Ensuring Your Safety Before You Start
WARNING:
Firearms are inherently dangerous, and improper handling can lead to serious injury or death. Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
Verify the Firearm is Completely Unloaded: This is the MOST crucial step. Open the action. Visually and physically inspect the chamber and the magazine tube to ensure they are empty. Remove any ammunition. This means removing the barrel. Do this before you touch anything else.
Point the Muzzle in a Safe Direction: When working on any firearm, the muzzle (the opening of the barrel) must always be pointed in a safe direction. A safe direction is generally considered to be a direction in which a discharged bullet would not cause injury or damage, such as a berm or empty field.
Use Appropriate Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any potential projectiles or debris. It’s recommended to wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure.
Work in a Clean and Well-Lit Area: Adequate lighting will help you see details and ensure that you can perform the task accurately. A clean working area keeps things organized and reduces the risk of losing small parts.
Be Patient and Methodical: Don’t rush the process. Take your time, and follow the steps carefully.
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Supplies
Having all the right tools and materials on hand before you begin the Mossberg 500 magazine tube replacement is essential for a smooth and successful project. This will prevent unnecessary interruptions and frustration.
New Magazine Tube: You’ll, of course, need a replacement Mossberg 500 magazine tube. Make sure it’s the correct model (gauge and capacity) for your shotgun. Purchase it from a reputable supplier. There are a wide range of options for capacities and sizes.
Gunsmithing Vise: A gunsmithing vise with soft jaws or protective vise pads is vital. It will securely hold the receiver without marring or damaging the finish. Standard vises without protective inserts can damage the finish.
Large Flathead Screwdriver or Wrench: Choose the correct size for your particular magazine tube. The fit should be snug, but not so tight that you risk stripping the slots.
Hammer and Punch: A small punch is needed to remove the magazine tube retaining pin. A quality gunsmithing hammer is ideal for this, but any small hammer will do.
Penetrating Oil (Optional): If your old magazine tube is stuck, a penetrating oil like PB Blaster or Kroil can be incredibly helpful. Apply it, let it soak, and be patient.
Cleaning Solvent: Use a good-quality gun cleaner to clean the threads inside the receiver and other components.
Cleaning Patches or Rags: Use these to remove debris and solvent.
Optional: New Magazine Spring and Follower: Consider replacing these components during your Mossberg 500 magazine tube replacement to ensure optimal feeding performance.
Protective Eyewear: Safety glasses are absolutely essential.
Gloves: Protect your hands.
Removing the Old Magazine Tube: Taking It Apart
With safety precautions in place and your tools and materials gathered, the removal of the old magazine tube begins. Again, ensure that the firearm is unloaded.
Begin by removing the magazine tube cap. Some models require you to press a spring-loaded detent button to remove the cap. With the cap removed, the magazine spring, and the follower, can be carefully removed.
Next, find the magazine tube retaining pin. This pin is located near the end of the receiver, generally just under the barrel ring. Use a punch and hammer to drive this pin out. The pin might be tight. Be careful and gentle. Use the proper size of the punch.
Securing the receiver in a vise is very important. Place the receiver in the gunsmithing vise, using soft jaws or protective pads to prevent scratches or other damage. Tighten the vise securely enough to hold the receiver firmly but avoid excessive force.
Now, it’s time to unscrew the magazine tube. Depending on the model, the tube might be threaded into the receiver. Use the large flathead screwdriver or wrench, placing it firmly in the slots. The tube typically turns counter-clockwise to loosen.
If the tube is stubborn, apply penetrating oil. Apply the oil generously to the threads and allow it to soak in for some time. Try again with the screwdriver or wrench, using gentle but firm pressure. If it still won’t budge, you may need to consider seeking professional assistance.
Once the tube breaks free, continue unscrewing it until it’s completely removed from the receiver.
Installing the New Magazine Tube: Putting it Back Together
Installing a new Mossberg 500 magazine tube is the reverse process of removal, but it’s still important to follow the steps carefully.
Before installing the new tube, you’ll want to clean the receiver threads. Using a cleaning solvent and a brush or patch, remove any old lubricant, debris, or rust. This ensures proper seating of the new tube.
Start screwing the new magazine tube into the receiver. Using the flathead screwdriver or wrench, carefully begin to tighten the tube. Use a firm grip, but don’t overtighten, because this can damage the threads.
After the tube is tight, align the hole on the magazine tube with the retaining pin hole on the receiver. You may need to screw the tube further into the receiver, or screw it back out slightly, to allow for the retaining pin to be inserted.
Once the holes are aligned, it’s time to reinsert the retaining pin. Place the pin in the hole and use the hammer and punch to tap it into place. The pin should be flush with the surface or slightly recessed.
Reassembling your shotgun is the last step. Replace the barrel, install the forend, and re-insert all other components. Replace the magazine spring and follower. Screw the magazine cap back into place.
Testing the Function and Proper Care
Once your Mossberg 500 magazine tube replacement is complete, conduct a function check to ensure that everything works correctly.
Test Feeding: Load a few dummy rounds or snap caps into the magazine tube and cycle the action. Make sure the rounds feed smoothly into the chamber.
Cycle the Action: Cycle the action several times to ensure the bolt closes and extracts spent casings properly. Look for any binding or sluggish movement.
Check the Cap: Make sure that the magazine tube cap is tight and secured to prevent accidental dislodgment or loss.
After the Mossberg 500 magazine tube replacement is complete, and the gun is operational, proper care is a must. Cleaning and maintenance are essential for long-lasting performance.
Cleaning: Regularly clean the magazine tube, follower, and spring to remove carbon buildup, debris, and any residue. Use a cleaning solvent and patches.
Lubrication: Lightly lubricate the spring and the inside of the magazine tube. Use a quality gun lubricant to prevent corrosion.
Inspection: Regularly inspect your firearm for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Address any issues immediately.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful execution, you might encounter some common problems during a Mossberg 500 magazine tube replacement.
Stubborn Tube: If the magazine tube is extremely difficult to remove, and penetrating oil and heat don’t work, you may need to seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith.
Retaining Pin Challenges: If the retaining pin is stuck, make sure you are using the correct size punch and applying force directly. A stubborn pin may indicate rust or damage, and can require more effort or the application of penetrating oil.
Alignment Problems: If the magazine tube doesn’t align properly with the receiver, make sure you are using the correct replacement tube. Sometimes, minor adjustments, such as tightening or loosening the tube slightly, can fix the alignment issue.
Feeding Problems: Feeding problems after the replacement may indicate a problem with the spring, follower, or the magazine tube itself. Make sure these components are in good condition and properly installed.
Conclusion
Replacing the magazine tube on your Mossberg 500 is a manageable task that can extend the life and functionality of your reliable shotgun. From adhering to safety practices to gathering the right tools and knowing the steps, you can perform this maintenance task with confidence. Remember to always prioritize safety, and to seek professional help if you’re unsure at any stage. This guide provides a solid foundation for your Mossberg 500 magazine tube replacement, but practical experience and good judgment are always critical.
