Identify SKB shotgun

chiefdave · Jun 5, 2019

Anyone familiar with SKB shotguns. I acquired this O/U shotgun in a trade. The only thing that SKB/USA could tell me is that it is a model 5000 derivative of about 1987 vintage, was not imported to the US when new and all of the models with a detachable trigger group were assembled in the custom shop at that time. It differs from the standard catalog offering in that it has a target style stock, the forend is a semi beavertail style and the trigger is adjustable for LOP. On the bottom of the monoblock there is a NP proof mark and the number 50205D (maybe the model). S/N is NS11850. Fixed chokes are F/IM.
Thanks for any info provided.

Ivan the Butcher · Jun 5, 2019

Nice Gun! I would say is was set up for trap with that tight of chokes! It was probably sold by one of the gun shops that frequent the big shoots, which in that time frame meant The Grand American.

It probably wasn't a true "Custom" ordered gun or they would have better documentation, so I would say a dealer ordered several of that 'customized model.' I have friends that are wild about the SKB SxS's from that time frame, but production guns were competing with the large orders from Weatherby and the like. So you got one of the better fit gun from that time frame!

Ivan

H Richard · Jun 5, 2019

Very well built guns. F/IM would be basically a trap gun. Has removable side plates and nice engraving, I would guess originally sold in the $1500 to $2000 range and would still be worth that today. You couldn't replace it today with the same quality for less than probably $3000.

I still have a Mod 500 20 Ga, IC/Mod, 26" barrels. I haven't weighed it but can't be much over 6 lbs. Great little bird and sometimes skeet gun.

Texas Star · Jun 6, 2019

The late, great gun writer Jack O'Connor wrote that whoever designed shotguns for SKB had taken a good look at Beretta guns.

If so, it was a good thing for SKB and their customers!

OLDSTER · Jun 6, 2019

Texas Star said:
The late, great gun writer Jack O'Connor wrote that whoever designed shotguns for SKB had taken a good look at Beretta guns.

If so, it was a good thing for SKB and their customers!

And I believe that SKB made OUs for Weatherby for a few years.

oneounceload · Jun 6, 2019

If it wasn't designed for bunker, then it was most likely designed for live pigeon shooting - nice gun!

Fishinfool · Jun 6, 2019

Very nice shotgun you have there. For years my favorite pheasant gun has been a O/U model 600 series SKB Ithaca import. 12 ga, 28 inch mod / full chokes. I believe these guns were designed after the popular German Merkel style box lock action. Engraving, and over all fit and finish is quite good on these SKB imports, and mine fits me like a glove, making hitting a bird on the wing almost feel like cheating.

From what little I know about SKB, I believe yours is a box lock gun with side plates added for looks / additional engraving area. SKB has produced several Skeet / Trap / SC versions of their field guns. Parts can still be found on line. I purchased my shotgun used, $550.00, about 20 years ago, and I thought it was a steal at that price.

Larry

clang444 · Jun 6, 2019

One of the best bird guns I ever owned was an Ithaca/SKB Model 500 in 20 gauge. Weighed 6 lb 4 oz and hit birds like a guided missile. I traded it for something years ago and have regretted it ever since.

I can't tell you much about your gun except I do remember SKB selling something similar in the 90s. The top of the retail line had false side plates like your gun, but the wood looks upgraded on yours.

It looks like the stock was cut down, unfortunately, that will affect value if it has. Does it have a tall rib? Probably a trap gun.

Identify SKB shotgun

chiefdave

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Ivan the Butcher

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H Richard

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Texas Star

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OLDSTER

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oneounceload

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Fishinfool

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clang444

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