S&W 1000 Shotgun - God, bad?

[BattleRifleG3]

I've noticed a few S&W 1000 12ga semi-auto shotguns with the barrel length I want - 30". Prices are good. Wondering if they work well, particularly with standard cheap 12ga shot and slugs. Also can their tube be extended, even if I have to build the extension myself, or are they like Mossberg or the new Beretta hunting models that can't be extended? And are their chokes fixed or screwed in?

[gillamax77]

i currently have a s&w 1000 in 12 gauge that i acquired from my father who just had to have it and in 10 yrs. or so has not shot one box of shells thru it. after cleaning yrs. of crud out of the gas system i shot a box of dove loads thru it. shot great and no problems.is a lite gun may not like heavier loads, i don't know yet.

[BattleRifleG3]

Hmm, being well suited for light loads is a plus. Some of the heavy duty semi shotguns won't cycle light loads.

[BRcoosb]

I owned 2, one 2 3/4 12 mod choke fixed, liked it enough I bought a new model 1000M it would take light target loads or dove loads to heavy 3" buck shot, the 1000m had screw in chokes, early models are noted for problems, Smith fixed this later, I reload, my buckshot loads are hot and the gun handled them very well, you got to clean the gas valve some, but the gun handled hundreds to thousands of rounds between cleanings, was fast and handled well, took 3 cocks out of the air in a single flush more then once, It was a fast handling gun even with 30 inch tubs, it cant be extended in the mag, gas valve, any one know how to track down a serial # when the recite has been destroyed and was bought where the dealer went out of business, local sheriff is worthless on weapon recovery, they like to auction them off to much to return them to true owner, I am looking to replace with another Smith and Wesson 1000m in 30" tub, screw in chokes. any one know of one. Thanks Bill

[a pittarelli]

i was trying out a friends on a trip a few weeks ago and i am now a big fan