Didn't I remember seeing a few years ago that Smith was having shotguns made, I think, in turkey. What happened to those? Were they discontinued?

I believe the stoeger knock offs of the Benelli sbe were made in Turkey, and done so well that instead of suing them Benelli allowed them to continue (for a fee I'm sure).

If you are referring to the SxS doubles, they were discontinued several years back.....I bought a S&W 20 SxS elite gold from Bill Hanus several years ago, who has since passed... he specialized in quality double barrel shotguns ( Hanus birdguns).....my 20 has 24" bl's and has been a great bird hunting gun and also effective on clays......I have read some "internet" stories about these guns, but I have had no problem with mine.....it is a beautiful English stock, trim 20 ga. bird swatter.

But the S&W shotguns were suppose to be a very big deal yet they died almost without notice. How come?

I do not have a definitive answer for that question, other than that the guns were typically in the $2,000 range or so, and nowadays the double gun market is pretty well dominated by O/U's for clays, skeet, etc...which leaves the SxS market for those of us who either collect good quality SxS doubles or want one to bird hunt with....there may be more to the story than I know....all I can tell you about the one that I own, is that it is very well made, handsome and is great to tote around chasing bird dogs all day.

The Gold Elite were (are) beautifully made SxS's. They came out about the same time as S&W began selling the M&P AR platform guns. Seems everybody wanted plastic rifles rather than Turkish walnut and color case hardened steel SxS's. The gun died a quiet death. Those that have the guns tend to hold on to them. S&W provided a warranty that could be handed down to the next generation. That is exactly what I plan to do with my Gold Elite.
Cemoto

Any idea what time frame they were available or how many were made?
Also I thought that Smith set up the factory in Turkey. Did they just write that cost off kind of like they did with Thompson Center?

I bought mine in 2010.....and I think they were closed out in the latter part of that year or perhaps in 2011....I remember reading the details of what, when, how and so on when the guns were introduced.....but I can't remember all of the details of how Smith contracted the guns, I am in the process of cleaning out magazines and such going back several years, if I run across the info I will relay it.

You might want to read this:
Shotgunworld.com ? View topic - S&W side by side shotguns

Why would Smith & Wesson make a shotgun out of turkey?
What's next a revolver made out of hamburger?

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Don Mundell

I bought a 20 gauge auto loader in 2012 that supposedly was made in a plant that S&W set up in Turkey. The gun looks like a cross between a Rem. 1100 and maybe a Beretta. It has a Smith grip cap and Smith and Wesson is stamped on the barrel and receiver. Also Utas - Turkey. The model number is 1020 and the gun works fine.

Very fine shotguns. I bought one of the Silver Elite O/U last year off a dealer's shelf, brand new in the box. He'd had it several years. It came with the S&W "Heirloom Warranty" which I promptly sent in. (Lifetime warranty for you and a designated heir.) I was curious whether they would even acknowledge it, but they certainly did. Sent back a confirmation certificate and all. I have no doubts that S&W will take care of this if it should ever need service. I have NEVER had a problem with anything from S&W that they would not service. These shotguns are fine pieces of workmanship from a Turkish factory that has a great reputation. There is quite a bit of info available over the internet with a simple search on SMITH WESSON ELITE. It's easy to see why S&W didn't continue the product even though it was a well designed quality piece. It was conceived during the economic boom when there was plenty of money to spend on unique items of quality, and it came to market just in time for the bust. S&W went back to focus on their bread and butter handguns, and then went on to serve the Obama fired craze for self defense and the AR platform. This fine shotgun just got left in the dust. They are very well balanced and tight. They point well, and they are a dream to shoot. They are a beautiful firearm to hold. You can generally find them at Cabella's or on the internet for around $1200. Look for one that still has its original set of 5 choke tubes. S&W doesn't sell them anymore.