doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Which is better gtun: SKB 385 or Marlin LC Smith?

I may be opening up a Pandora's box, but I need to get your opinion on the SKB 385 versus the LC Smith side by shotguns that Marlin was selling that were made in Spain. Cabela's Classic Gun Library is selling the Marlin LC Smiths in 12, 20, and, even, 28 gauge for sale in the neighborhood of around $1400, give or take a couple of hundred. I know the LCs were not sidelocks, but boxlocks. Have there been any problems with the guns? I know they come with a single non selective trigger. They also have an SKB 385 in 12 gauge with 28 inch barrels for $1900. Nice looking gun. I know about SKBs and their reputation and quality. Seeing as how they no longer are making side bys this may be a much better buy. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Unless there has been a change, the 12s and 20s are made by Fausti and the 28s and .410s are made by Zabala in Spain. I have read many impressive things about SKB SxS shotguns. There were some problems early on with the new Marlins. Owners of both will be along soon. I am curious, also. Cheers!

The Fausti-made Marlin Elsies are essentially the same gun as the Weatherby Athena d'Italia, but with different wood and a case-colored receiver.

The SKB's are all good guns. The newer ones are heavier than those imported by Ithaca. You can look around and find a very high condition Ithaca SKB 200E for not much more than half the price of that 385. Other than the 385 having choke tubes, I'd go with the older Ithaca import.