[WinM12]

Found a used SKB Model 600 in excellent condition today. My question is: were these available from the factory with screw-in chokes?

I know earlier SKBs imported by Ithaca were fixed choke guns, and the later SKB 585/685/785 series offered screw-ins.

Thanks.

 

[Claydust]

I am old enough to remember when the 600 came out.

I had a trap 600 in 1972.

As far as I know, this particular model pre-dated the general use of factory screw in chokes.

 

[WinM12]

Thank you.

I haven't purchased this gun yet, as I am concerned that its set of 6 screw-in chokes were an aftermarket addition. I can't think of an easy way (prior to purchase) to determine if the chokes were installed properly.

My father still owns the Ithaca SKB Model 700 Trap he bought new in 1973. It's a very stout gun with multiple locking surfaces, and therefore a design I'd feel comfortable buying.

 

[Claydust]

Sounds like it could be an after market job.

It is hard to say, the supply of the SKB's "dried up" here after Ithaca no longer sold them, there may have been later versions in the U.S. with tubes.

It used to be said that chrome lined bores, like these guns have, made choke tube installation on an original, fixed choke barrel, more challenging.

 

[WinM12]

I may need to do more research on this particular gun.

It was not marked "Ithaca". It was stamped only as an SKB Model 600, by "the New SKB Company". The serial number prefix was "NS", which may still be supported by SKB USA:

http://www.skbshotguns.com/FAQ.htm

It is a field model with a butt plate. However, good recoil pads can be fitted for under $75, so I'm not concerned about that. It has twin metal beads, manual safety, selective trigger, and I believe selective ejectors. It also has surprisingly nice wood, and appears virtually unused.

At this point, I think it may be an early gun from the current US importer of SKB. Regardless, I'll try to find out if those barrels were factory equipped with choke tubes, or whether someone of unknown ability fitted them later. :?: