doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com RBL 28 or Parker Repro 28

I have owned a Repro Parker and currently have an RBL. Quality wise it's the Parker by a wide margin.
bill

I don't really know Tony, but did meet him a couple times at shows and he took the time to take Builder and me on a one hour tour of his new plant. I think the guy is absolutely committed to building high quality guns for the American market. In fact, from what I saw, I think he's spending more than he's making by a long shot. He certainly isn't making a ton of money in this biz. His is a labor of love or maybe obsession.

After seeing early RBL's I cancelled my $4000 loaded RBL 9/05 deposit order. It just wasn't a $4k gun, IMO. I have seen many production quality improvements as the guns delivered. Heck, I'd still be waiting for my gun and it'd probably be one of the best RBLs. I'd actually consider buying one of the 28g RBLs except that I'm wrapped up in some vintage gun work pretty deep right now.

But, I'm with the crowd that thinks the Parker Repro is a better quality gun for the money. But it's a used gun that is fast becoming a difficult item to find in the config you might want.

I have an early production Repro w/ 28" bbls, straight grip, splinter and double triggers. I have the same configuration on RBL #307, only with (chuckle, chuckle) exhibition wood. They both have rather light "engraving", but that's where it ends. The Parker has better wood, better wood finish, and better wood to metal fit, better bluing, and real checkering. Both are unfired and tucked away in the safe. Only one will get sold when I can make my money (plus a flat of shells) back.

I may have to send them a grand and get a spot at the end of the line. Two barrels, 28 gauge, 30" barrels and 14 3/4" lop is a very compelling combination. Hopefully the production run will take a while so I can refill the secret cigar box.

You can find a 28ga Repro if you take the time to look. Just watch all the usual internet dealers. I recently bought a two barrel set (DT/BTFE/PG) that may have been fired a few times but there isn't a mark on the wood and the case colors look perfect. I'd hardly classify it as "used", "as new" would be more like it.

I have a 20ga Repro in a DT/SPL/SG configuration and decided the opposite configuration in a 28ga would be fun. Turned out I was right and I am throughly enamored with the 28. And I like the way the BTFE fits (beautifully) and not having to wear shooting gloves when the shooting heats up. Don Moody is right - live with it - you might be surprised.

Bamboozler,

That Asian product is a copy of an English design - by Mr. Anson and Mr. Deeley.

Curl

I know, I was just doing a little "spinning".

I kinda figured you did. I was just stirring a little bit too.

Curl

I just got rid of two repos,26 inch pistol grip and a 28 inch straight stock 28 gauge,replaced them with a Garbi 28ga 216RL and a AyA 4/53 and think I traded up on the deal.
Hampton

I've compared my RBL and Ithaca/SKB 200E. The RBL is certainly a direct descendant but is not a "copy". There are a number of differences, obvious and less so.