The Mossberg 500 is a popular and reliable shotgun, known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance. Regular cleaning and occasional disassembly are crucial for maintaining its performance and longevity. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to safely and correctly disassemble your Mossberg 500. Always prioritize safety. Ensure the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction before beginning any disassembly.
Tools You'll Need:
- A clean workspace: A well-lit area with a soft surface to prevent scratching your firearm.
- A cleaning rod and patches: For cleaning after disassembly (optional, but highly recommended).
- Gun oil: For lubrication after cleaning and reassembly.
- Screwdriver (if needed for specific tasks): Some models may require a screwdriver for certain parts.
Step-by-Step Disassembly:
1. Unload the Firearm: This is the most crucial step. Visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine tube to confirm it is completely empty.
2. Remove the Magazine Tube Cap: This is usually located at the front end of the magazine tube. Unscrew the cap (counter-clockwise) and carefully remove it. The spring and follower inside the magazine tube may come out, so be prepared to catch them.
3. Remove the Magazine Tube: With the cap removed, the magazine tube should slide out easily.
4. Remove the Forend: Pull the forend (the part of the stock that surrounds the magazine tube) towards the rear of the firearm. It should simply slide off.
5. Remove the Bolt and Carrier Assembly: Locate the bolt release button (usually located on the left side of the receiver) and press it. While keeping the button depressed, the bolt and bolt carrier assembly will usually slide out the rear of the receiver.
6. Separate the Bolt and Carrier: The bolt is the part that contains the firing pin. It is usually held within the carrier by friction. Gently separate the two.
7. Remove the Trigger Group (Optional): This step is generally not needed for routine cleaning, but may be necessary for more thorough cleaning or repairs. It typically involves removing a retaining pin located at the rear of the trigger group. Consult your Mossberg 500's manual for detailed instructions on this step, as the process can vary slightly between models.
Reassembly:
Reassembly is generally the reverse of disassembly. Make sure all parts are correctly aligned and seated before proceeding to the next step.
1. Reinstall the Trigger Group (If Removed): Carefully insert the trigger group, aligning the retaining pin.
2. Insert the Bolt and Carrier Assembly: Insert the bolt and carrier assembly into the receiver, ensuring they are aligned properly.
3. Reinstall the Forend: Slide the forend onto the receiver until it is securely attached.
4. Reinstall the Magazine Tube: Slide the magazine tube back into the receiver.
5. Reinstall the Magazine Tube Cap: Screw the magazine tube cap back on.
6. Inspect and Test: Carefully inspect your work. Verify that all parts are properly seated and functioning.
Important Considerations:
- Consult Your Manual: This guide provides a general overview. Always refer to your specific Mossberg 500 owner's manual for detailed instructions and diagrams relevant to your model.
- Safety First: Prioritize safety throughout the entire process. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot, even when disassembled.
- Cleaning: After disassembling, thoroughly clean all components with a suitable cleaning solution. Lubricate moving parts with gun oil before reassembly.
By following these steps, you can successfully disassemble and reassemble your Mossberg 500, ensuring its continued performance and reliability. Remember, safety always comes first!
