Smith and Wesson model 916A pump action shotguns in the 70s that didn’t go well for Smith and Wesson

Published on May 6, 2024
Duration: 5:37

This video reviews the Smith & Wesson 916A, a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun produced from 1972-1978, based on the Noble Model 66. The presenter highlights its tactical police variant features, including a 20-inch barrel and 7-round capacity, noting its budget-friendly marketing against the Remington 870. The review also touches upon the Smith & Wesson 1000 and 3000 models, which were manufactured by Howa in Japan.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 916A was a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun produced from 1972-1978, based on the Noble Model 66. The tactical police variant featured a 20-inch barrel and 7-round capacity, marketed as a budget alternative to the Remington 870, but saw limited success.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: S&W Vintage Shotguns
  2. 00:05Smith & Wesson Model 1000 Overview
  3. 01:02Smith & Wesson 916A Introduction
  4. 01:13Noble Manufacturing Acquisition
  5. 01:36916 Variants: 916T, 916S, 916A
  6. 01:51916A Tactical Police Model Details
  7. 02:11Condition of the 916A Example
  8. 02:27Intended Use: Slugs and Buckshot
  9. 02:34Market Performance and Competition
  10. 02:483-Inch Chamber and Power
  11. 03:00Design Crossover Features
  12. 03:15Noble Model 66 Basis
  13. 03:20Disassembly and Magazine Tube
  14. 03:53Trigger Pull Analysis
  15. 04:08Acquisition and Channel History
  16. 04:24S&W's Market Expansion in the 70s
  17. 04:47Comparison: Howa vs. Noble
  18. 05:01Hopes for Shooting Performance
  19. 05:12Future Video Updates
  20. 05:24Further Information Resource

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main variants of the Smith & Wesson 916 shotgun series?

The Smith & Wesson 916 series, produced from 1972 to 1978, included the 916T (a takedown model with quality issues), the 916S (standard sporting model), and the 916A, which was the tactical police variant.

What made the Smith & Wesson 916A a tactical police model?

The 916A tactical police model was distinguished by its 20-inch barrel and a 7-round magazine tube, making it suitable for law enforcement use with ammunition like slugs and buckshot.

What was the market positioning of the Smith & Wesson 916A?

Smith & Wesson marketed the 916A as a budget-friendly pump-action shotgun designed to compete with established models like the Remington 870. However, it did not achieve significant market penetration.

What design elements does the Smith & Wesson 916A share with other shotguns?

The 916A incorporates a rear tang safety and an action release button similar to the Mossberg 500. Its loading pattern, however, is more reminiscent of the Remington 870 style.

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