SKB 385/485 vs Winchester 23

drewto

Hello:
OK, I'm narrowing down the field on a straight English stock side by side. Looking for good wood, and a single select trigger. I just don't feel comfortable going with the American Parkers or LC's; or the other imported versions. What do you side by side shooters think? Is there a sleeper out there that I'm neglecting to audition. I'm leaning toward the Model 23, because I already have one in the pistol grip model. The "Brit" books I've been reading have obviously influenced my decision. Have the SKB's been holding up? Somewhat intriguing is the notion of ending up with a 16 gauge, but that cuts out the Winchester. Oddly enough I've passed up several 23's over the years in the straight stock configuration, and now I'm regretting it. What's out there in the 2K to 3K range? I know there are die hard auto loader fans, and stack gun enthusiast out there; but I'm looking for the experts who shoot side by sides. Ideally, this double gun would have 26" barrels Mod/Imp Cyl. (or better yet choke tubes); and would be used primarily for pheasant, and sharptail hunting, and the occasional sporting clays practice.
Thanks in advance for your input.

cowboy77845

I have both. The SKB fits me better and has screw in chokes. It is going to be more difficult to find a 23 with them. SKB is still in business and has spare parts if needed, the last time I checked. SKBs are less expensive than 23s. You can find SKBs for under 2K. Winchesters in smaller gauges have ben appreciatiing about 10% a year according to Dennis Dawson of Dawsons Doubles. Winchester 23s will be easier to resell and get most of your money out of. Winchester is not in business and probbbbbbbbbbbbbbbably repairs will be more difficult. If you get a Winchester, go for the Classic or one of the limited run guns. The botttom line is which do you like and which fits you the best. Some think the SKB is a real sleeper. I like the Winchester. Confused??

sothere

The 16 gauge is a great choice, But I'm not aware of SKB making one either

jnormanh

I have just gone through the same questions as you - looking for a nice SxS, and considered the Win 23 and Browning BSS. In the end I bought a SKB 385, and I'm glad I did. It's a really nice gun, a tad lighter then the Win or Browning, handles very nicely. The workmanship is superb. Comes with choke tubes, and uses standard Briley tubes, so you can get all the additional tubes you want. SKB also has large stocks of spare parts in the USA. Winchester - who knows. Don't get me wrong, I like Winchesters, have two 101s. My SKB is 20 gage. I understand the appeal of 16 gage, but consider this - both 12 ga and 20 ga offer every load which is available in 16, plus many more. 16 ga is usually available only in loads from 1 oz to 1-1/4 oz. 20 is available in loads from 7/8 to 1-1/4, and 12 everything from 1 oz to 2 oz. 20 and 12 ammo is available everywhere, cheap. 16 ga you'll have to search, and usually pay more. For me, a 20 ga will do everything I want, from skeet, quail and doves to pheasant and ducks.

bobski

winchesters kick. skb is my choice.