Smith and Wesson 1000

[mushoot]

Well, it would not cycle 2 3/4 inch heavy dove loads. I took it to a smith who did not think much of smith and wesson shotguns. He pointed to the barrel and it said 3" magnum. Is it possible that it only will cycle the magnum shells? I need a semi auto for dove hunting. Any recommendations? The gun show is this weekend and I am going to trade it if I can or sell it if I can't. It would cycle the 2 3/4 inch shells sometimes last year, but this year not at all.

 

[mnrivrat]

I personaly have no problem with the S&W 1000 . It is a good shotgun but has nothing to offer over Remington guns. The gas operated auto's of this type operate based on the amount of available gas pressure to the piston. This is controled by the size of the gas hole through to the bore, and the shell itself . The magnum gas operated S&W should shoot heavy field 2&3/4 inch shells as well as the 2&3/4 inch magnum & 3 Inch shells. It will not operate with lower power shells. Even heavy field are on the edge in supplying the needed gas pressure to operate. If it operated with the shell you want to use last year than replacing the gas seal or just cleaning may get you back to that operating point. For an auto that shoots a wider range of shells you have to have a metered gas system that uses only part of the gas generated to function and lets the rest excape when shooting higher pressure loads. Browning Gold Hunters, and Remington 1187's are a couple examples of this type system.

 

[mushoot]

Thanks, that tells me what I need to know. John

 

[Mike Irwin]

When was the last time that you took the gas system apart and gave it a very thorough cleaning?

I have LIMITED experience with the S&W semi-auto shotguns, but they seem to be a lot more prone to fouling of the gas system leading to cycling problems.

 

[mushoot]

Never had the whole gas system apart. I cleaned the piston etc. as far as the owner's manual said to. I shot three magnum shells today and it worked fine. I am going to sell it and get a 1100. I don't use magnum shells. I was not very informed when I bought it. I thought it would shoot everything. Now I know. Thanks for the help.