I decided that I wanted to find a versatile, "modern" double gun. Something that was light, that I could shoot clays, skeet, pheasants, grouse and woodcock with. I wanted it to be built to my personal dimensions, have great wood and nice engraving. My search began by visiting Connecticut Shotgun last February, 2016. After my initial shock
at all the great guns I was looking at and touching, I got serious with Thomas on my wants. I decided on an RBL 12 gauge. But I wanted it light, not heavy as many of the 12 gauge RBL's seemed to be. "We will build it on a 16 gauge frame" was the answer from Thomas. Next the wood. A visit to the "wood room" where the walls were literally covered with beautiful blanks was next. Thomas picked out three blanks for me to choose from. I said why only three. He answered that we could spend all day looking and would not do better than any of the three he picked for me. I decided on a blank and we moved on. What else did I want? Setters on the side plates, double triggers and a nice treatment on the butt of the gun was my answer. We looked at engraving patterns and I picked the one I liked best. Thomas suggested a heel and toe plate with checkering in between for the butt, and I agreed. Great. But how about finish he asked. I answered something classy and he suggested there London Oil finish. I agreed so that was set. I told him I wanted my gun to be versatile so we added Trulock Choke tubes to the barrels. The next stop was to see the stock fitter. After abut a half an hour of fitting, he decided on my personal dimensions for the gun. A deposit was left and I was assured that I would have my RBL within three months.
Two months later I received a call from Thomas that "my" RBL was finished, I eagerly awaited delivery to my FFL. I was not disappointed. The gun came out better than I expected. And how about weight? 6Lbs 8 oz, as light as many 20 gauge guns. Last summer I shot Clays, Skeet and Trap with it, changing chokes as needed. I hunted Grouse, Woodcock and Pheasant with it in the fall and found it a joy to carry. So here is my "versatile" modern double. I will treasure it for a long time.
So how about the folks at Connecticut Shotgun? Wonderful to work with and true to there promises. Clicking on the pictures twice will bring them much clearer.