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Masters in the Art of Gun Making
A. H. Fox C. S. M. C. Model 21 A. Galazan Over & Under

Customer Testimonials


A-10 American on maiden voyage, shot a double on turkeys

 

These 17 quail were the result of a morning’s hunt with my Boykin, Abigail. Her picture is artfully engraved under the receiver.
I’ve hunted quail and pheasant with this little 28ga Fox many times and it continues to amaze me how instinctively it shoots.
Darn near magic!
It is a pleasure to shoot and to admire. Its beauty still stuns me every time I slide it out of its case.
I originally questioned the IC/MOD fixed chokes, but now wouldn’t order a bird gun with anything else.

Doug Lewis

 

Had another fine year with the RBL Launch edition. Here are a few pictures I took during the season. This has been the best shotgun I have ever owned, and I hate to think of the number of guns I have used to hunt birds with!

Regards,
John Osadnick

 

RBL's being used around the world

 

I jumped 16 birds and got them all of them with 20 shells which means I had to use the second barrel only 4 times. I love the gun. I have been shooting small gauge Parkers and Foxes since 1959 and this gun is lighter, faster, and comes up better than either of them. You can use this testament anytime with my name attached. By the way I am 74 years old. 

Forrest Marshall, Father of the Parker Gun Collectors Association

 

My RBL 20 has been just great the
last two years , and is as reliable as ever.

Cheers,
John Fetzer

 

CSMC Trophies and Awards
Click here to see the numerous awards presented to Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co.


New RBL Works great as you can see from pic. It just crushes birds if you on on them.
- Robert Bly

I shot this monster 180 pound 8 point buck. 
Long shot, one shot, dead. 
Thank you - Lukas
 

 

 Dear staff at CSMC,          September 29, 2009

I have just returned from the 2009 Vintage Cup side by side championships held at Pintail Point shooting grounds in Maryland.  I had  some success in the various gauge and configuration competitions using guns manufactured by Connecticut Shotgun.  The 28g. and 20g. RBLs performed flawlessly, allowing for high over all wins in the 28g. Hammerless and the 20g. Hammerless categories.  The CSMC model 21 performed beautifully as well, providing high over all wins in American Makers, Preliminary, and Senior Champion in the main event. The handling qualities, mechanical functioning, and shot patterning of these guns were absolutely terrific.  I have confidence that these guns will  continue to provide superior performance for my bird hunting and clay shooting.  Chuck DeVinne

I am pleased to report that I shot my favorite shotgun, a CSMC M-21 at the recent World International Championships in Tulsa.  While I was the only competitor using a SxS shotgun, I felt I was competitive posting a score of 170x200 at this most difficult clay target game and winning the Gold Medal in the Senior concurrent catagory.

-Hal Hare

I just wanted to send you a note and say THANK YOU!  After recieving my RBL 16 gauge I can say it is one of the most beautiful weapons that I have ever seen.  From the magnificent workmanship tot he balance of the weapon along with the quality of the wood, it is truly a piece of art.   It is truly an honor to be able to say that it is made in America let alone in New Britian Conn.  Keep up the fantastic work and my CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL FOR A MAGNIFICENT JOB WELL DONE I look forward to being able to order another fine weapon from you.  WOW

 SIncerely Burt Seifel
 

Thank you once again for building such a nice shotgun at a price that I can afford.  My RBL 16 is more than I had hoped for.  The fit, finish, and handling of this gun depicts your commitment to quality in every respect. I can only say that I would highly recommend CSMC to everyone I meet in the shotgun world I live in. I travel the eastern half of the country every year shooting skeet, sporting and vintage shoots of all types.  Please rest assured that I will be a strong advocate of CSMC due to your diligence in providing QUALITY American-made firearms. I will try to save some money in order to purchase another fine gun manufactured by CSMC.

Thanks again,
Daniel L. Moore
 

Got my new RBL 16 Ga yesterday. Here are some pictures of what it does best.. It was a good day in the uplands today, I hope it can keep up as I have not missed a bird with it yet. Gun handles  like a dream, shoots where it is pointed,  and the right  weight to be tromping up  and  down the hillls all day.

Thanks

Tom

 

Galazan Folks,

THANK YOU!!!

I just picked up the RBL 12 I ordered from you a couple of months  ago...WOW! Great work! I have to admit I did not expect as beautifully  figured a piece of wood as came in this package. The workmanship is simply outstanding...my shooting will in no way match what this shotgun can assuredly do, but it will make me look better (nothing can make me look "good") trying. Once again thank you for the care and effort you put into crafting this shotgun. You have one very happy customer as a result of your  efforts.

 Harold Sharp

 

Simply put, it is the single best value in SxS guns on the market today. A close second would be a Parker Repro. However given the the Parker Repros are RIP, the CSMC, RBL is it.

Their gun is an excellent shooter and is very durable. I have just returned from Bolivia where I shot just over 3K rounds through my RBL 28 without re-lubricating, cleaning, or otherwise. "ZERO" problems to report!

Want a great looking 28 SxS with enough options available to make the gun almost "custom", get a CSMC RBL 28....

...Also, if you want one a bit fancier, CSMC will do that too....Take a look at their gallery guns.

Jeff Wemmer

 

CSM Personnel, 
While stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska from 2000-2007, two good friends of mine ordered RBLs on what was called a “Limited Edition Run”.  I was immediately interested because I love side-by-sides, these gentlemen knew their way around side-by-sides and they both have a fine shotgun collection.  When their guns finally came in, I got to shoot the RBL. I was very impressed as it shot exactly how it looked—BEAUTIFUL.  We were about to leave Alaska and I could not at that time invest in an RBL or any new gun.  This was disappointing because the RBL was advertised as a very limited edition.  The run would end and I’d be shut out. 

When the Air Force moved me to Colorado Springs in 2007, I was turning 50 years old and about to retire.  My wife was looking for me, a combined gift and of course a side-by-side shotgun was my number one “wish”. My friends in Alaska informed us the RBL “run” was extended, still available and encouraged me to go with it for several reasons:  they were very satisfied with their RBLs, it was made in the USA, they knew I loved side-by-sides, and the price was affordable.

I called you folks and placed my order—one of the best moves I’ve ever made. I received my RBL in April 2008, and immediately took it out to shoot.  Once I got the feel of it at the range, and later in the field hunting quail and pheasant, it is now my favorite gun.  I’m 5 ft 7 in with shorter arms, so I did have to make LOP 13 5/8.  I hated to have to shorten that beautiful stock, but when I did, my 20 ga RBL seemed to point itself and I was hitting birds hard and often. I have now shot numerous “straights” in skeet with my RBL.  To me, the RBL is classical and traditional looking yet not fancy. It superbly performs its’ designed purpose enabling me to fold game and smoke clays. I frequently call my friends in Alaska and more often than not, the subject of conversation is the RBL.

Also, I’m very satisfied with the service as I’ve called back to you folks several times with questions in preventive maintenance/“dos and don’ts” additional chokes, etc, and your customer service personnel are always very friendly.  They patiently answered my questions—probably the same questions they must field hundreds of times per week. I appreciate that very much.

I’m retired now with my budget set.  However, My Alaskan friend has made his order for the 16 ga RBL.  The last time I followed his lead, I got one classic shotgun, and that 16 ga is now very appealing.

CSM—as a retired US Air Force SNCO in Colorado Springs, with a strict budget, that loves quality side-by-sides, thanks for the affordable and fine shotgun. I appeal to you to keep building and supporting the RBLs so I can purchase that 16 ga when the time comes.  More coming I’m sure. 

Sincerely,

Henry Martin, SMSgt, USAF (Retired) Colorado Springs, CO
Satisfied Customer

I won the New Hampshire State Trap doubles championship  June 12, 2009 in class AA using the CSMC 21...  there were a lot of comments, stares, and quite a few fellows handled and shot the gun later on.. I do not think that a trap title has been won in NH with a side by side in many years.  (this was the only trap event I shot this year, and the first time I had the 21 out to shoot since the vintage cup last fall).
Thanks for the playing cards and of course....the GREAT GUN!
Sincerely, Chuck DeVinne

 

I wish to complement Connecticut Shotgun on their new RBL.  The RBL is comfortable to carry all day through my New Hampshire grouse coverts, elegant enough to turn heads in the Thomasville, Georgia quail wagon.  This quality with the dependability for a week of 1000 shell days dove shooting in Uruguay without a hic-cup is to be commended. What a pleasure to have an American shotgun performing like the shotguns made here over the past century, all for such a reasonable price.
Sincerely: 
Ivan L. Mahoney III

I picked up the RBL 20 at Ten Mile River yesterday. Its a beautiful gun - thank you. I tried it out on the 5-Stand course and it shoots great.

 Thanks again for your help.

 Regards,

Dennis Schaney
 

Received my ordered Model 21 from you earlier this week.  Am very happy with it.  Nice job.  Very much appreciate your attention to detail. 
Please pass along a thank you from me to the craftsmen and women who worked on my Model 21.  It should be a gun I can shoot for the rest of my life. 

 Best to you and all the folks at CSMC.

 Tim Wolf
 

I received my 16ga RBL a few days ago and could not be more pleased.   What a nice shotgun.  Looking forward to your future offerings.

 Best regards,

 Erik Warren

I picked up my new 12 Ga. RBL last night at Millers In Delaware and Bob Miller called the boys behind the counters to, " take a look at a really fine looking gun that Bob just bought from CSM. " Wow , did you folks do a great job. The feel and fit are perfect and the wood is a sight to behold.

I am so pleased that I ordered the upgraded case which just sets the whole thing off so nicely........ everybody in the shop wanted to see it and we stayed after closing doing the paperwork and admiring the gun , case and combined package.

-Robert N. Tropp, Jr.

Just received my RBL-12 yesterday.  Ooohh my!

Thanks, Lamar Sandburg

This is just a note to say I took a RBL 20 and a 28 down to Argentina. We shot over 1000 shells through both guns and they performed very well.

I enjoyed them immensely.

-Jay Trees

RBL16 wins Northeast SxS event right out of the box.

Michael Graham of Salem, NY received his RBL16 just a few short days before the Northeast SxS this past weekend in Friendsville, PA.  Not being at all familiar with the gun he decided to bring it along and enter it in the 16ga. Hunter Clays Event, an extremely challenging course.  Mike states that during the event the gun felt like it already knew how to break clays, he just had to call the bird and pull the trigger; he knew he was going to have a good run.  Incredibly, he won the event breaking 45 of 50 birds with his new out of the box and unfired RBL16!  Congratulations are in order for Mike and his RBL16, and in case you were wondering his RBL16 is not for sale at any price.

 

19 1/2 lbs. May 12, 2009

Maiden Voyage with RBL-12

Thank you very much!

The RBL performed without a hitch and was absolutely magic in downing these birds. The fast and wild flushes made the RBL’s quick handling characteristics very valuable. The gun’s beauty was greatly admired by all.

Doug Lewis

I received my 16 Gauge RBL the day of the 16 Gauge World Vintage Tournament and I only had a chance for a quick test fire to confirm the barrel selector position of my single trigger--then off to the tournament. 

I am pleased to report the 'MATCHLESS' performance of my RBL-- as evidenced by the Open Gold Medal that I won.  Your RBL is a fantastic value for the money. 

My thanks to Tony and his staff.

Hal M. Hare

NSSA All-American Shooter

2009 Southern Side by Side

28 Ga. American Classics - High Overall - RBL

12 Ga. Main Event - Tied 2nd - CSMC Model 21

Thanks for the support!  -Chuck DeVinne

While many have tried to create with machinery, few have succeeded. The RBL's may be the crowning exception.

...the final fitting and detailing are done by master gunmakers.

Externally the lines, engraving, fit and finish are extremely fine, easily bringing to mind the quality of many of the grand vintage double guns of the past. The finish on the wood is simply perfect.

...over an extreme variety of shooting the RBL proved itself very easy to hit with.

-Ross Seyfried
Professional Writer, Hunting Guide and Field Correspondant for the NRA

I just returned from a trip to Bolivia to shoot early doves, my RBL worked well under heavy fire, probably over 3,000 shells in a week.  Of note, I purchased this RBL this RBL used on the second hand market, and was not some specially made-up gun for a magazine article.
– Clair Kofoed
Shooting Sportsman

Beauty, fine craftsmanship and lovely handling, all at a terrific value, the RBL is one of the great achievements in American gun making.

- Jim Carmichel, Shooting Editor, Outdoor Life (30+ years)

“Tony Galazan’s RBL incorporates tradition and modern manufacturing to make a shotgun that is packed with features found on shotguns at several times the price.  The fit and finish are superb, but even better, this shotgun swings and shoots like the top-of-the-line shotgun it is.”
 - John M. Taylor
Field Editor
Sports Afield
I had the pleasure of shooting my best svore with your RBL 20 ga.    Thank you once again for your strong support of the shooting sports.  I am

Sincerely yours,

Dane P. Nash

“I said I don’t want to sound gushy, but it would be a fair question to ask if I’m impressed with the RBL.  Answer: Unh-huh.  Big time.”
- Michael McIntosh
Renowned Author & Sportsman
The RBL Launch Edition is a landmark of modern American gunmaking.
 – Bruce Buck
 Shooting Sportsman
The superior quality and functionality of this shotgun make it an excellent value.  Surely, my RBL will become a family heirloom.  I look forward to purchasing another shotgun from CT Shotgun Mfg.  It has features not normally found in a shotgun at this price.
– Steve Lefebrve
The RBL has excellent fit and finish, perfect balance, and has quickly become my favorite gun to shoot.  This American made gun will surely go down in history as a classic.
Wayne Fisler
“It’s not a gun but a precision instrument.”

Out of the case I shot a double on woodcock, something I normally don’t do.  The RBL is everything and more than was advertised by the CSMC.  It is a beautiful, well proportioned, well made American shotgun.  Great Job!! – Richard Claxton

“Not made in some foreign country but made right here in the USA.”

The RBL 20 bore produced by Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. is a tribute and a reflection of knowledge of double guns, manufacturing techniques, and quality expressed by its craftsman and owner Tony Galazan.  I am proud to say that I am the owner of one of these fabulous guns.
– Allan Swanson

“Proportionately correct, slender and lightweight.” A crowd quickly gathered around my RBL when I went to pick it up at the local gunshop, everyone couldn’t believe that this gun was less than $10,000!
– Fred Tramotola
“Demand will be much greater than supply.”  “The RBL-28 is the sweetest gun you will ever own.”
- Anthony J. Chimblo III
“Now I know why American products set the worlds standard.”
- Michael Luzich
“For my money, it is the best value in its price range by a wide margin.  My only regret with the RBL is I did not order two of them.”
- Steve Wilson
 “It’s not a gun, it’s a magic wand.”

Came in 2nd at Vintager's.
Again, thanks for the great guns!

-Chuck DeVinne

 

“This will be handed down from generation to generation.”

“I put just over one hundred boxes (2500 rounds) of ammunition through the RBL while in Uruguay.  It functioned without flaw the whole time.”
Tracy Walsh

“A gun of this quality is usually several times more”

It has many of the attributes of a fine gun for a very modest price.  It seems to me to be a complete gun system for all types of shooting as one could find.  The workmanship is excellent; the gun looks great, and has fine Balance.
– Bryant Barnard

“CT Shotgun making a gun of this quality, at this price is like Rolls Royce making a car that anyone can afford.”

 “I entered the 20 Gauge World Championships and smashed all but two targets to win the Open Bronze Medal.  There is no gun like it on the market!  The Galazan RBL represents a true, best gun value for the S x S enthusiast.”
- Hal M. Hare
NSSA All-American

 

My CSMC RBL has performed beautifully right out of the box.  During dog training in the spring, I have put down several quail at extraordinary ranges...a testament to the terrific patterns this gun throws.  At a recent Ruffed Grouse tournament, my RBL 20 bore prevailed for a high score against a field of mostly 12 gauge sporting clays guns.
– Chuck DeVinne

The CSMC RBL is the epitome of the classic Grouse gun. It is lightweight yet suberbly balanced in an ideal gauge for Grouse and Woodcock. In my line of work, professioanl upland guide, I see alot of shotguns...the RBL stands out among the best. I'm proud to own the RBL Launch Edition and look forward to receiving my new 28 gauge RBL. An American made upland double with the form, fit & function to rival shotguns costing thousands more. So many have tried and failed...congratulations to Connecticut Shotgun for taking on a tremendous challenge and succeeding.
-O.J. Chartrand Jr.
Thank you so very much for creating the RBL shotgun. You have made this old southern bird hunter so happy. My heart is so excited! I have drooled over it as I did over all the guns in your showroom when I was there. It thrills me beyond description to own an American side by side of this quality. You have created something uniquallyAmerican with the absolute finest of craftsmanship and materials. Please accept my deepest and warmest gratitude.
-Garland Basford

Just wanted to let you know that I’m truly enjoying my new RBL. My Grandfather is likely rolling in his grave because the old 16 double he handed down rarely makes it out of the gun safe any more.

-Kevin L. Friddle

“A Masterpiece”

I’ve been an admirer of your work as long as you have been in business. Thank you for producing the RBL so I could finally afford a Galazan gun. I recently received my 20 gauge RBL and I’m very pleased. Maybe it is because mine was near the end of production but the wood on my gun is outstanding. Can’t imagine that an upgrade would have been more beautiful. I’m having a great time shooting it. I will be shooting it in the RBL Challenge at the Northeast S x S Classic

-Dick Mider

You can certainly be proud of your craftsmen, and this particular shotgun is about as perfect as human hands can make it. I am more than satisfied, I am delight.

Thank you for standing behind your product, and the high quality of this finished shotgun.

-David P. Bookman

I just got back from four days of dove shooting in Bolivia. Over the four days, I shot an average of 850 shells per day. The RBL performed flawlessly.

-Mike Ohlstein

Concerning the RBL 20ga!!! Looks good, fits good, works good, is good. I am enjoying it very much and waiting for the fall hunting season.

-Charles Brenner, Jr.

I’ve been around guns all my life and was thrilled to expand my knowledge and appreciation for this special art form. Your guns are true works of art. That gun will remind me of the craftsmanship, attention to detail and old school quality I witnessed at your facility.

-Charlie Coon

I just received my RBL-28 today and I could not be happier!  The gun is absolutely stunning.  I knew it would be nice but this is incredible.  Please pass on my thanks to the fine dedicated craftsmen and women who built this gun.  The wait was certainly worth it.  Again, thanks to all and with any luck I will be ordering one of the new RBL's.  I can't decide on which gauge.

 -Michail Kukawica

Received my RBL Launch shotgun. It is a masterpiece.

-Dennis Tatum

I had to comment on the shotgun. I could hardly be more pleased. The exhibition grade Turkish walnut I ordered turned out great! I shot the gun over the weekend. I was amazed when I broke pretty much everything. What a sweetheart this little gun is. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making such a wonderful gun at what has to be a bargain of the century. This little gun will never leave my side until the grandkids fight over it when I am dead and gone.  I have many other more expensive guns, but this gun goes into the inner circle.

-James B. McClellan

Received the RBL 20 at 3pm and by 4:15 I was at the skeet range. 96 x 100 shooting low gun skeet 24—25—23—24.  What a terrific shooting gun. Thank you for a great deal. Can’t wait for my 28 RBL!!!

-Bill Davis

Connecticut Shotgun went above and beyond my expectations. This is truly GREAT customer service!  I shoot in two different sporting clay leagues and everybody is “drooling” over my RBL.  The only problem I have now is whether or not I should take it out in the grouse woods and pheasant fields...for fear of scratching it!!  I absolutely love it!!!

-Bill Nettleton

This gun exceeded my expectations. What impressed me most was the balance, finish and general feel of the gun, and great value at this price. I look forward to putting it to some serious use.

-Michael Henry, N. Ireland

Your RBL 20 ga. performed flawlessly in Argentina this past June...as the photos show. I can't wait to get the 28ga., which will jpin the 20ga. on the next trip.
-Ed Davison
I have an RBL Launch Edition and love it. Recently, I purchased a pair of Dewings Prestige Limited thinking that they would be of similar quality given the similar price point. Boy, was I ever wrong and I'm sending them back. The RBL shines head and shoulders above the Dewings offering...
-Zach Kilpatrick
Hunted this weekend at Rio Piedra this weekend. Used the 20ga Fox on Saturday and the 28ga on Sunday.

The second to the last bird I shot on Sunday  was a single. The bird flushed to my side. I got a few feathers with the right barrel and killed the bird dead in the air with the left. It looked like a really long shot so I asked the guide to walk off the distance.

He stepped it off at 42 yards!

I was shooting Remington STS 28ga #8.

Both guns handled extremely well and received compliments.

Doug Lewis
Thank You.

The shotgun is a thing of beauty. Kudos to your craftsmen.

-Alden Pierce

It was a wonderful treat for me to receive my refurbished Winchester Model 21 shotgun back from you. A birthday to my father on his 21st birthday, it is 74 years old this year. In frequent une in each of those years, it deserved a full mechanical tune-up as well as cosmetic repairs.

Today my gun looks better than new. Nicks and dents in the wood and in the metal have disappeared. The refinished stock fairly glows. The blueing is perfect. The action is as tight as when it first left the factory. The new leather case is great, and will last much longer in its protective canvas cover. Your craftsmanship is so rare today.
My father would be so pleased.
Many thanks.

-James H. Grove, Jr.

I was able to get out on the last day of dove season September 15 and shot a limit of dove with my new 28 gauge.  Looks beautiful and shoots very nice. I will be taking it out again next weekend for some Grouse hunting near Flagstaff AZ.  Hope to send you a pictue if I have some luck.

-Phil

Thanks. Was able to shoot the RBL Launch Edition this weekend and it performed superbly...what a great gun!

-Jerry L. Wood

Picked up my new 28 bore this morning at Ivory Beads in Covina, CA. I then went to the Prado Olympic Shooting Facility to try it out by shooting a few rounds of skeet. I must say I was not the least bit impressed with how this gun handled. I WAS IMPRESSED BEYOND WORDS as was everyone else who saw the gun. IT IS A GREAT SHOOTING SHOTGUN!!! My first round was good, my second round I was straight until low house 8, which I amazingly missed, over confidence I guess. Twenty four out of twenty five ain't bad with a new gun. The guin is finished beautifully the blueing sparkles and it is truly an improvement over the RBL 20, which I also own and regard highly as well.

Thanks,

Robet "Steve" Swanson

I picked up my RBL-28 in the French Grey and it looks great with my original 20 gauge RBL in that same configuration. Thank you for making this possible.  While I have obtained quite a few doubles over the years, these are my highest 2 investments and the only ones I have ever custom ordered. Thanks for the outstanding service and the quality of workmanship that will afford me the pride of ownership for the rest of my life and ultimately my future Great Grandson's. You folks are the best.

-David A. Ethington

I just wanted to let you both know how pleased I am with the shotgun you built for me. It is everything I had hoped for and more. The wood is incredable.

It is an honor for me to own what I feel is a piece of history. To own a side by side of this beauty, qualitym and have it made in the tradition of the New England gunmakers.  I am a New Englander (from Maine), and am pleased that Connecticut Shotgun is making such a positive impact on the industry. Please thank those who were involved in building my gun.

-Dave Cobb

Thank You.

The shotgun is a thing of beauty. Kudos to your craftsmen.

-Alden Pierce

© 2008 Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co. All Rights Reserved. Phone: (860) 225-6581. Email: galazan@msn.com
CSMC, P.O. Box 1692, New Britain, CT 06053, U.S.A.