Experience with the SKB GC7?

[DaleCooper51]

I started shooting shotguns about a year ago and I'm looking for my first dedicated clays gun. Since last August I've put between 13k & 14k rounds through a pair of wingmasters (12 & 20) playing skeet. In June I took a friend for his first time and he had a great time. Shortly after our trip, I sold him my 12ga wingmaster for a nice price to keep him coming back and give me a buddy to go to the range with. This left me shooting my 6.5 lb 20ga, which was fine for a while, but has really begun to beat me up. I don't bounce back like I did 20 yrs ago and the soreness is getting to me. I'd really like a heavier gun which fits me correctly that I don't have to pump for shooting skeet.

In my search for a new gun, I spoke with my father about it and he mentioned the usual suspects and told me to go look for a good used gun. Unfortunately for a lefty, there really isn't a plethora of reasonably priced used guns about. I don't have limitless funds and can't really afford to drop $2k+ on a shotgun right now, but don't want to waste money on a POS that I will have to replace after 10 or 15 thousand rounds.

My father still shoots a late 70's Ithaca badged SKB 500. It's been a solid gun for him after thousands of rounds. I know the GC7 is a price point gun, but they are offering an instant rebate and jaqua's has a good price on one (Left handed 12 ga 30" barrels with adjustable stock for about $1450 delivered.)

Does anyone have experience with the SKB GC7 or any suggestions for a left handed sporting gun?

I'm really thinking about ordering the SKB based on my fathers history with his.

 

[oneounceload]

I have two SKB field guns that are going strong - my oldest uses one in 20 for sporting clays. I put SKB in the same group as your basic Browning and Beretta target guns. Browning has had (not sure if they still do) models in the 525 and 625 in LH versions, and Geurini has a LH option, but that is above your budget. You could always look for a used 870 or 1100 in LH

 

[ArmedBear]

I've got an SKB that's over 30 years old and still going strong.

The GC7 is a relatively new offering, but I don't know why it wouldn't be at least as good as the 500/600 series has been for many years now.

 

[TomADC]

I have a 585 Sporting Clays that shoots well also a 505 28 skeet gun, never had a problem with any SKB.

 

[DaleCooper51]

Thanks for the replies guys. My uncertainty was more about the new model gun, rather than the company itself. I try to stay away from first year products until the bugs get worked out, but am banking that after 150 years of being in business, SKB isn't going to rush a piece of crap to the market.

I ordered one this morning and should be shooting it this time next week. Going to fire up the Sizemaster and get some shells ready. I'll post a range report after I get to spend some time with it.

 

[Tijeras_Slim]

I'd trust any SKB in a heartbeat, they're bull strong guns.