There have been many changes in shotshell components in recent years.  The most significant change, as it pertains to modern barrel design, was the transition from a paper wad component to the plastic shot cup.  The plastic shot cup’s buffering cushions and petal sidewalls allowed barrels to be designed with “lengthened forcing cones” and  “oversized bores”.  These features produce denser and more evenly distributed patterns, while reducing felt recoil and shooter fatigue.  SKB introduced both of these performance features in 1992 with the 85 series backbored barrel design.  Since that time, SKB target guns have gained a reputation of being some of the hardest hitting barrels on the tournament circuit.

     The SKB 12 gauge .735 backbored barrels are produced using a hammer forging process which ensures trueness over the length of the barrel and a consistent wall diameter.  Fabricated from a high strength chromium alloy steel, SKB barrels are highly polished to a near mirror surface.  They are then chrome lined from the chamber to the muzzle.  This protective surface reduces the corrosive effects of moisture produced by plastic shotshells and other environmental conditions.  This process ensures that your SKB barrels will provide years of service. 

All 85TSS barrel groups are fitted with an inter-choke tube system.  Choke tube barrels are a standard feature in all gauges; 12, 20, 28, and 410.  Briley Manufacturing, recognized worldwide for its innovative leadership in choke tube and barrel technology, provides SKB with an array of stainless steel choke tubes.  These choke tubes have been certified by Briley for use with steel shot.

A further refinement to the 85 series barrel group was accomplished by adding the performance enhancing feature of a competition sight system.  This system utilizes a nickel mid bead and an interchangeable Litepipe front sight by HI-VIZ.  This “Litepipe” system allows the shooter to be cognizant of the muzzle position while remaining focused on the flight of the target.  The 85TSS sighting plane ensures fast target acquisition and proper barrel alignment.

	The 85TSS barrel group has been fitted with a nickel center post and the HI-VIZ CompSight system.  This sight allows the shooter to select the specific size and color Litepipe to meet the individual's ocular variation and lighting conditions of the event.  The Litepipe is an optical-quality plastic, injection molded to precise dimension and color.  A specific Litepipe kit has been selected to match the barrel configuration of each 85TSS model.

Another refinement of the 85TSS competition barrel group includes incorporating a ventilated top rib and ventilated side ribs.  These features allow the barrel to cool faster and reduce heat wave distortion along the sighting plane.

	The 85TSS barrel group (12 ga) is available with "Pigeon Porting" by Mag-Na-Port International.  This porting process is accomplished by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), ensuring a smooth incision of exact dimensions.  The "Pigeon Porting" pattern reduces perceived recoil by 15% to 20%, and muzzle lift by 60% to 80% in 12 gauge models.

The performance of the 85TSS barrel group can be further enhanced by Mag-Na-Port International’s patented “pigeon porting”.  This optional feature reduces the perceived recoil by 15% to 20%, and muzzle lift by 60% to 80% in 12 gauge models.

Note: Shotguns may only be ordered by a dealer with a valid Federal Firearms License and not be ordered online.