Mossberg 835 problem

[J-Train]

Maybe some of you can help me.  My "new" used Mossberg 835 I just obtained just will not fire Remington ammo.  The dent in the primer is shallow--a weak firing pin strike.  I've seen this problem described in other forums.  I noticed that Midway has a replacment firing pin spring, which I hope will solve the problem.  What I need is instructions for tearing down the bolt and replacing the spring without screwing everything up (I'm all thumbs--definitely not gunsmith material).  I can get the bolt out of the gun, no problem, but the owner's manual stops at that point.  Is this doable for a klutz?

[surehuntsalot]

have you tried any other ammo besides Remington in it to see how it does???

[J-Train]

Yep, Winchester, Federal, and some old handloads (Winchester primers) did fine.  Remington must have hard primers, or seat them more deeply.  At any rate, I sure would like to have a more robust firing pin strike in my Mossy.

[huntswithdogs]

J,

Before trying to do something with the kit, have ya tried using some gunscrubber or brakecleaner to douche out the bolt assembly? You may have something in there stopping the pin from going forwards all the way.
Another thing to do, would be to call Mossberg. I've seen them warranty guns that were on their second or third owner. I think the original warranty on them runs for either 10 or 15 years, but I may be wrong too.
For me, if I doubt something up front then it'd be better for me to let an expert do it or at least have one close to hand.


HWD

[J-Train]

Thanks, HWD.  I did clean out the bolt thorougly, but I couldn't see any gunk in it, and nothing washed out.  I'll take your advice and call Mossberg, after I try shooting it again, if it's still acting timid with Remington ammo.

[J-Train]

Update:  the cleaning did the job.  Mixed ammo, including the Remington buckshot, fired flawlessly.  Before taking it on my next SC Lowcounty deer drive, I'll give it another flushing and shot of cleaner/dry lube.