Moss 385 20 ga mag. failure.

[TFF]

Wards Western Field M185B / Moss 385  - 20ga 2 3/4" + 3" - C-Lect choke system:

I have a magazine that spreads apart due to one of the top spot welds letting go. This causes the spring and shell lifter to come out. I was hoping someone had a cheap easy fix. If not Havlin's will be the next step.

Thanks

[TFF]

  FIXED
Well,
I took it to work and gave it to a welder. He did not state what type of welding was used but I guess MIG or TIG. Anyway it should outlast me.
Thanks for looking!!!

[Redford Bohica]

Those magazine guides on the rear of the magazine are noted for separating, like you experienced. I had a Mossberg 195 when I was a teen back in the 60's, and kept the local sporting goods dealer in business by buying another magazine every time I had one pull apart. I had a buddy who was an Industrial Arts major when I was attending community college, and he brazed the guide to the back of the magazine; this permanently solved the problem.

Being the moron that I am, I sold that Mossberg 195 back in the mid-70's, but fast-forward to the mid-90's. The local hardware store had a used Mossberg 395 for sale that I promptly bought. I noted with interest that the previous owner also had the magazine guide brazed to the magazine!

Enjoy your WesternField 185; they are fun guns!

[TFF]

I found out he TIG welded with carbon filler rod.
Used it today and it fed follow up shots just fine. It is just a good old gun.
Just cleaned the 2 squirrels we got today. They are sitting in the sink

[wormbobskey]

I just picked up a 20 gauge myself and am waiting for the clip to come from a guy on gunbrokers. Mine comes with a fixed full choke and I've patterned it at 25 yards with #5 shot. Had 17 in the kill area. Just picked up some 3" #6's and am going to see what they will do. I have an 870 for turkey, but thought it would be cool to take one with this older shotgun. Not sure about anyone else, but the older I get the more I like to older guns that I used when I was a pup. Got an old remington 510 single shot that is deadly on squirells out to 40 yards. Worm

[TFF]

I just picked up a 20 gauge myself and am waiting for the clip to come from a guy on gunbrokers. Mine comes with a fixed full choke and I've patterned it at 25 yards with #5 shot. Had 17 in the kill area. Just picked up some 3" #6's and am going to see what they will do. I have an 870 for turkey, but thought it would be cool to take one with this older shotgun.Not sure about anyone else, but the older I get the more I like to older guns that I used when I was a pup. Got an old remington 510 single shot that is deadly on squirells out to 40 yards. Worm

Your statement about the old guns is just what I am going through. Not sure about anyone else, but the older I get the more I like to older guns that I used when I was a pup.
I sold all the old junk years ago. Now I find myself trying to buy it back. Live and learn I guess.

I will also try to set it up for turkeys for one of my boys. I hope I can make it work out. I might even try my old double 16 this year.
Have a good one and be safe!!!!!!!!
TFF