How to Disassemble Mossberg 500: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Mossberg 500 is a popular pump-action shotgun known for its reliability, durability, and ease of use. While it’s designed to be a simple and straightforward firearm, disassembling it can still be a bit intimidating for those who are new to firearms maintenance. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of disassembling the Mossberg 500, step by step.
Before You Start
Before you begin disassembling your Mossberg 500, make sure you have the following:
- A clean and well-lit workspace
- A soft cloth or rag
- A screwdriver (preferably a Torx driver)
- A magazine follower (if you plan to remove the magazine tube)
Step 1: Remove the Magazine Tube
To start, you’ll need to remove the magazine tube from the Mossberg 500. This is a relatively simple process that requires a few basic tools.
- Locate the magazine tube latch: The magazine tube latch is located on the right side of the shotgun, near the receiver. It’s a small lever that you’ll need to flip down to release the magazine tube.
- Flip down the magazine tube latch: Use your thumb or a small tool to flip down the magazine tube latch. This will release the magazine tube from the receiver.
- Pull out the magazine tube: With the latch released, you should be able to pull the magazine tube out of the receiver. Be careful not to touch any of the internal components as you do this.
Step 2: Remove the Fore-end
The fore-end is the part of the shotgun that you hold onto when shooting. It’s attached to the receiver via a screw and a retaining pin.
- Locate the fore-end screw: The fore-end screw is located on the bottom of the receiver, near the front of the shotgun. It’s a small screw that you’ll need to remove to take off the fore-end.
- Remove the fore-end screw: Use a screwdriver to remove the fore-end screw. Be careful not to strip the screw or damage the surrounding material.
- Pull off the fore-end: With the screw removed, you should be able to pull the fore-end off the receiver. Be careful not to touch any of the internal components as you do this.
Step 3: Remove the Trigger Group
The trigger group is the part of the shotgun that contains the trigger, sear, and other internal components. It’s attached to the receiver via a screw and a retaining pin.
- Locate the trigger group screw: The trigger group screw is located on the top of the receiver, near the rear of the shotgun. It’s a small screw that you’ll need to remove to take off the trigger group.
- Remove the trigger group screw: Use a screwdriver to remove the trigger group screw. Be careful not to strip the screw or damage the surrounding material.
- Pull off the trigger group: With the screw removed, you should be able to pull the trigger group off the receiver. Be careful not to touch any of the internal components as you do this.
Step 4: Remove the Receiver
The receiver is the main body of the shotgun, and it’s attached to the barrel via a screw and a retaining pin.
- Locate the receiver screw: The receiver screw is located on the top of the barrel, near the rear of the shotgun. It’s a small screw that you’ll need to remove to take off the receiver.
- Remove the receiver screw: Use a screwdriver to remove the receiver screw. Be careful not to strip the screw or damage the surrounding material.
- Pull off the receiver: With the screw removed, you should be able to pull the receiver off the barrel. Be careful not to touch any of the internal components as you do this.
Step 5: Remove the Barrel
The barrel is the part of the shotgun that the shotshell is fired from. It’s attached to the receiver via a screw and a retaining pin.
- Locate the barrel screw: The barrel screw is located on the top of the receiver, near the front of the shotgun. It’s a small screw that you’ll need to remove to take off the barrel.
- Remove the barrel screw: Use a screwdriver to remove the barrel screw. Be careful not to strip the screw or damage the surrounding material.
- Pull off the barrel: With the screw removed, you should be able to pull the barrel off the receiver. Be careful not to touch any of the internal components as you do this.
Reassembly
Reassembling the Mossberg 500 is the reverse of disassembling it. Make sure to follow these steps carefully to avoid damaging any of the internal components:
- Insert the barrel: Start by inserting the barrel into the receiver. Make sure it’s properly seated and then tighten the barrel screw.
- Insert the receiver: Next, insert the receiver into the barrel. Make sure it’s properly seated and then tighten the receiver screw.
- Insert the trigger group: Insert the trigger group into the receiver and tighten the trigger group screw.
- Insert the fore-end: Insert the fore-end into the receiver and tighten the fore-end screw.
- Insert the magazine tube: Insert the magazine tube into the receiver and tighten the magazine tube latch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when disassembling and reassembling your Mossberg 500:
- Use a soft cloth or rag: When handling the internal components, use a soft cloth or rag to prevent scratching or damaging the surfaces.
- Use a screwdriver: Use a screwdriver to remove and install the screws. Avoid using a wrench or pliers, as these can damage the surrounding material.
- Be careful with the internal components: The internal components of the Mossberg 500 are delicate and can be easily damaged. Be careful when handling them and avoid touching any of the internal components with your bare hands.
- Clean the shotgun regularly: Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent corrosion and damage to the internal components.
Conclusion
Disassembling the Mossberg 500 is a relatively simple process that requires a few basic tools and some patience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to disassemble and reassemble your shotgun with ease. Remember to always handle the internal components with care and to clean the shotgun regularly to prevent corrosion and damage.
