16ga.com ~ View topic - Poll-16 gauge RBL

You have seen the hype about the new scaled frame 16 gauge RBL-

Have you ordered one?
Are you seriously planning to order one?
No I'm not going to get one.

Why or why not?

Member Joined: 30 May 2007 Posts: 216 Location: Tennessee

Don't want a fixed choke gun (particularly with the chokes offered).

Don't want to go through all of the drama that surrounds each RBL release.

Don't want such a heavy 16 gauge gun.

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1545 Location: Michigan

I would really like to order one with a straight stock, two triggers, vent rib, and beavertail forearm. But I'm worried it will come in over 7 lbs.
I don't need a heavy 16. I don't hunt ducks or wild pheasant.
Sure it would be a great target gun, but I enjoy shooting clays with my 100 year old, light, SxS, field guns. Just my opinion. Wink

I'll just stick with my old Foxes. But I hope those who get one enjoy it!

Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Posts: 247 Location: Wickenburg, AZ

I ordered one the first day asking for Imp/Mod chokes and to have the stock finished 14 3/4" to a hard buttplate (not the interchangeable pads they were offering). Both requests were approved.

I now will have to sell my AYA #2 round body 16ga to make room for the new gun.

Guest

I'm with Fin. I already have guns that meet or exceed the RBL in fit, finish and function.

Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Posts: 154 Location: Denver, Colorado

The RBL-16 looks like a great gun and I am seriously considering ordering one (or maybe another semi-matched pair). My main hesitation is the fixed chokes.

BTW, I am very happy with my RBL-20's.

--shinbone

Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 16

Its always exciting to see a new 16 on the market. However, I wont be buying one. First reason is the weight - the info I have seen from other posts indicates it will be somewhere in the 6.5 to 7lb range. Too heavy for me.

The biggest reason, and its no fault of the RBL, is that it lacks the history and class that my old M31s, Foxes, and NID have - only because its a new gun. I would say the same about any other new 16 with the possible exception of a new CSMC Fox 16. Besides, my 16 ga Uggie SLE has better engraving and was cheaper!

And why not make the 16 on the 20 ga frame that they already have and produce a lighter 16 that "carries like a 20 but hits like a 12"?

For those who order, good luck and keep us posted on how they perform!

Joined: 16 Sep 2008 Posts: 181

I like the looks of this. I just purchased am AyA 453 16 29" inch and 15" LOP. I need a 15" LOP and wonder if I can get one. I would have to sell the AyA for the purchase though. Any input as to others may think of this would be appreciated. Thanks. Rick

Guest

I've got 7 or 8 years invested in shooting my Merkel 1620. It works very well for me, and I just can't justify investing in an RBL 16. Nothing wrong with the RBL, they're nice looking guns.

My next 16 will be something like a Marlin 90 for a shooter and a little low-priced fun.

Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

Would LIKE to buy one, but right now cannot afford one.

Holding out for the Double Auto in 16ga.

I think the gun itself is great, fixed chokes or not.

Member Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 1522 Location: NH

I wouldn't kick one out of my gunsafe for eating crackers, but I'll stick with my new 100 yr. old Lefever for 1/3 the price. Great gun though, and a good value in an American-made sxs. Finally.

Guest

Seriously considering one.

Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Posts: 787 Location: Indiana

As others have stated, I already own a great-looking Merkel 1620 and the fit and balance are wonderful; it would be hard for an RBL to top. My next 16 ga. purchase will be an open-choked Belgian browning 16 ga. or a nice Model 12....