Safety First: A Non-Negotiable Priority
The importance of safety when handling any firearm cannot be overstated. Disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly present opportunities for accidents if proper precautions are not taken. The following safety measures are not suggestions; they are requirements. Adhering to these guidelines protects you and those around you.
• Muzzle Direction: Always point the muzzle of the shotgun in a safe direction. This means towards a direction where an unintentional discharge would cause no harm, usually down or towards a safe backstop.
• Unload, Unload, Unload: Before even thinking about taking apart your Mossberg 500, absolutely, positively verify that the firearm is unloaded. Open the action fully and visually inspect both the chamber and the magazine tube to ensure there are no cartridges present. This is the single most critical step. Cycle the action several times to guarantee no rounds are left in the gun.
• Ammunition Removal: Remove all ammunition from the work area. This eliminates the potential for accidental loading or handling of live rounds. Keep ammunition stored separately and away from the work surface.
• Eye Protection is Essential: Wear appropriate eye protection throughout the disassembly and reassembly process. Small parts, springs, and debris can potentially fly off unexpectedly and cause serious eye injuries.
• A Clean and Well-Lit Workspace: Work in a well-lit area with ample space to move around. A clean workspace will help you keep track of the small parts and reduce the risk of losing them. Ensure you have a clutter-free surface to work on.
• Familiarity with the Manual: While this guide provides detailed instructions, consult your Mossberg 500 owner’s manual. It provides specific information about your particular model and can often clarify any nuances.
• Be Aware: Firearms and their associated parts are delicate in many aspects. Be careful handling components and work within the limits of your experience.
Remember, firearms are dangerous if handled improperly. By adhering to these safety principles, you will minimize the risk of injury and maintain responsible gun ownership.
Necessary Tools and Materials: Preparing Your Workspace
Having the correct tools and materials ready before you begin will make the entire process much smoother and more efficient. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
• Cleaning Rod: Or a sturdy dowel rod of appropriate diameter. This is for cleaning the barrel after disassembly. A standard cleaning rod kit commonly works well.
• Screwdriver: A flathead screwdriver is commonly required, particularly for the magazine cap. A set with various sizes can be advantageous.
• Soft Cloths or Cleaning Patches: These are essential for wiping down parts, cleaning the bore, and applying lubricants.
• Gun Cleaning Solvent/Lubricant: Use a quality gun cleaning solvent to remove fouling and debris. Apply a gun lubricant to ensure smooth operation and protect against corrosion. Choose a lubricant formulated for firearms.
• Optional Small Punch or Pin Punch: This can aid in disassembling certain components, especially when removing the trigger group assembly pin.
• Optional Gun Vice or Work Surface: Provides a secure and stable platform for working on the shotgun, preventing movement during disassembly. A bench vise with soft jaws works very well.
• Optional Schematic of the Mossberg 500: A detailed schematic of the Mossberg 500 can be an invaluable reference. It helps you understand the parts and their relationships, especially if you are a beginner.
Taking It Apart: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
With your safety precautions in place and your tools assembled, you’re ready to begin taking apart your Mossberg 500. Follow these steps carefully and deliberately.
Removing the Barrel and Forend: Separating the Major Components
Begin by removing the most readily accessible components of your Mossberg 500.
• Open the Action Completely: Pull the forend all the way to the rear, fully opening the action and exposing the chamber. Ensure the bolt is fully retracted.
• Unscrew the Magazine Cap: The magazine cap is located at the end of the magazine tube, at the muzzle end of the barrel. Unscrew it by turning it counter-clockwise. This may require some effort, especially if it has been tightened recently.
• Barrel Removal: Grasp the barrel firmly and pull it forward, away from the receiver. It may require a bit of force, especially on new or tightly fitted guns. Some models may require you to depress the magazine tube end cap retainer or detent. Refer to your specific model’s manual.
• Forend Release: Locate the action slide lock – it’s usually positioned just behind the trigger guard. Depress this lock. The forend can then be slid off the magazine tube.
Extracting the Trigger Group: Releasing the Fire Control
The trigger group contains the firing mechanism and is essential for proper firearm function. Removing it correctly is important for cleaning and maintenance.
• Locate the Trigger Group Pin: At the rear of the receiver, near the pistol grip, you will find a small pin that secures the trigger group assembly. It’s typically held in place by a spring and is best removed by pressing the button at the bottom of the receiver to release the trigger group assembly.
• Remove the Trigger Group: With the pin released, the trigger group assembly should be removable. Carefully wiggle it down and out of the receiver. Be mindful of the components within the trigger group, such as the trigger, sear, and springs.
• Consider Partial Trigger Group Disassembly (Optional): If you desire a more thorough cleaning, you can take apart the trigger group further. However, exercise caution here as small springs and parts can be easily lost or misplaced. Refer to a schematic for correct component placement.
Disassembling the Bolt: Taking Apart the Heart of the Action
The bolt is responsible for locking the breech and extracting spent casings. Its components must be clean to ensure smooth operation.
• (Optional) Firing Pin Removal: If a thorough cleaning is desired, carefully remove the firing pin and firing pin retainer. Note the orientation of the firing pin before removal to ensure correct reassembly.
• Bolt Body Inspection: Before further disassembly, visually inspect the bolt body for any signs of wear, damage, or excessive fouling.
Dismantling the Receiver: Exposing Internal Mechanics
The receiver houses the operating components of the shotgun.
• Elevator Release: Remove the elevator, the component that pushes the cartridges up. It often slides out.
• Action Bar Disconnect: Pull the action bars away from the carrier.
• Ejector Removal: Carefully extract the ejector and carrier assembly from the receiver.
• Bolt Removal: Finally, slide the bolt out of the receiver.
Cleaning and Inspection: Maintaining the Components
Once the Mossberg 500 is disassembled, cleaning and inspection become the focus. This prevents malfunctions and prolongs the life of your firearm.
Cleaning the Barrel: Removing Residue
Proper barrel cleaning is essential for accuracy and preventing corrosion.
• Solvent Application: Soak a cleaning patch with a gun cleaning solvent and run it through the barrel using the cleaning rod. Push the patch from the chamber end to the muzzle end.
• Scrubbing the Bore: Use a bore brush with solvent to scrub the inside of the barrel, removing built-up fouling and lead. Make several passes, working the brush in both directions.
• Wiping and Drying: Run dry patches through the barrel until they come out clean. This removes any remaining solvent or debris. Wipe the exterior of the barrel clean and dry.
Cleaning the Receiver and Parts: Maintaining a Clean System
Clean all disassembled parts to ensure proper functioning.
• Solvent Application: Use a soft cloth and solvent to wipe down all the components. Pay particular attention to areas where carbon buildup or residue is likely, such as the bolt face, extractor, and ejector.
• Component Scrubbing: If necessary, use a brush to remove stubborn deposits.
• Part Drying: Ensure all parts are dry before reassembly to prevent rust or corrosion.
Inspection: Assessing Condition
Carefully inspect each part for wear, damage, or corrosion. A thorough inspection can identify potential problems before they lead to a malfunction.
• Wear and Tear: Look for signs of wear, such as scratches, pitting, or deformation.
• Damage: Check for cracks, breaks, or other damage that could compromise the firearm’s functionality.
• Corrosion: Look for rust or corrosion. Address any corrosion immediately.
• Barrel Obstruction: Double-check the barrel for any obstructions.
Reassembly: Putting It Back Together
Reassembling your Mossberg 500 is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process.
• Receiver Reassembly: Reassemble the ejector and carrier, then the action bars, and finally the elevator.
• Bolt Assembly: Reinstall the bolt in the receiver, making sure it slides smoothly.
• Trigger Group Placement: Reinstall the trigger group assembly and secure the pin, ensuring it’s firmly in place.
• Barrel Reinstallation: Carefully reinsert the barrel, aligning it correctly with the receiver.
• Forend Reinstallation: Slide the forend back onto the magazine tube, ensuring it locks securely.
• Magazine Cap: Tighten the magazine cap securely.
Lubrication: Ensuring Smooth Operation
Proper lubrication is crucial for the smooth and reliable operation of your Mossberg 500.
• Appropriate Lubricants: Use a quality gun oil or grease specifically designed for firearms. Avoid using excessive amounts of lubricant.
• Target Areas: Apply a light coat of lubricant to the action bars, bolt, trigger components, and any other moving parts. Pay attention to the areas where metal contacts metal.
Function Check: Ensuring Proper Function
After reassembly, perform a function check to confirm that the Mossberg 500 is operating correctly.
• Action Cycling: Cycle the action several times to ensure it opens and closes smoothly. The forend should move without resistance.
• Dry Firing Test: (After verifying the firearm is unloaded) Dry-fire the gun to make sure the firing pin strikes the primer correctly.
• Safety Check: Verify the safety is functioning properly and that the gun cannot be fired when the safety is engaged.
Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Problems
Sometimes, issues can occur during disassembly or reassembly. Here are some common problems and their potential solutions:
• Stiff Action: If the action is stiff, it could be due to a lack of lubrication or buildup of debris. Disassemble the action, clean and lubricate it thoroughly, and reassemble it.
• Failure to Feed: Failure to feed can be caused by various factors. Check the magazine tube for damage or obstructions. Ensure the action bars are aligned correctly and the lifter operates smoothly.
• Failure to Fire: If the gun fails to fire, check the firing pin for damage or obstruction. Ensure the trigger group is correctly installed and functioning.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Mossberg 500 Maintenance
Taking apart your Mossberg 500 may seem daunting at first. But, with practice and attention to detail, it becomes a straightforward process. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to disassemble, clean, and reassemble your Mossberg 500. By understanding these steps and performing them regularly, you will significantly extend the life of your firearm, improve its reliability, and maintain its optimal performance. By adhering to the instructions, you gain greater confidence in owning your Mossberg 500.
Remember, firearm ownership is a responsibility. Always prioritize safety. Maintaining your Mossberg 500 through regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection is a crucial aspect of responsible gun ownership. Practice these steps, learn the intricacies of your firearm, and enjoy the safe and responsible use of your Mossberg 500.
