Just when you thought they didn't exist . . .

[Wild Skies]

Originally Posted by John Allen

I was told there were 50 28ga guns built with 28"tubes and open chokes.25 IC/Mod and 25 Q1/Q2.The Japanese always worked in multiples of 25 of an item.I think there were more 20ga 28" open choked barrels,but I don't know how many.

I sure hope that whomever told you that is correct, as it gives many that have been looking for 28-ga. 28" open-choked Repros a bit of optimism when seeking them out. They (the guns) have been well-guarded, if they are indeed out there.

When you say "The Japanese always worked in multiples of 25 of an item.", how does that square with the reported 4203 DHE 28ga. built, the 2137 DHE 12ga., the 7 BHE 28ga., etc.?

[John Allen]

Jack Skeuse told me that the Japanese always wanted to work in multiples of 25 to make their production lines efficient.I am sure that there were odd numbers produced due to overruns and other problems.I was told this when I was placing the order for the Steel Shot Specials.I ordered 350 guns in various configurations.They actually produced 360.

[John Allen]

Just as an aside to the 25 multiple question,the Skeuse family reserved the first 25 guns of each grade and gauge.I understand that most of these guns were lost in a flood.So now the earliest serial numbers begin at 26 for each gauge.I have #26 DHE 12ga.I wonder how many low numbers are out there now?

[Wild Skies]

Speaking of numbers John . . . Do you know the actual number of Sporting Clays Classics produced?

[John Allen]

I have been told 50 were built.More were planned,but they closed the factory before they could be built.

[jerry serie]

John, I have 12SS-00070 that I bought from you in May, 1987. It is a straight stock, splinter forend, double trigger gun. Do you know how many of the 360 SSS guns were built with this configuration? Also, why did the straight stock guns have 1 3/8" dac and 2" dah whereas the pistol grip guns had 1 1/2" dac and 2 1/2" dah?

I find my gun to be too straight for me and it shoots too high for a waterfowl gun. I've given some thought to having the comb shaved down slightly and leave the heel as is. But, that would likely entail a stock refinishing. Your thoughts?

Thanks ...Jerry

[John Allen]

I don't remember the exact mix on the configurations.We tried to get an even mix between single and double triggers and pistol grip vs. straight stock.There were more beavertail guns than splinter.I don't know why the straight grip and pistol grip guns have different dimensions,but they do.There is also a difference in LOP between single and double triggers.Single triggers are 143/8"from the trigger in rear position and the double triggers are 143/8" from the front trigger.The single trigger guns are 3/4"longer.