SOLD FOR: $3025

LSB#: 210628LH11

Make: SKB Arms Company

Model: 385

Serial Number: NS43350

Year of Manufacture: 1996-2004

Caliber: 20 Gauge 2 3/4″ & 3″ Shells, 28 Gauge 2 3/4″ Shells

Action Type: Top Lever Break Action Side by Side Double Barrel Shotgun with Inertial Single Selective Trigger and Ejectors

Markings: 

20 GA: The top of the left barrel is marked “MODEL 385 20GA 3″ CHAMBER PROOF TESTED / MADE BY NEW SKB ARMS COMPANY JAPAN”, the bottom of the right barrel is import-marked “G.U. INC., OMAHA, NE”. Each barrel flat is marked “NP” and “C”, the left has “NS 43350”, the right has “3808C”. The forend iron is marked “NS 43350” and “20” in diamond.

28 GA: The top of the left barrel is marked “MODEL 385 20GA 2-3/4″ CHAMBER PROOF TESTED / MADE BY NEW SKB ARMS COMPANY JAPAN”, the bottom of the right barrel is import-marked “G.U. INC., OMAHA, NE”. Each barrel flat is marked “NP” and “C”, the left has “NS 43350”, the right has “3888C”. The forend iron is marked “NS 43350” and “28” in diamond.

The water table is marked “NS 43350”. The receiver has decorative engraving with bird scenes on each side and the engraving motif continues on the guard, forend irons and lever.

Barrel Length: Both barrel sets are 28”, Vent-Rib

Choke: Both barrel sets are threaded, and Skeet is installed in both. Each also comes with one Modified and one Improved Cylinder.

Sights/Optics: There is a white bead in a base fixed to the front of the barrel rib and a smaller silver-colored mid-bead on each of the barrel sets. The tops of the ribs are textured to reduce glare.

Weight: 

20 GA: 6 lb., 12.3 oz.

28 GA: 7 lb., 1.1 oz.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with beavertail forends, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and a black rubber Pachmayr Old English buttpad. There are only a few scattered minor marks in the buttstock. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is 1 3/8”, the drop at heel is 1 3/4”. The cast is about neutral. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, and 13 1/8” to the wood. The pad has tape on the rear face with what appears to be melted material at the heel. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition and would rate Excellent with a new pad or plate.

Type of Finish: Blue Barrel Assembly with Silver Nitride Receiver and Forend Iron

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: All bores are bright and there is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrels have minor wear from disassembly/reassembly, more on the 20 gauge barrel set and concealed when the gun is assembled. The 20 gauge barrel set has a few other scattered minor nicks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun set rates in Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight with no play with both barrel sets. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: 

-Americase hard-sided locking carry case fit for both barrel sets.

-Extra chokes.

-SKB branded four-gauge choke wrench.

-Instructions for the locks.

Our Assessment: This is certainly a beautiful looking shotgun and with the legendary SKB name, it probably shoots as well as it looks. It is an easy gun to shoulder and comes right up with your head down on the stock. This should prove to be a fine hunting or skeet shotgun, especially with the ability to switch between 20 and 28 gauge. The gun is in Fine-Excellent condition with wear consistent with light use, great bores and strong mechanics. The gun locks up like a bank vault and is sure to bring a lifetime’s more shooting enjoyment. With its Americase and extra chokes, this set is going to make for a great upland bird gun and a classy skeet gun. Please see our photos and good luck!