Introduction
The Mossberg 500: a name synonymous with rugged reliability and enduring popularity. This pump-action shotgun has earned its place as a staple in the world of firearms, trusted for its versatility, affordability, and ease of maintenance. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a dedicated home defender, or simply a gun enthusiast, understanding the inner workings of your Mossberg 500 is paramount. This comprehensive guide delves into the details of how to Mossberg 500 Take Apart the shotgun, offering clear, step-by-step instructions for basic field stripping, emphasizing safety throughout the process. Mastering this skill is crucial not only for cleaning and maintaining your firearm, but also for troubleshooting any potential issues and even for future customization.
Importance of Disassembly
Knowing how to Mossberg 500 Take Apart is more than just a skill; it’s an essential part of responsible gun ownership. Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to ensuring the longevity and proper function of your Mossberg 500. Dirt, debris, and unburnt powder can accumulate over time, leading to malfunctions and potential damage. Disassembling your shotgun allows you to access and clean these areas thoroughly, ensuring smooth operation and extending the life of your firearm. Further, if you encounter any problems with your shotgun, understanding how to Mossberg 500 Take Apart can help you diagnose and potentially resolve the issue. Identifying the source of a malfunction is significantly easier when you can access the internal components. Moreover, should you decide to modify or customize your Mossberg 500 with aftermarket parts, disassembly is a prerequisite. Knowing how to safely and correctly take your shotgun apart prepares you for any upgrades you want to install.
Safety First
Before embarking on the process of how to Mossberg 500 Take Apart, safety must be your utmost priority. Always handle firearms with the utmost respect and care. Ensure your workspace is clear of any distractions and that you have adequate lighting. Always, *always*, point the muzzle of the firearm in a safe direction, away from yourself and others. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, even if you believe it to be empty. Never point a gun at anything you are not prepared to destroy. Before beginning any disassembly, you *must* verify that the firearm is unloaded.
Clearing the Firearm
To clear the firearm: Open the action and visually inspect the chamber to confirm that it is empty. Physically feel the chamber, using your finger to ensure there is no round present. After inspecting, lock the action open. This provides a visual and physical confirmation that the firearm is safe to handle. Ensure the safety is engaged if your model includes one. This is the most crucial first step in how to Mossberg 500 Take Apart and should never be skipped or taken lightly. Neglecting these safety protocols can have severe consequences.
Tools and Workspace
Once safety is confirmed and established, gather the necessary tools and establish your workspace. You will require a clean, uncluttered workspace to prevent losing small parts. While the basic field strip of a Mossberg 500 Take Apart doesn’t require a large number of tools, having the right ones can make the job easier. You’ll primarily need a screwdriver, preferably a flat-head screwdriver that fits the screws on your shotgun, and a small punch for removing pins. Optional, but helpful, tools include a gun vice to hold the receiver steady, cleaning solvents to remove dirt and grime, and a lubricant to protect the moving parts from wear. Having these tools readily available simplifies the whole process.
Disassembly Steps
Removing the Barrel and Forend
Let’s begin the process on how to Mossberg 500 Take Apart. Start by removing the barrel and forend. First, ensure the firearm is unloaded – we cannot stress this enough. (Reiterate the safety checklist). If your model has a magazine cap, unscrew it, which can be done by hand. Next, rotate the barrel. Many Mossberg 500 barrels are secured with a locking mechanism. Rotate the barrel slightly, usually about a quarter turn, until it unlocks. Then, carefully pull the barrel forward and away from the receiver. Set the barrel aside.
Next, we tackle the forend. Slide the forend back as far as it will go. This usually involves depressing a spring-loaded detent on the forend assembly. Once it has reached the end, continue to slide the forend and the attached pump assembly forward. You should be able to detach the forend and pump from the receiver. Put these pieces aside.
Receiver and Action Components
Now, we will move on to the receiver and its components, understanding each step will help when you Mossberg 500 Take Apart. Begin by removing the trigger group assembly. Using the punch, carefully tap out the two trigger group pins. These pins usually secure the trigger group to the receiver. Once the pins are removed, the trigger group assembly can be removed from the receiver by pulling it downward and out. The trigger group assembly is a complex unit, so it is best to set this piece aside carefully.
Next, remove the bolt from the receiver. With the trigger group removed, the bolt can now be removed. Slide the bolt assembly rearward and lift it out of the receiver. Finally, you will also need to remove the action bars and cartridge stop to completely disassemble the shotgun.
At this point, if necessary, you might choose to separate the receiver halves, but this is generally not required for routine cleaning and maintenance. If you choose to do so, you’ll want to remove any screws or pins connecting the receiver halves. Then, separate them carefully. Be mindful of small springs and other internal components that might be present and could spring out during the receiver separation. This is not a typical step in a basic field strip of a Mossberg 500 Take Apart, and it’s something you should consider only if absolutely necessary for deeper cleaning or repair.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Now that you’ve successfully managed to Mossberg 500 Take Apart your shotgun, it is time for the cleaning and maintenance phase. This is where you eliminate the buildup of residue from shooting and ensure proper function for the next firing session.
Cleaning the Barrel
To clean the barrel: Run a cleaning rod with a patch soaked in gun-cleaning solvent through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle end. This removes loose debris and helps to loosen any caked-on residue. Use a bore brush, of the appropriate size for your 12 gauge or 20 gauge, to scrub the inside of the barrel. Brush the barrel vigorously, focusing on the rifling grooves, for several passes. After brushing, run clean patches through the barrel until they come out clean. This indicates that all residue and cleaning solvent have been removed. This step is key to ensure when you Mossberg 500 Take Apart your shotgun you keep it in top shape.
Cleaning the Receiver and Action Parts
Cleaning the Receiver and Action Parts: Wipe down all the components, including the bolt, action bars, and the inside of the receiver, with a solvent-soaked rag. Use a brush to remove any stubborn carbon buildup, especially around the bolt face and locking lugs. This is where proper maintenance helps your gun. Pay close attention to the locking lugs on the bolt and the corresponding recesses in the receiver, ensuring they are clean and free of debris.
Lubrication
Lubrication is essential to maintain smooth operation. Apply a thin layer of quality gun oil to the moving parts, such as the action bars, bolt, and the internal components of the trigger group. Ensure that you wipe away any excess oil. Excessive lubrication can attract dirt and grime, potentially leading to malfunctions.
Reassembly
Once the cleaning is complete and the components are adequately lubricated, it’s time to reassemble your Mossberg 500 Take Apart. Start by reassembling the receiver components. Place the bolt assembly back into the receiver, aligning it properly. Reinstall the action bars and cartridge stop. Then, reinsert the trigger group into the receiver, aligning it with the pin holes. Reinstall the trigger group pins to secure it in place.
Installing the Forend and Barrel
Next, put the barrel back together. Reinstall the forend and slide it back onto the pump assembly. Insert the forend and pump assembly back onto the receiver. Finally, re-attach the barrel, carefully inserting it into the receiver and rotating it until it locks in place.
After reassembly, you must perform a function test. Cycle the action several times, ensuring that it moves smoothly and completely. Verify that the shell ejects properly and that the loading mechanism works correctly. Load a dummy round (a snap-cap) into the chamber. Dry-fire the shotgun and ensure the firing pin strikes the primer of the dummy round. This is important to test. If any malfunctions occur during this process, you’ll need to disassemble the shotgun again and recheck your work, looking for any components that may have been installed incorrectly or any obstructions.
Troubleshooting
While learning how to Mossberg 500 Take Apart is relatively straightforward, there are a few common issues you might encounter. Some of these can be easily resolved, while others may require professional assistance. A failure to eject can be caused by a dirty chamber, a weak extractor, or a worn ejector. A failure to feed could be due to a dirty magazine tube, a damaged follower, or incorrect ammunition. A sticking action might indicate a lack of lubrication or a buildup of fouling. Lastly, trigger issues could be the result of dirt or damage.
Tips and Considerations
Consider upgrading components. Many aftermarket parts are available to enhance the performance or customize the appearance of your Mossberg 500. Familiarize yourself with these parts and how they may change the process on how to Mossberg 500 Take Apart.
Always consult your owner’s manual. The owner’s manual will provide specific instructions and diagrams related to your particular Mossberg 500 model. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, maintenance, and disassembly. This provides important details for your Mossberg 500 Take Apart process.
When to seek professional help is also an important factor to acknowledge. While you can address many issues yourself, it’s important to recognize the limits of your skills and knowledge. If you encounter a persistent problem that you cannot resolve, or if you are uncomfortable performing any disassembly step, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified gunsmith. If you are not comfortable with the process of how to Mossberg 500 Take Apart the shotgun, then don’t.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how to Mossberg 500 Take Apart your shotgun is crucial for responsible gun ownership. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can ensure the longevity, reliability, and safe operation of your firearm. The process allows you to maintain your firearm. Regularly disassembling, cleaning, and maintaining your Mossberg 500 is one of the best things you can do to make sure it performs when you need it.
Practice, practice, practice. The more familiar you become with the disassembly and reassembly processes, the more confident you will be. This also makes the Mossberg 500 Take Apart process easier to complete. Remember, always prioritize safety.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional gunsmithing advice. Always prioritize firearm safety. If you are not comfortable with any aspect of disassembly or reassembly, consult a qualified gunsmith.
