Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2018 11:44 am

Hello all. I just purchased an Ithaca - SKB model 600 Field in 20 gauge w/ 26' barrels. I was told it is choked improved cylinder and modified. I am totally new to these guns. I was hoping to find out a little more about them. Is there a copy of the owners manual out there somewhere? The gun has a single trigger, and I was wondering if it has a barrel selector on it somewhere. Is there a way to tell which barrel is choked with what choke? Sorry for so many questions, I look forward to you help.
Thanks,
Joe

Post subject: Re: New to me Ithaca-SKB model 600

Generally on fixed choke O/Us, the bottom barrel is the lighter choke. The barrel selector should be that button on the trigger if I remember correctly.

Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2018 4:17 pm

That's correct. IC bottom barrel, Mod on top. If it's like my 500, there's a silver selector button at the rear of the trigger. Push to the right, shoots the IC barrel first. To the left, just the opposite.

Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2018 6:07 pm

Joe,
Congratulations! I bought the same gun (Ithaca-SKB model 600 Field in 20 ga) earlier this spring, serial # CF 6537XX. I have an Ithaca-SKB model 600 Field in 12 ga I bought new in 1973 and I used it a lot 40 years ago both in the field and at skeet; it never missed a beat. It is still in pristine condition, but with my advancing age, I thought I'd try a 20 gauge. Both are 26' with Mod/IC. You are are going to love your SKB 20!
I just recently sent them both back to SKB in Omaha for their great routine deep maintenance package; new springs, miked the parts, cleaned and lubed. The 20 got a recoil pad installed, too. The SKB service department is tops if you ever need them; ask for Phil at
SKB SHOTGUNS
4441 South 134th Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68137
Tel: 800-752-2767
Fax: 402-330-8040
You can download a .pdf copy of the owner's manual here:
https://www.skbshotguns.com/pdf/OU_Owners_Maunal.pdf
You can download the old Ithaca-SKB catalogs here:
http://www.skbshotguns.com/owner-support/
Ithaca-SKB went from blued receivers to silvered receivers between 1971 and 1972, so if your 20's receiver is blued like mine, its DOM is between 1968 and 1971.
Good luck; it's a great gun.
N.Fowler

Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2018 8:11 pm

You will enjoy your 600, especially in that configuration. After you remove the forend wood, remove the barrels from the receiver and look at the right side of the lower barrel flat below the ejector. The chokes are marked there.
The barrel selector is built into the trigger and the barrel selection is exactly as the previous comments have described it. FYI, the recoil from the first shot sets the trigger for the second shot.

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 7:15 am

First of all, thanks to all for your help, and especially generosity and kindness in sharing all of the valuable info you passed on to me. I am amazed at this little beauty every time i pick it up and shoulder it. I appreciate very much you guys passing on your knowledge to me regarding my new purchase. I want to learn as much as I can about it so I can care for it properly. This is one shotgun that I will never part with. I can't wait to be able to get out and shoot it. I have also asked some questions regarding the gun over on the SKB forum. One of the nice gentlemen over there, posted some pictures of my gun for me. If you want to take a look at them they are in the SKB forum. What a great place this site is, and what extremely nice and helpful people reside here. Thank you all again for being such really nice people.
Regards,
Joe

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 7:19 am

On Saturday, I took my son, my CZ Redhead Premier in 20 gauge, and my new Ithaca-SKB model 600 to the local gun club to shoot some informal skeet. It was out first time out this year. We broke some clays, had lots of great conversations, and tons of fun. The SKB got lots of looks from our fellow shooters, and I got to let an older gent give it try for a round. Over all a fantastic day with my son and our toys. I really enjoyed the chance to spend time with my son and getting to strengthen our bond. Hope you all had a great weekend as well.
Regards,
Joe

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 7:27 am

Sounds like a great time. Joe. How did she shoot?

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 1:13 pm

Tide, thanks for asking. The gun shot great! I did better than I expected. It was quick and easy to get on target, and it felt like an extension of my arm. It was really dusting the clays when I did my part. Even with the 26' barrels it really felt no different than my other guns with 28' barrels. If anything it seemed to point very natural for me. I could not have been happier. This old gun has found it's forever home in my safe.
Regards,
Joe

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 1:53 pm

Not a bit surprised, Joe , based on my experience with my 500. The Ithaca/SKB's are under appreciated IMHO. I'll not be parting with mine, either.