring a straight grip, a straight comb and a serrated black hard rubber buttplate. The wood shows no notable wear or damage, just some light handling and storage marks. The checkering has a couple of tiny dings but overall is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has some faint marks but no notable wear or damage. The drop at the comb is 1 1/2”. The drop at the heel is 2 3/8”. The cast is neutral. The stocks are in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in either bore. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a bit of light scuffing on the right barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The barrel lockup is tight with no play to the receiver. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
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, case-colored 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 threaded for chokes, this is going to be a wonderful gun for everything from pheasant, dove and quail to challenging yourself on the Skeet field with a gun that will turn heads. We don’t see these come through the shop very often. We expect 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 in your bidding!
-J. Ren
