S&W MODEL 1000 20 GA GAS PISTON NIGHTMARE

I have an older (1970s) S&W Model 1000 Semi-Auto 20 gauge that I haven't fired for awhile. Intending to shoot this weekend I wanted to give the gun a good once over before heading out. After making sure the shotgun was safe, I began a simple field strip for a quick lube and wipe down. What I found next was absolutely the worst thing I have ever seen happen to a gun other than from total abuse and neglect, neither of which I will tolerate. The gas piston shock absorber had completely broken down and turned into a sticky, black tar-like, oozy mess that rendered the gas mechanism inoperable. And I mean mess. This little "shock absorber" is just a flat O-ring washer. I'm guessing the material broke down from exposure to petroleum based cleaner and lube. Nowhere, NOWHERE did S&W specify dry lube or anything other than normal cleaning and lubrication products. Has this happened to anyone else ? I hope not, but if so, how did you clean up the mess and are there any after market replacement parts that would prevent this from happening again ?

Numrich Arms aka Gun Parts Corporation carries replacement parts for the Howa Manufacturing Smith and Wesson 1000. I once owned a Super 1000 Skeet Model 12 gauge and they sold me a few springs and such that I needed. I don't know about the sealing washer though. Here's the parts list.

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufac...245.htm?page=4

This is a known problem. A modern washer made of modern polymers fixes the issue. Mine cycles like a dream.

Fifty year old pieces of plastic can do that. Especially if they are exposed to gun oils and hot gasses. But since this is not an obscure shotgun I predict you can get her up and running for $10-15 shipped. And if you pay $5 extra for a spare she will be good for another 100 years.

I also have the 1000S Skeet Model. No issues so far.

All 5 of my franchi spas 12/Law 12's have had the plastic buffers replaced. Some were flat and in pieces, others were still new like.

I thank all of you for your replies and valid starting points for parts and fixes to get this nifty little 20 ga. up and running. Thank you.

The Mossberg 1000 is the same gun.