I understand that the Mossberg Model 1000 Shotgun was actually made by Howa in Japan. Question- What year(s)?

January 23rd, 2010 by eranio

AM considering purchasing a Mossberg Model 1000 Shotgun. A little research has told me that after Smith & Wesson abandoned the gun, AA Japanese companny made them to S&W specs for Mossberg "for about a year or two". My question is when. I would like to know how old the shotgun is before I buy it.