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Grantmac

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So I'm looking around and I've come accross a few models that I just don't know anything about. Purpose would be mostly informal trap with some more serious Skeet and Sporting clays. Also would likely be used for grouse.
Here are the models:
ITHACA 500
Miroku Charles Daly
MAROCCHI ProX

From what I understand Miroku makes Citoris so it should be a solid gun and the Ithica is made by SKB. So far I'm leaning towards the Ithica because it's about $100 cheaper and choked the way I want it (IC/Mod).
If any of the Gurus would weigh in with an opinion I'd be really appriciative.

Thanks,
Grant
 
Get one that fits.

Know your dimensions - length of pull, drop at heel and cast are the most improtant. A gunsmith should be able to modify a stock to fit you, but if you can get one that is close right off the bat, so much the better.

Let the gun choose you. Worry about brand, esthetics, reliability after you have narrowed the field down.
 
If you can pick up a Mirokou - made daly you will get a gun as fgood as a Citori but a little cheaper.
I think it was sullijr that snapped a set of Cotori barrels onto his Charles Daly to prove it to someone who owned a Citori!

The The 500 is a pretty good gun also, shot one for a few years.
Me, I'm partial to FN Browninigs , although they are a tad heavy, and Franchis....
Cat
 
If you can shoot the guns. That helps make the decision. Sight unseen I'd lean strongly toward the SKB. The Miroku Dalys aren't fitted and finished as nice as the Browning or Miroku badged guns and I prefer the locking system on the SKB.
 
I concur on the SKB, if the gun fits. I had a 500 20ga in mint condition that I traded on impulse last year - still regret it.
 
The SKB is looking seriously like the winner. Unfortunately it's half way across the country as there just isn't much available here for decent prices. If fit most factory cast-off stocks fairly well except I prefer a slightly shorter LOP, which this has appearently. Also it looks like SKB has a very good parts dealer in both Canada and the US and all of the new bits fit the older guns.
Thanks,
Grant
 
If you know what fits and that it works for you, that's great.

I was missing a lot and had no idea why. I consider myself close to average - 5'10", 170lbs. Turns out that my measurements indicate a minimum LOP of 15" to be ideal - I have long forearms, I guess.
 
I like the SKB's, I have owned a 600 in 12 and currently a 600 in 20. A bud had a 500 in 12 and none have given any trouble. As far as for what you want to use it for, IC / MOD will do very well for sporting, a tad tight for serious skeet but fine for shooting skeet to help hone your hunting and trap for fartin' around what the hey.
If the stock has been shortened on any shotgun, it is a detriment on value and a price reduction should be considered. My experience with the SKB's has been that the stocks are neutral and provide a workable fit for most.
As far as parts, can't commit for sure on the inner bits being available and interchangable with newer models but the wood from the older 500/600 etc is not interchangable with the newer 505 / 585, 605 / 685 etc because of some differences in the receiver profiles.
I did get a 20 ga 600 replacement stock from Numrich last summer so I would not have to cut the original for the GF.

Tim
 
Well I out down the cash on the SKB after seeing the pictures. It really is in excellent shape and Ellwood Epps has a 30 day warrenty on their good condition used firearms.
Appearently the only real mechanical concern with the SKB is breaking the older style hammer springs. Fortunately the new style fit the older guns and aren't hard to find.
I'll post an update when it's here.
Thanks,
Grant
 
Well the SKB arrived today and it looks awesome.
The action is very tight, trigger is light and crisp and the ejectors fling the fired shells nice and far (the unfired shells are just extracted).
Here are some pictures.
DSCN0599.jpg

DSCN0597.jpg

DSCN0596.jpg

DSCN0595.jpg


I can't wait to get shooting it.
Cheers,
Grant
 
First non-firing impression is that it fits me VERY well. The beads stack instinctively from an eyes closed mount. Should get out for some hand-thrown action this weekend.
Cheers,
Grant
 
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