One of the best endorsements for a Japanese SKB side by side is that Rod Gates of Jordan has one modern S/S, a 12 gauge Model 100.

He can manufacture a brand new double gun from scratch, and any part to an L.C. Smith except the barrel tubes, and he doesn’t mess with filing new actions.

Gates claims in a hundred years the worst thing about the SKB guns will be somebody trying to make those dad gummed roll pins.

But the roll pins can always be fabricated from pin stock, and peened on the ends.

But even Gates buys every new and used part, he can, to economically repair a double shotgun. He located and installed a used right hand hammer for my 1927 Fox Sterlingworth.

He’ll claim he doesn’t own a Phillips head screwdriver, but I don’t think he counts those five in one cheapies, you know?

Let's not forget the Ithaca/SKB models 400 and 480.

Or the briefly offered model 150.

I once owned a 12 gauge Mitsui branded model 285. I didn't like the single trigger or the fat beavertail forearm, so I sold it. Mechanically, the gun was flawless.