Connecticut Shotgun MFG. RBL Reserve Edition 16 GA 29″ SxS Double Barrel
SOLD FOR: $3413
LSB#: 230922RH018
Make: Connecticut Shotgun Mfg Co.
Model: RBL Reserve Edition
Serial Number: RBL004845
Year of Manufacture: 2010-Circa 2020, Discontinued.
Caliber: 16 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Boxlock Side by Side (SxS), Top Break, Single Selective Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors
Barrel Length: 29” Vent Rib
Choke: Both barrels are Full Choke, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles.
Weight: 7 lbs, 7.7 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select black American walnut featuring a beavertail forend, a capped pistol grip, a straight comb and a black rubber recoil pad. There is a tiny loss on the top edge of the forend on the right side at the rear corner. There are a few little nicks and marks in the wood, the most notable are on the forend at the front and on the top of the wrist. There are a few light draglines and light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the adjustable recoil pad. A second, thinner recoil pad is included to adjust the LOP. The recoil pad 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. There is just some light stubborn fouling in the bores. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is a bit of finish wear at the muzzles. There are a few little marks through the finish, most notably on the edges of the rib and left barrel at about the forend. The balance of the finish shows some light handling and storage marks. There is a tiny scuff on the left side of the rib just in front of the barrel markings. 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. The safety automatically engages when the action is opened. 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: This shotgun comes in a Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co. brown leather shotgun case with maroon felt-lined compartments for the shotgun components and accessories. The case comes with a canvas outer covering with leather accents. Included with the shotgun is a pair of brass snap caps, a small brass oil flask, a two-piece walnut cleaning rod with brass accents, a second thinner recoil pad and paperwork including the owner’s manual.
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 Reserve 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. Chambered for 16 gauge with 29? barrels, 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 with your bidding!
As Always,
Keep Your Powder Dry and Bid High!
-Andrew G.
