Vietnam Era Smith & Wesson S&W Eastfield 916-A 916A Trench Gun Style 12 GA Pump Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $1,485
LSB#: 200410DN17
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Eastfield 916-A
Serial Number: 5B1250
Year of Manufacture: 1972-1984
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ & 3″ Shells
Action Type: Pump / Slide Action, Tube Magazine Fed Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “EASTFIELD MODEL 916-A / SPRINGFIELD, MASS., U.S.A.”, there may be additional barrel settings but we were not able to find a good way to remove the heat shield for further inspection. The left of the heat shield is marked “12 GA. – CHAMBERED FOR 2 3/4″ AND 3″ – U.S.A.”. The left receiver flat is marked with a large “S&W” monogram logo, “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and serial number. The right of the receiver is marked “U.S.” and with a flaming bomb under the ejection port. The bottom of the grip is stamped with a flaming bomb and the belly is marked “P”.
Barrel Length: 18 1/2”
Choke: Cylinder Bore
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece smooth wood with finger-grooved slide handle, pistol grip, straight comb, serrated black hard rubber buttplate, and a sling plate mounted in a scoop near the toe (the other swivel is mounted to the left of the magazine tube). The stocks have scattered light nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches with a small chip loss on the slide handle at the top edge toward the rear. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-plus condition as likely refinished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its current metal finish. There are a few scattered light scuffs and scratches. The magazine tube, action bar and bolt show light operational wear. The pin heads are unmarred. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition as refinishd.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The installed green canvas sling is included. The sling shows scattered light wear.
Our Assessment: The shotgun has a long history in the United States military. While shotguns have historically been used for foraging or guard duty, the combat shotgun may not be unique to America, but it’s not a stretch to say that American use is unique. From the Battle of New Orleans to the Civil War, from the trenches of WWI to the jungles of Vietnam, the combat shotgun has continued to find use by the American military. While the Smith & Wesson Eastfield shotgun was not used as a military shotgun as far as we know, this one has been made up as a trench gun with a parkerized finish, US Property markings and a combination heat shield/bayonet lug which accepts an M6 Bayonet (compatible with M14 rifle). Who cares about authenticity when you have a slick 12 gauge pump shotgun and you can hang a 2-foot bayonet off the front? Please see our photos and good luck!