The Mossberg 500 is a popular and reliable shotgun, known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance. Knowing how to properly disassemble and clean your Mossberg 500 is crucial for maintaining its functionality and ensuring safe operation. This guide provides a step-by-step process for field stripping your Mossberg 500, emphasizing safety throughout. Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
Before You Begin: Safety First!
Before you even think about disassembling your Mossberg 500, follow these critical safety steps:
- Unloaded Weapon: Absolutely ensure your shotgun is unloaded. Visually inspect the chamber and magazine tube to confirm there are no shells present. Point the muzzle in a safe direction—downrange, preferably into a sandbag or other suitable target.
- Safe Environment: Choose a clean, well-lit workspace free from distractions. Lay down a soft cloth or mat to protect your firearm's finish.
- Gather Tools: You'll only need a screwdriver (typically a standard Phillips head) for this process.
Step-by-Step Disassembly of a Mossberg 500
These instructions are generalized; minor variations may exist depending on your specific Mossberg 500 model. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific details.
1. Remove the Forend:
- Push the forend release button (usually located on the underside of the receiver, near the magazine tube).
- Pull the forend forward and off the barrel.
2. Remove the Barrel:
- While holding the receiver securely, rotate the barrel towards the right to unlock it from the receiver. The barrel will move slightly to the right at this time, freeing it to be removed.
- Remove the barrel, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
3. Remove the Bolt:
- With the barrel removed, the bolt is easily accessible. Keep your finger off the trigger!
- Important Note: The bolt and its components can be slightly different depending on your model. Be observant when performing this step and make note of the order of parts for reassembly.
- Depress the bolt release button (usually located behind the trigger guard).
- The bolt will slide out of the receiver; gently guide it clear.
4. Disassemble the Bolt (Optional):
While not always necessary for routine cleaning, you might want to further disassemble the bolt for a thorough cleaning.
- Carefully separate the bolt components. Again, pay attention to their order and position for reassembly.
- Carefully clean all parts of the bolt assembly with a suitable cleaning solvent and lubricating oil.
Reassembly: Reverse the Steps
Reassembly is simply the reverse of the disassembly process. Ensure all parts are properly seated and aligned before proceeding to the next step. Pay close attention to the bolt and barrel locking mechanisms.
Cleaning and Lubrication
Once disassembled, clean all parts thoroughly using a suitable cleaning solvent and gun cleaning patches or brushes. After cleaning, lubricate all moving parts with a high-quality gun oil. This will help ensure smooth operation and prevent rust.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you encounter any difficulties during disassembly or reassembly, or if you are uncomfortable performing this procedure, it's best to seek help from a qualified gunsmith. Improper disassembly or reassembly can damage your firearm or lead to unsafe operation.
This guide provides a general overview. Always consult your Mossberg 500 owner's manual for detailed and model-specific instructions. Safety should always be your top priority when handling firearms. Remember, improper handling can lead to serious injury.
