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FeedA Subdued Launch for a Major Gun
In a business where hyperbole and publicity-seekers are hardly unknown, Tony Galazan's first "public notice" of his major new American side-by-side was exceptionally understated-to the point of being enigmatic, even quixotic. As small as the fine-gun community is, it was no secret that something big was in the works; indeed, even a major new "works" was being built for Galazan's Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co. in New Britain. Anticipation built up over months, as gun writers, editors and readers talked up a bit of information here or chatted on-line of a rumor there . . . . What was Galazan building?
The first news we learned could have been devil-may-care indifference to hype or a canny control of marketing splash: The announcement of the RBL Launch Edition came not as a press release but as an ad-which arrived as we were going to press-in our November/December issue. We carried the first box of magazines with us to the Vintage Cup in September, where news of Galazan's RBL was the talk of the grounds. Attendees were searching out copies and flipping to the ad on page 105. Our on-line bulletin board (http://bbs.shooting sportsman.com) lit up with hundreds of posts discussing every detail of the news, from the action design to the price to the manufacturing plant to the finishes and options and parts sources and whether the whole project was even realistic, and then ... Wow, another new American side-by-side! And, Won't it be nice when there's a 16? And, Have you bought one yet?
It's not just the Wonka-esque factory mystery or the bold investment or amazing value that has fueled the talk and speculation; there's also a buzz about the limits of availability of the first "Launch Edition," the delivery planned for April '06 and the $300 discount for ordering early. Everything that we know of the gun itself comes from Michael McIntosh or is available on the Connecticut Shotgun Websites (http://connecticutshotgun.com or http://rblshotgun.com). Interestingly, McIntosh wasn't even invited to the Connecticut factory to see the RBL, but rather to see another in-the-works Galazan project-more information on which will be forthcoming. Hopefully . . . .
That leaves us looking forward with anticipation to the first opportunity to see-and fondle-the newest American-made side-by-side, perhaps at the major shows this winter. We'll certainly follow the RBL's progress closely.
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