[Lone_Gunman]

Did S&W actually manufacture these, or did they have them built by someone else and then stamp their name on them.

Is an extended magazine tube available for them?

[Fred Fuller]

If I recall correctly, they were built in Japan by Miroku for S&W. There were magazine extensions built for them, I don't know if the threads are the same as for any other shotgun.

From what I have heard they aren't bad guns, but you're pretty much out of luck for spare parts if anything ever breaks.

And to ask the inevitable question- Since they are essentially 870 clones, why not just get a cheap used 870 and be done with it?

lpl/nc

[hpg]

Lee is correct, the S&W shotguns were made in Japan. Hard to find parts for nowadays. I'd get an 870 or MB500. hpg

[dfariswheel]

The S&W Model 1000 semi-auto and the Model 3000 pump were manufactured in Japan by Howa.

Howa imported a few under their own name, and manufactured them for S&W from 1972 to about 1984.
After S&W dropped the guns, Mossberg imported them under their name for about 2 years.

At one time, Gun Parts Corporation still had some magazine extensions, but the supply has dried up.
Gun Parts still sell most Howa parts under both the S&W and Mossberg names.
They still have some police accessories including folding stocks.

I believe that Choate makes a magazine extension that will fit the Howa-S&W-Mossberg guns.
You'll have to email them for information about availability.

[mp510]

Smith & Wesson imported them from Japan. I recall seeing one that was a police trade in several years ago that came with a black synthetic pistol grip (with butt) stock and synthetic forearm on it.

[CZguy]

And to ask the inevitable question- Since they are essentially 870 clones, why not just get a cheap used 870 and be done with it?

One good reason is cost. You can find a good used S&W 3000 for at least $125.00 cheaper than a Remington 870. They are very well made, and in my view are a bargain.

Parts are similar but not interchangeable between the two.

Actually most parts are still available at Numrich. (Except magazine extensions)

http://Shotguns.jpg

[TSH77769]

Waht they said, plus Smith also had Howa make some rifels for them too.

Tsh77769