Ithaca 900 SKB Questions

[kmichael2001]

I am cleaning all my fathers guns for Christmas and I am unfamiliar with this .12 ga. shotgun.

1. are there free schematics out there? or directions on how to clean it?

2. not being familiar with shotguns, does this model not come with the ability to add various chokes? There are no threads at the end of the barrel. Or does one have to buy a new barrel.

3. S53440 is the SN. it is an SKB (made in japan). Can anyone tell me what year?


Thanks to all and Merry Christmas!

K

 

[oneounceload]

This might help - if not, you can call them with specific questions.

http://www.skbshotguns.com/faq.php#q1

Many guns came with fixed chokes. Depending on the type of gun (trap, field, etc.) the choke may vary

 

[evbutler462]

I have one of these old guns. It's SN is S73804. I had a PolyChoke installed on it thirty years ago. I wouldn't sell it for ten times what I paid for it. IIRC, it was less than $200.

They were made from 1968-72. Ithaca imported them into the US during this time frame.

 

[COK]

If you want to disassemble it and it is the recoil operated 900, the manual has the following directions
1). Pull back the charging handle until the breech bolt is locked open.
(2). Set the butt of the gun on a firm surface and while holding the barrel tightly with the left hand, unscrew the magazine cap.
(3). After the magazine cap has been removed slowly let the barrel and forearm slide up the magazine tube. Continue removing the barrel and forearm for complete disassembly

The recoil spring friction ring and brake shoe may be removed – just watch the way they come off so you get them back on in the same manner , the small ring ( brake shoe) may be reversed for light vs heavy loads but if it has been working well do not change it.
The manual states do not apply oil to magazine tube, break ring or recoil spring – if you do to help clean it wipe it all off when you are done.

That is a far as I go and then put it back together, if you want to move the bolt closed without the barrel in place :

(4) Once the barrel and forearm have been completely removed depress the carrier latch button while holding the bolt charging handle. If the bolt is allowed to close rapidly with the barrel removed the receiver may be damaged severely.

I believe all recoil operated 900’s came with fixed, not screw in chokes.
You may be able to have the barrel threaded for screw in chokes if you wished and wanted to spend the money.
I have had one bought in the early 70's and never had any trouble with it.

 

[evbutler462]

The chromed barrel lining will make the cost a bit more to have it threaded for choke tubes. It would be more economical to have a PolyChoke installed on it. The 900s were made from 1968-74 and all had fixed chokes.

I have used this gun as much as any gun in my cabinet. It is an old Ithaca SKB 900. It has been used well and still shoots good. It has a few battle scars.






Ever once in a while, I take the old guns out and wipe them down. I wanted to share them with you for old times sake. I had to change the background. The wife didn't want oil on her carpet.

It is a keeper, not for sale. It has been in my safe since 1969.

 

[kmichael2001]

Thanks all! My father gave me the gun for Christmas, along with a new clay thower and a hundred rounds and birds. Gonna be a fun weekend!


Thanks Bulter, that is the gun for sure. I am researching the Poly Choke. Went to a gun shop in town and the guy suggested that, or having a gun smith thread my barrel.

I am still not sure how a polychoke installs. I do not want to ruin the original barrel. Seems to me that having the barrel threaded would ruin the railing on top of the barrel.

Thinking about jsut keeping this one original and look into buying a newer multipurpose 12ga.

I love this gun though. Maybe cuz it was dad's.