All collectors recognize classic Smith & Wesson wheel guns, and many shooters pack the company’s concealed carry pistols. But how many sporting shooters are familiar with S&W’s line of attractive semi-automatic shotguns? Guns.com takes a closer look at the classic Model 1000.
Meet the S&W Model 1000
The Model 1000 series were gas-operated auto-loading shotguns produced for Smith & Wesson by Howa Machinery in Japan. As marked on the barrel, they were manufactured to S&W specs. Production began around the mid-1970s and continued until 1985 with several different models hitting the American market.
The most common models were built with an aluminum-alloy receiver and trigger guard with black anodizing. Receivers wore lovely scroll engraving. Barrels were S&W proof-tested, chrome-molybdenum steel. The ventilated rib showed a matte finish. Stocks were crafted from American walnut with cut checkering and a high-gloss finish. The crossbolt at the rear of the trigger was interchangeable for left or right-handed shooters.
Though built primarily in 12 gauge, a lesser number of twenties were produced as well. The bulk of the Model 1000 line used 2.75-inch chambers with the exceptions being Magnum versions, which featured both steel receivers and recoil pads.
More About Model 1000 Variants
There were several Magnum models with a 3-inch chamber. Though we’ve yet to see one in person, we’ve heard about the Super 1000 and 1000M. According to S&W advertising from the period, Waterfowl and Slug variants were built as well. While most models used fixed chokes, S&W did promote a Super-12 Multi-Choke variant that featured tubes (IC, M, F).
In addition to complete guns, the company sold spare barrels. Extra barrels interchange without fitting. However, magnum barrels are for use on Magnum models only. Standard barrels interchange across the full line. The most common barrel lengths were 26 and 28 inches, though 30-inch bird barrels and 22-inch rifled slug barrels were also listed.
Even More S&W Shotguns?
While the Model 1000 is by far our favorite in the relatively short line of the company’s scatterguns, it’s not the only one. In fact, Big Blue recently debuted a double-barreled M&P12 defense-style, pump-action shotgun.
Back to the older days, however, astute shooters and collectors will recall the 916 family of pump actions. Some were branded S&W, with others selling as the Eastfield Model 916. Of more direct relation – and appearance – to the Model 1000 was the S&W Model 3000 line of pump-action shotguns.
For those falling for the S&W Model 1000 but having trouble finding one, it’s interesting to note that after S&W’s run, Mossberg took up branding on a near-identical Model 1000 also built in Japan.
Our Test Gun
When given the choice to check out one of the Model 1000s from Guns.com Vault of used treasures, we couldn’t help but grab the 20-gauge variant. With a 28-inch barrel, we thought it would be perfect for both sporting and hunting, though the latter is more limited with the 2.75-inch chamber. Given the increase in specialty shots and a healthy variety of 2.75-inch upland loads, the gun proved to be a gem.
There’s a brass mid bead and silver front, with the test gun weighing in at 6.5 pounds. For comparison, the standard twelve tips in at only 6.75 pounds. That’s light enough to carry afield, but it balanced well for clay busting. In fact, the models we’ve tried out – including several twelves – make not only underrated upland field guns but perfectly serviceable do-all shotguns for sporting clays as well.
In addition to performance, we were especially pleased with the aesthetics. The engraved receiver is classy, and the barrel bluing is nicely done. Both the forend and semi-pistol grip are well checkered. There are white-line spacers at both the grip cap and butt. The buttplate is a plastic type but with the S&W logo. Likewise, the grip cap wears an intertwined S&W logo in silver surrounded by blue for a rich touch on a fairly inexpensive gun. That S&W grip cap is pure old-school cool.
Final Considerations
How often do buyers find a classic, reliable, eye-catching autoloader for less than five bills? That only tends to happen for those flying under the radar, and it’s surprising that the S&W Model 1000 has been a well-kept secret for so long.
The only real concern with any older, out-of-production, and shorter-run firearm is not with the gun itself, but potential parts replacement should that ever be warranted. Though we’ve run considerable rounds through three different models without issue, we did some research into parts availability for the Model 1000s. The only real areas of replacement concern are the piston shock absorber or a ring washer. With a few clicks, both are readily available as new-production replacements, along with plenty of other parts.
Though Model 1000s can be few and far between due to their relatively short production run, they are out there, and they’re almost always undervalued. Our test gun is aesthetically pleasing, shoulders quickly, and recoils lightly. One thing is certain, when the price is right, our eyes are always open for these underrated shotgun darlings.
