Mossberg 500 HELP

[slimjlm]

Have a Moss 600AT that was wasn't ejecting at all (extracts, but no eject unless rolled far to the right, but thats more 'falling out') and wouldn't unlock after firing, you have to press the lock lever to rack the slide.  It was nasty inside, but it got a complete disassembly and solvent bath/wire brushing and its clean now!  That made the ejecting better, but still not right, it kinda tosses them out lightly most of the time, and others it turns them end on end and leaves them in the action.  Its especially bad if rolled to the left.  And it still doesn't unlock.  extractors are sharp, ejector is complete and not worn.  Any ideas?

[gunnut69]

The Mossbergs usually require a bit of a push on the pimp handle to unlock when fired especially after a bit of use.. The extraction/ejection issue is different. I don't have a parts diagram for that shotgun but assume it's a veriant of the 500 series. If so there are 2 extractors. Both or pinned to the bolt and powered by coil springs. If the springs are weak they can failed to hold the casce until it impacts the ejector causing what you are describing. The springs are located in holes in the bolt and crud buildup can rust them easily. Also the extractor clearance cuts can fill and limit motion. The right extractor holds the case while the left mostly contains the case on the bolt face until knocked loose by the ejctors impact. The extractor springs need to be pretty strong.. and new ones aren't too expensive. Also I've seen the left/right extractors swapped side to side.. This obviously but I'm not familiar with your variant so perhaps that's been addressed.. Take the action down and removed the bolt. A round should hang on the bolt face pretty good as long as it's in the upright position. Also be certain the action lock lever is freely functioning and it's lock is not damaged(burred?). Good luck and let us know how it works out...

[slimjlm]

Thanks Gunnut!

I tensioned the ejector so it was sprung out the littlest bit and was able to run two tubes of dummies through it and they all came out, though not with much authority...

What was causing the locking problem was the forward pin in the hammer had backed out to the left and wasn't contacting the disconnector spring.  It looked like it was supposed to be out that side when I initially took it apart and wasn't till I looked at why the bar wasn't getting its pressure released that I saw why.  I've also heard the disconnector spring can loose tension over time and fail to work, in that case tightening or replacing would be called for.  But this one works great (now that the pin can reach it), so in it stays!