For Sale: New SKB Arms Co Model 885 Sporting Clay O/U Shotgun, 12 ga

The New SKB Arms Co Model 885 O/U shotgun.

Manufactured in Japan by the New SKB Arms Co., a company resulting from the restructuring the SKB (SaKaBa) Arms Company in 1983 which, at the time, continued a long connection with firearm manufacturing that dates back to the late 1800s. In addition to manufacturing Japanese designed arms, the company also produced firearms for other companies, including Browning, BSA (Birmingham Small Arms), and Weatherby. Imports of SKB products to the US were handled by Ithaca (1968-78), Mistui & Co (1980-83) and G.U. Inc (1987-2010). In 2010, the New SKB Arms Co. shuttered their factory doors and sold their designs and patents to G.U. Inc., who licensed production to two factories in Turkey, where current production continues.

The 885 line represents the highest grade offered by New SKB Arms. According to company records, this shotgun was imported in April of 1992 and is the sporting clay model of the 885 line. Features include low-profile, silver nitride finished receiver that is engraved with an arabesque pattern (trap, skeet, and sporting clay models only). Additionally, the side plates, trunnions (hinge pin), top lever, trigger guard, forearm lever, and forearm thread caps all feature engraved scroll work. The trigger is gold plated with the barrel selector located at the top. The American walnut stock is cut to sporting clay dimensions, has hand checkering on the pistol grip and forearm, bears a high-gloss finish, and is capped with a black rubber radiused recoil pad. A deep blue finish adorns the 30-inch O/U barrels along with a 15/32-inch wide, ventilated, target style rib with channel center line, mid-bead, and ivory white front bead sight with nickel center post. 12 gauge/3” chambers, chrome-lined bores, and multiple extended inter-choke tubes round out the characteristics that make this shotgun remarkable.

The markings on this New SKB Arms Co Model 885 Sporting Clay shotgun include ‘MODEL 885 12GA 3” CHAMBER PROOF TESTED/MADE BY NEW SKB ARMS COMPANY JAPAN’ on the left side of the upper barrel. On the lower barrel, same side, is the marking ‘G. U. INC., Omaha, NE’. ‘SPORTING’ is engraved on the bottom of the trigger guard. Matching serial numbers are found inside the forearm on the lever assembly, bottom of the receiver, under the barrel block. The barrel block area also contains the ‘NP’ nitro proof, assembly numbers, and what appears to be factory proof or inspection marks (please refer to photos for these markings).

The overall condition of this New SKB Arms Co Model 885 is excellent and it appears that this shotgun was very lightly used. The blue metal finish is outstanding with only very minor handling marks along the barrels. The silver nitride finish also has a few, very minor handling marks and remains in fantastic condition. The wood follows the above pattern with an overall gorgeous grain, high-gloss finish, unblemished checkered, and scattered, minor handling marks. The rubber recoil pad remains soft and pliable despite developing some cracking. The pistol grip endcap is perfect, and the bores are clean, mirror bright and like new. Comes with extended chokes with pouch and wrench. Chokes include Improved Cylinder (IC), Skeet I (SI), Modified (M), Improved Modified (IM), and Full (F). This is an incredible sporting clay O/U shotgun fit for the competitive field, hunting grounds, or weekend clay shoot.

See pictures for overall condition. FFL required for purchase.