doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Tulsa observations - RBL & S&W

Had a great time in Tulsa. I went to compare various sxs's that I have been interested in. I managed just that and the trip changed some opinions I had developed.

Fist I found the new S&W Gold Elite. The vendor had guns # 18 and 19. The wood was very proud and unattractive. The barrel markings were very gaudy looking. It was priced at $2150. I was underwhelmed to say the least.

Next I found a RBL. It was an english stock with standard wood (I assume because if it was an upgrade you did not get anything for your money). It was color case hardend. The engraving left lots to be desired and there was actually very little color on the frame. This gun was priced at $4750. Again, underwhelmed.

These were two guns I had considered as they had been in my price range (not the inflated RBL price). After closer inspection I am glad I did not put any money down on an RBL.

I did handle several AYA 4/53's and # 2's. After much thought I decided that the AYA #2 in 28 ga is going to win out. We are actually going to order three from the factory in the white for a project we have planned. Prior to the Tulsa show the #2 was not the front runner, but it is the winner now.

(I wish I would have had the money to afford the A-1 specials, high end Fox's, Purdy's, and Holland's. Then again $73,000 for a Henry, or $80,000 for a Colt gattling gun would have been nice as well!)

I was there also and picked up a couple of nice examples.
An early (1894) LC Smith Hammergun with buttplate marked "Trap Gun" Serial 29615 with baraction lock.Anyone familiar with this model?
And a nice Adams and Co. English Hammergun with a finger side release and Damascus bbls.

Black Forest,

I picked up a AYA #2 28ga a few weeks ago. If your is anything like mine, you won't be disappointed! Great choice as far as I'm concerned.

Here's pictures of the RBL you saw at Tulsa. This is the exhibition upgrade. It may not be a true $700.00 value but in my opinion it's a long way from being the standard 2X offered on the base gun. This gun also has the case color and assisted opener options.

I took it to Tulsa and didn't care if I sold it or not. My intentions were more to let people actually see an RBL and I priced it accordingly.

Tony Galazan came by and talked to me about the gun and the RBL in general. I had a great time talking to everyone about it. Most thought the wood was a good value and looked nice.

I think that is a very nice piece of wood. The laser cut checkering does not allow the grain to show through at the wrist though.

Hansli, I agree with you on the checkering. I've thought about hand chasing it just to show the wood better.

Definitely worth the upgrade, you've done well.

Fantastic piece of wood.

My RBL is due soon.... I hope.

I upgraded to exhibition and will be very satisfied if my wood looks as good as yours...

Joe

That RBL is incredible!!!! I can't see anyone complaining about that shotgun for that price and built to your specs for under 5,000.........Come On