doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com General Impressions of Tony Galazan and CSMC

Hey guys,

I am brand new to the community, but am very interested in fine doubles and have a passion to learn as much as I can. I hope this is on topic; I have never really gotten involved with an online community like this before so bear with me

My question is this, What are your impressions on Tony Galazan and his firm Connecticut Shotgun? I am a gunsmithing student and am pursuing a job with his company. I have already toured his plant and spent a day on the bench. So, I have formed some basic opinions and impressions, but I am always interested in what others have to say about a company. I have been reading what is already posted around the forums about Tony and his company, and it seems to be very positive. Although, most of the discussion seems to be on his RBL, any thoughts, opinions, or impressions on his Parkers, Foxes, 21's, O/U's or SxS?

Thanks

My dealings with CSM and Tony have always been good. Tony is smart guy with very good business sense. I have visited him and the gun room three times and will do so again in June.

Jim

Nice bunch of tools you made! Good luck in your career. Joe

If I was looking at career in gunsmithing, starting with Galazan would be darn near optimum. You'll be exposed to old school hand made guns and high-tech production line guns, all under a single small roof.

Great exposure and a great line in the resume if you stay for 3-4 years.

My own opinions:

I think they compromised the quality of the RBL.
I think they are undermanned in the used gun sales and they may have all the business that they need.
I was totally PO'd trying to work a trade deal with them.
I think they have some very nice inventory and build some beautiful shotguns.

Good luck in your endeavors.

Ken

Congrats to you for getting a job with Tony. I'm sure you'll do well there once you get past the culture shock --- our life style and their varies quite a bit --- I remember all to well my time at the Colt factory. I once taught at MCC --- sat up the engraving program for the state of N.C. If I can be of any assistance to you please call me at 910-221-5388 -- I'm still living in the old North state. Ken

They needed a PR firm to mend-up the bad RBL business, which btw, has carried over to the used gun dept.

TBB,
You are at a great starting place. Probably one of the most envious places to find an entry level job. No matter some of the difficulties CSM is going thru, the business does some great work in most cases. The RBL is/was having teething problems but CSM will likely recover. I can't think of a better place in the U.S. for an apprentice to be. They have it all, from CNC/DNC to files and chisles. Not likely anyone else in the states can expose you to as much diversity of gun manufacture for fine guns.

Chuck, you've taken a bow on the RBL, would you think of putting in an order for Tony's O/U @ 30x or so the price of an RBL?
Think of your nervious system man!

I believe Mr. Galazan runs his shop on the European system. You had better be on time, know when lunch starts and ends, and expect to stay until the end of the day. From what I understand, like the European system, it is better that you not be married or have social responsibilities outside of basic bodily functions. I would kill to work under the people he has running that place. I hope you succeed.