Maintaining your Mossberg 500 shotgun is crucial for its longevity, reliable performance, and overall safety. Regular cleaning prevents malfunctions, ensures accuracy, and extends the life of your firearm. This guide provides a step-by-step process for effectively cleaning your Mossberg 500, covering everything from disassembly to reassembly.
Before You Begin: Safety First!
Always prioritize safety:
- Unloaded weapon: Ensure your Mossberg 500 is completely unloaded. Visually inspect the chamber and magazine tube to confirm no cartridges are present.
- Pointing the muzzle: Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, preferably downrange or into a sandbag.
- Eye protection: Wear safety glasses or shooting glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
- Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area. Gun cleaning solvents can produce fumes.
- Gather your supplies: Before you start, gather all necessary cleaning supplies. This will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies:
You'll need the following items for a thorough cleaning:
- Mossberg 500 specific cleaning rod: Avoid using universal rods as they may damage the barrel.
- Patches: Use patches sized appropriately for your Mossberg 500's gauge.
- Bore brush: A bronze bore brush is ideal for removing fouling.
- Gun cleaning solvent: Choose a solvent designed for firearms.
- Gun oil: Use a high-quality gun oil for lubrication.
- Cotton swabs: For cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
- Cleaning patches: Use a sufficient amount of cleaning patches.
- A sturdy cleaning mat: To protect your firearm and surfaces.
- Owner's Manual: Refer to your Mossberg 500 owner's manual for specific instructions and diagrams.
Disassembling Your Mossberg 500 for Cleaning:
The level of disassembly required depends on the extent of cleaning needed. For routine cleaning, you'll likely only need to disassemble the following:
- Remove the magazine tube: Depending on your model, this might involve a simple push-button release or a twist-and-pull mechanism. Consult your owner's manual for specifics.
- Remove the forearm: This usually involves unscrewing or unclipping the forearm from the receiver. Again, check your manual for the exact procedure.
- Remove the bolt: Once the forearm is removed, the bolt can be easily withdrawn. Be careful; the bolt spring can be quite powerful.
Cleaning Process:
- Cleaning the Barrel: Run a bore brush dampened with solvent through the barrel several times. Follow with dry patches until they emerge clean.
- Cleaning the Chamber: Use a cotton swab or a small brush to clean the chamber thoroughly. Pay special attention to any residue.
- Cleaning the Bolt: Disassemble the bolt (if necessary, consult your manual) and clean all components thoroughly with solvent and a brush. Reapply lubricant after cleaning.
- Cleaning the Receiver: Use a brush and solvent to clean the receiver, removing any accumulated debris.
- Cleaning the Magazine Tube: Use a dedicated magazine tube brush or patches to clean the interior of the magazine tube.
- Lubrication: After cleaning, apply a light coat of gun oil to all moving parts, including the bolt, receiver, and trigger group. Avoid over-lubrication.
Reassembling Your Mossberg 500:
Carefully reverse the disassembly process, ensuring all parts are correctly seated and functioning smoothly. Test the action to ensure everything moves freely.
Frequency of Cleaning:
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use your Mossberg 500. After each shooting session is recommended, especially if shooting in wet or dusty conditions. If you only shoot occasionally, cleaning every few months is sufficient.
Maintaining Your Mossberg 500:
Proper storage is crucial. Store your firearm in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and extreme temperatures. Using a gun case with a desiccant pack can help prevent rust and corrosion.
By following these steps, you can keep your Mossberg 500 in top condition, ensuring its reliability and safety for years to come. Remember, always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions for your model. If you're unsure about any step, seek guidance from a qualified gunsmith.
