How to Assemble Mossberg 500: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Mossberg 500 is a popular shotgun known for its reliability, durability, and ease of use. Assembling the Mossberg 500 requires some technical knowledge and attention to detail, but with this guide, you’ll be able to put your new shotgun together with confidence.
Before You Begin
Before you start assembling your Mossberg 500, make sure you have all the necessary components and tools. The following are the most common components and tools required for assembly:
- Mossberg 500 shotgun
- Receiver
- Barrel
- Action assembly
- Trigger group
- Safety
- Magazine tube
- Choke tube
- Wrenches (e.g., Allen, Torx, and socket)
- Screwdrivers (e.g., flathead and Phillips)
- Pliers
- Cleaning cloth
- Safety glasses
Step 1: Inspect and Clean the Receiver
Important: Always inspect the receiver for any damage or defects before starting assembly. Check for any cracks, dents, or rust spots.
To clean the receiver, follow these steps:
- Wipe the receiver with a cleaning cloth to remove any dirt, debris, or oil.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to clean any crevices or holes.
- Apply a small amount of gun oil to the receiver and wipe it clean with a cloth.
Step 2: Assemble the Action Assembly
Important: The action assembly is the heart of your Mossberg 500, and proper assembly is crucial for smooth operation.
To assemble the action assembly, follow these steps:
- Barrel Installation:
- Align the barrel with the receiver’s barrel threads.
- Apply a small amount of gun oil to the barrel threads.
- Tighten the barrel by hand until it stops.
- Action Installation:
- Insert the action assembly into the receiver, aligning the pins with the receiver’s action holes.
- Press the action assembly firmly into place, ensuring it is seated properly.
- Trigger Group Installation:
- Insert the trigger group into the action assembly, aligning the pins with the action holes.
- Press the trigger group firmly into place, ensuring it is seated properly.
Step 3: Assemble the Trigger Group
Important: Proper assembly of the trigger group is crucial for smooth operation and reliability.
To assemble the trigger group, follow these steps:
- Trigger Spring Installation:
- Remove the trigger spring from the trigger group.
- Install the trigger spring on the trigger group, ensuring it is properly seated.
- Trigger Installation:
- Insert the trigger into the trigger group, aligning the pins with the action holes.
- Press the trigger firmly into place, ensuring it is seated properly.
- Sear Installation:
- Insert the sear into the trigger group, aligning the pins with the action holes.
- Press the sear firmly into place, ensuring it is seated properly.
Step 4: Assemble the Safety
Important: The safety is a critical component of your Mossberg 500, and proper assembly is crucial for safe operation.
To assemble the safety, follow these steps:
- Safety Installation:
- Insert the safety into the receiver, aligning the pins with the receiver’s safety holes.
- Press the safety firmly into place, ensuring it is seated properly.
Step 5: Assemble the Magazine Tube
Important: The magazine tube is a critical component of your Mossberg 500, and proper assembly is crucial for smooth operation.
To assemble the magazine tube, follow these steps:
- Magazine Tube Installation:
- Insert the magazine tube into the receiver, aligning the pins with the receiver’s magazine tube holes.
- Press the magazine tube firmly into place, ensuring it is seated properly.
Step 6: Assemble the Choke Tube
Important: The choke tube is a critical component of your Mossberg 500, and proper assembly is crucial for smooth operation.
To assemble the choke tube, follow these steps:
- Choke Tube Installation:
- Insert the choke tube into the barrel, aligning the threads with the barrel’s choke tube threads.
- Tighten the choke tube by hand until it stops.
Step 7: Final Assembly and Testing
Important: After completing the assembly process, ensure that all components are properly installed and seated.
To perform a final assembly and testing, follow these steps:
- Action Assembly Check:
- Check the action assembly for any signs of damage or defects.
- Cycle the action to ensure smooth operation.
- Trigger Group Check:
- Check the trigger group for any signs of damage or defects.
- Test the trigger to ensure proper function.
- Safety Check:
- Check the safety for any signs of damage or defects.
- Test the safety to ensure proper function.
- Magazine Tube Check:
- Check the magazine tube for any signs of damage or defects.
- Test the magazine tube to ensure proper function.
Conclusion
Assembling your Mossberg 500 requires attention to detail and technical knowledge, but with this guide, you’ll be able to put your new shotgun together with confidence. Remember to always follow proper safety protocols and ensure that all components are properly installed and seated. If you’re not comfortable with the assembly process, consider consulting a professional gunsmith.
Important: Always refer to the Mossberg 500 instruction manual for specific assembly instructions and guidelines.
Assembly Checklist:
- Receiver
- Barrel
- Action assembly
- Trigger group
- Safety
- Magazine tube
- Choke tube
- Wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Cleaning cloth
- Safety glasses
Tools Needed:
- Allen wrench
- Torx wrench
- Socket wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Pliers
- Wrenches
- Socket set
- Gun oil
- Cleaning cloth
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Over-tightening or under-tightening components
- Failure to properly install or seat components
- Not following proper safety protocols
- Not consulting the instruction manual
- Not using the correct tools
Conclusion:
Assembling your Mossberg 500 is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail and technical knowledge. By following this guide, you’ll be able to put your new shotgun together with confidence. Remember to always follow proper safety protocols and ensure that all components are properly installed and seated. If you’re not comfortable with the assembly process, consider consulting a professional gunsmith.
