S&W 3000 shotgun 3” receiver?

[Sirrie]

I bought a S&W 3000 pump that came with a 2-3/4 short barrel. I have a nice 3000 30” 3” magnum barrel that fits it perfectly. Can I safely shoot 3” shells in it? How can I tell if the receiver is rated for 3” magnum pressures? Any help is appreciated as I occasionally would like to use 3” shells for duck or turkey hunting.

 

[dfariswheel]

The actual receivers are exactly the same for the 2 3/4" and the 3".
The 3" is not "stronger".

The Model 3000 is a reasonably close copy of the Remington 870.
I'm not sure how the 3000 ejector is installed in the receiver, while the 870 is riveted in and not easily changeable without special tools.

The 870 at least can FIRE 3" shells in a 2 3/4" receiver, but it can't eject them because the ejector in the 2 3/4" receiver is too short.
The gun can be converted by a gunsmith by installing a longer 3" compatible ejector.

I don't know if the 3000 ejector is usable with both 2 3/4" and 3" or if you need a special ejector for the 3".
I've checked my parts sources and only one ejector is listed for the 3000.
All I can suggest is to fire a 3" shell using the 3" barrel and see if it'll eject cleanly.

 

[Uniquedot]

The 870 at least can FIRE 3" shells in a 2 3/4" receiver, but it can't eject them because the ejector in the 2 3/4" receiver is too short.
The gun can be converted by a gunsmith by installing a longer 3" compatible ejector.

My 2.75" wingmasters will not eject 3" hulls because the ejection ports are not long enough for a fired hull to clear it. I did not realize the ejector had anything at all to do with it, but rather assumed the only difference was in the ejection port. Either way the ejection port would also need to be lengthened as well wouldn't it?

 

[Sirrie]

Thanks dfarriswheel and Uniquedot for the feedback. Some receiver (like the one in my S&W1000) are made of a light alloy metal but my 3000 is steel and looks solid so I tend to agree with dfarriswheel. I checked the ejection port and it is the same length as my 11-87’s magnum (read 3”) receiver. I guess I will have to try and see. I feel better now knowing that if I try it I will not be making a fool of myself or worse. Thanks.

 

[dfariswheel]

Either way the ejection port would also need to be lengthened as well wouldn't it

No.
Contrary to belief, the 870 2 3/4" and 3" receivers have the same size ejection port.
The only differences between the receivers is:
The 3" gun has a longer ejector then the 2 3/4" receiver.
The 3" guns have a serial number that ends with "M".

Gunsmiths like Wilson will convert a 2 3/4" gun to 3" by installing a longer ejector. No other changes are needed. However, you do have to have a 3" chambered barrel.

In the case of the S&W Model 3000, Howa may have used an ejector that would work for both.