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Joined: Feb 2007
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Campfire Regular
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OP
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I have always wanted a decent o/u 12 bore and just recently found a Ithaca model 500-made by SKB. It is a field grade gun in NRA 95% cond. $450 OTD. I have not heard alot about any SKB models so any thoughts would be welcome....
Whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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They're a fine shotgun, one of the best for the money in my opinion.
I have five SKB's, from M500 to M600 to M685.
Love them!
A $450 M500 in 95% condition? I'd be grabbing it!
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
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back in 85' or so i had a pair of model 500's, one 12ga and the other 20ga. they were wonderful shotguns. sometimes i wish i had held onto them. you won't regret getting a model 500 imo.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
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I have a 500 12ga shoulders and points good,comfortable iron. nice to shoot.
A shootin iron is a tool used for shootin much like a branding iron is a tool used for branding
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Joined: Jan 2001
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2001
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I have always wanted a decent o/u 12 bore and just recently found a Ithaca model 500-made by SKB. It is a field grade gun in NRA 95% cond. $450 OTD. I have not heard alot about any SKB models so any thoughts would be welcome.... At that price, you should be shelling out the Grants as fast as you can.. SKBs are excellent shotguns.. The M500 is merely their entry level shotgun, mainly just missing fancy-work and choke tubes.. The internal parts are outstanding - easily rivaling Browning Citoris.. They're durable and retain lockup actually better than the Citori.. If it fits you, buy it and go hunting...
Ex- USN (SS) '66-'69 Pro-Constitution. LET'S GO BRANDON!!!
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Campfire Outfitter
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Redneck, I have a question if I can draw from your experience? I know you are an SKB fan and if you don't mind... A fellow I know recently bought one of those CDNN "NIB" Weatherby Orion close out guns. When it arrived everything seemed about perfect with one exception, the top lever is in the middle of the tang or maybe just ever so slightly left of center. The lock up seems smooth and tight as a new in box gun should be but he is a little concerned the lever isn't a bit to the right of center and is already in the center of the tang with the gun unfired. Is this something to be concerned about for him? He expects to shoot some casual clays and hunt some with the gun, he won't be a high volume shooter with this gun, but it will get shot more than the usual casual "huntin'" shotgun. I pulled the forearm off and there is zero play in the lock-up with the no forearm and everything else checks out, but that top lever has him a little concerned.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Bought one way back in 1969 I think. Paid $239 for it if I recall right. Wouldn't sell it for less than $1500. And maybe not then. The only gun I have that I've had longer is my old Smith 29, .44 Magnum. They are really good guns. I've shot so many different kinds of birds with mine that I'd have a hard time describing them. E
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2001
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The SKB's locking lever is supposed to be centered.. It's the Browning's that are right-of-center, due to the different way they lock up..
The SKB has a cross bolt, the Brownings have a locking bolt that fits in the breech cutouts.. Completely different locking systems.. In this particular case, the SKB is (IMVHO) much superior to the Brownings..
In 35+ years I've never had to replace a crossbolt.. I've replaced several locking bolts on Brownings..
One good thing is, when you're looking at buying a used Browning, ensure the top lever is about 1/8" to the right of center.. If it's centered or nearly so, it's 'replacement time' for the locking bolt.
Ex- USN (SS) '66-'69 Pro-Constitution. LET'S GO BRANDON!!!
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Thanks Redneck... appreciate the feedback.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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Campfire Tracker
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I've got a 500 in 28 gauge, I wouldn't sell it for twice what I paid for it. Would snag a 12 gauge version for less then $500 in a heartbeat.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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"Somehow, the sound of a shotgun tends to cheer one up" -- Robert Ruark
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Yep, that's the gun. That's some really light colored wood on it. E
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
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That is a very nice SKB! It's a shame they are out of business now.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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Campfire Member
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I just bought one too. I paid almost double what you paid for one in what I would consider 98% It didn't have 100 rounds thru it. Now that I shot it I'd by another one for the same money
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
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That is a very nice SKB! It's a shame they are out of business now. SKB's not out of business.. Where did you hear that?? http://www.skbshotguns.com/
Ex- USN (SS) '66-'69 Pro-Constitution. LET'S GO BRANDON!!!
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Campfire Outfitter
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That is the buzz on the SKB Forum at ShotgunWorld.com. It seems to be verified, I dunno. If it is true I hate to see them off the market. The thread... http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=114&t=204872
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
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I'll try to find out more..
Ex- USN (SS) '66-'69 Pro-Constitution. LET'S GO BRANDON!!!
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Campfire Outfitter
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Let us know, I am interested in this, thanks.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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Campfire Outfitter
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At that price, you should be shelling out the Grants as fast as you can..
SKBs are excellent shotguns.. The M500 is merely their entry level shotgun, mainly just missing fancy-work and choke tubes..
The internal parts are outstanding - easily rivaling Browning Citoris.. They're durable and retain lockup actually better than the Citori..
If it fits you, buy it and go hunting... Redneck: I have not heard much about SKB shotguns, so I am very interested to read your comments above! I have an Ithaca/SKB 20 ga side by side (3 inch chambers) that is a dream to handle and fits like it was tailor made for me. I have likely shot it 2 thousand times (skeet and as many grouse as I could manage!). Are the SKB side by sides fairly durable guns? I ask because I like the gun so much that I have reduced the amount I shoot it at skeet to make sure it does not get loose. Wise move, or unnecessary precaution? Many thanks for your expert opinion (others with firsthand knowledge welcome too)! John
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2000 rounds? No need to slow down yet. Your gun should keep chugging along well past that mark.
Myself, I just bought another SKB today. A beautiful 685 that I plan to use for sporting clays. I already have a 28 and 20 ga in the 685 variety, and now have a 12 on the way as well. It is slated to replace a Citori sporting gun, if that tells you anything about what I think of them.
I actually break more birds with my 28 and 20 ga SKB's than I do with my 12 ga Browning.
I love my SKB's....
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