Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Smith & Wesson 3000 20 Gauge Police Trade-In Shotgun is a reliable, pump-action firearm previously used in law enforcement. Its 20-gauge chambering offers a lighter recoil profile than 12-gauge. Available now for $499.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Smith & Wesson 3000 20 Gauge Police Trade-In Shotgun?
| Product Type | Pump-Action Shotgun |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel Receiver & Barrel, Wood Stock/Forend |
| Manufacturing | Smith & Wesson (Licensed production by Howa) |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Worn (Police Trade-In) |
| Hardness/Quality | Duty-grade construction for law enforcement use |
| Compatibility | 20 Gauge Shells (2-3/4″ and 3″) |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to use out of the box; FFL transfer required |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 – 7 lbs (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | Overall Length: ~38-40 inches (depending on barrel length) |
| Country of Origin | Japan (Howa for S&W) |
| Condition | Used, Police Trade-In (Good to Very Good mechanical condition, cosmetic wear) |
| SKU | S&W3000-20GA-PT |
What are the key features of this police trade-in shotgun?
This Smith & Wesson 3000 in 20 gauge is a piece of working history. These shotguns were built tough for law enforcement, and while they show their patrol car miles, they’re mechanically sound. You’re getting a reliable pump-action design, which is about as simple and effective as it gets. The 20-gauge chambering makes it a bit more manageable than a 12-gauge for some shooters, with less recoil, but still plenty of punch for home defense or even some upland bird hunting. It’s got a classic blued finish that, on these trade-ins, will have some honest wear – holster marks, dings in the wood. That’s part of the appeal for many, a shotgun with a story. The action on these is generally smooth, typical of the Howa-made S&W guns. It’s a no-frills, get-the-job-done kind of firearm, built when reliability was the top priority for duty weapons.
Who is the Smith & Wesson 3000 20 Gauge Police Trade-In for?
- Buy it if:
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly, reliable home defense shotgun.
- You appreciate firearms with a history, like police trade-ins.
- You prefer the lighter recoil of a 20-gauge over a 12-gauge.
- You want a durable pump-action shotgun for general utility or truck gun purposes.
- You’re a collector of vintage S&W firearms or police duty weapons.
- Skip it if:
- You need a shotgun with a pristine, unblemished finish (see our new shotguns for factory-fresh options).
- You’re looking for a modern tactical shotgun with Picatinny rails and adjustable stocks (check our tactical shotgun selection).
- You require a shotgun specifically designed for competitive clays shooting.
- You prefer a semi-automatic action for faster follow-up shots.
What are the pros and cons of this shotgun?
- ✅ Proven Reliability: These were duty guns for a reason; they run.
- ✅ Affordable Price Point: Hard to beat the value for a functional, duty-grade shotgun.
- ✅ 20 Gauge Advantage: Lighter recoil and often lighter overall weight than a 12 gauge, making it more comfortable for some shooters.
- ✅ Historical Value: A genuine police trade-in carries a unique appeal and story.
- ✅ Simple & Robust Design: Fewer moving parts mean less to go wrong.
- ✅ Made in Japan by Howa: Known for quality manufacturing.
- ❌ Cosmetic Wear: Expect dings, scratches, and finish loss from its previous life. It’s not a safe queen.
- ❌ Limited Aftermarket: Parts and accessories specific to the S&W 3000 can be harder to find than for more common models like the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 (see our shotgun accessories for universal options).
- ❌ Fixed Choke (Likely): Many duty shotguns have fixed cylinder or improved cylinder chokes, limiting versatility for some hunting applications.
How does the S&W 3000 compare to other shotguns?
| Feature | Smith & Wesson 3000 20 Gauge (Police Trade-In) | Maverick 88 Field (Budget New) | Remington 870 Police Magnum (Premium Trade-In) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel Receiver & Barrel, Wood Stock | Aluminum Receiver, Steel Barrel, Synthetic Stock | Steel Receiver & Barrel, Synthetic or Wood Stock |
| Quality | Duty-grade, used. Mechanically sound. | Entry-level, new. Functional. | Heavy-duty, used. Built for hard use. |
| Compatibility | 20 Gauge, 2-3/4″ & 3″ shells | 12 Gauge, 2-3/4″ & 3″ shells | 12 Gauge, 2-3/4″ & 3″ shells |
| Shipping | Same-day from Wichita, KS (FFL required) | Standard from distributor (FFL required) | Same-day from Wichita, KS (FFL required) |
| Lifespan/Durability | Long-lasting, proven by prior duty use. | Good for recreational use, less robust. | Exceptional, designed for continuous duty. |
| Price | $499.00 | ~$250 – $300 (New) | ~$700 – $900 (Trade-In) |
The S&W 3000 sits in an interesting spot. It’s a step up in build quality from a new budget option like a Maverick 88, especially in terms of receiver material (steel vs. aluminum). While it won’t have the same aftermarket support or brand recognition as a Remington 870, it offers a similar level of robust, duty-oriented construction at a more accessible price point, particularly for a 20-gauge. The main trade-off is the cosmetic condition and potentially harder-to-find parts compared to the ubiquitous 870.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Smith & Wesson 3000 20 Gauge
Is the Smith & Wesson 3000 a reliable shotgun?
Yes, the Smith & Wesson 3000, manufactured by Howa in Japan, is widely considered a very reliable pump-action shotgun. Its design is robust, and its use by law enforcement agencies attests to its durability and function in demanding situations.
What does “police trade-in” mean for a firearm?
“Police trade-in” means the firearm was previously issued to and used by a law enforcement agency, and has since been traded in to a distributor or retailer. These firearms typically show cosmetic wear from holster use, handling, and patrol car environments, but are generally well-maintained mechanically.
Can a 20-gauge shotgun be used for home defense?
Absolutely. A 20-gauge shotgun with appropriate ammunition (like buckshot) is highly effective for home defense. Its lighter recoil compared to a 12-gauge makes it more manageable for a wider range of shooters, allowing for better control and faster follow-up shots.
Are parts still available for the Smith & Wesson 3000?
While not as common as parts for current production shotguns, some parts for the Smith & Wesson 3000 can still be found through specialized parts dealers or by cannibalizing other S&W 3000s. Due to its robust construction, major component failures are less common.
What is the typical capacity of a Smith & Wesson 3000 police trade-in?
Most police configuration Smith & Wesson 3000 shotguns have a standard capacity of 5+1 rounds (five in the tube, one in the chamber) for 2-3/4 inch shells, though some might have extended tubes for higher capacity.
Where can I buy shotguns online?
You can buy shotguns online at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We are a licensed FFL dealer and can facilitate the transfer of firearms to your local FFL.
Does this shotgun come with any accessories?
Police trade-in firearms typically come as the firearm only, without additional accessories like slings, cases, or cleaning kits. What you see in the product photos is generally what you get.
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Browse more: Shotguns | Full Shop
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.