Learning how to disassemble a Mossberg 500 will take you only 2-3 minutes. By the time you’re through with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to do it confidently and conveniently on your own.
To begin with the process, you need two things. These include:
- Mossberg 500
- A screwdriver
You can use a punch tool, an Allen wrench, or even a pen in place of a screwdriver. If you have these, you’re good to begin.
How to disassemble Mossberg 500?
Before you proceed any further, we need you to be familiar with two processes, i.e., loading and unloading. If you’re not aware of how to load and unload Mossberg 500, watch this two-minute tutorial. It’s for your safety.
Step 1: Clear Out Shells
First, superficially wipe off your shotgun with a piece of cloth. Be very gentle and polite with this movement.
Ensure that there’s no red dot showing, and the safety is on. Point the shotgun’s head away from yourself and check the magazine tube and chamber area to ensure there are no shells. You may place the butt of the gun on your lap when doing so.
Step 2: Remove the Barrel
Now, open the action of the shotgun halfway. The action of the gun basically refers to the part of the shotgun that’s located between the forend and the ejection port. Check out the image below:
It’s not the Mossberg 500. But the part detected action happens to be the same.
Now, unscrew the barrel from the top. It will be a swift counterclockwise movement. You can do it with your hands. There’s no need for tools at this stage. Just pull the barrel forward, and it will detach.
Step 3: Remove the Trigger Group
Here comes the only step that demands the use of a tool. Use a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, or a punch to push the housing pin outwards of the shotgun. And then pull the trigger guard of the gun downwards. It is a delicate process, and we advise you to be super gentle. Any rough treatment may result in damages.
Once you’ve removed it, the cartridge stop, and the cartridge interrupter will come off too. Just be careful with handling the housing pin, cartridge stop, and cartridge interrupter once they’re out of their position. That’s because they’re small and may easily slip out of sight. So, it’s best to use a container to store it.
How to remove plug from Mossberg 500?
Step 4: Remove Bolt Slide
Identify the receiver part of your Mossberg 500. The anatomy of a shotgun looks like this:
Now, remove the bolt slide from the underside of the receiver. Again, you wouldn’t need any tools for this step. It will be a manual process.
Step 5: Remove the Forearm
The forearm of the gun is the same as the forend. Push it in the forward direction (with the head of the gun pointing away from you). It will come off smoothly.
Step 6: Remove the Bolt
Your gun will look pretty much raw and bare by this point. Use your finger to push out the bolt from the hole where the barrel was positioned earlier.
Step 7: Pull Out the Elevator
The elevator is the part of your Mossberg 500 that lifts off the shell from the magazine level to the barrel level. When your shotgun’s bolt is removed, the elevator will be visible from underneath the receiver. It will be silver and will appear as a rectangular frame. Grab one edge of the elevator and pull it down to remove it.
Step 8: Recheck the Parts
The butt of your gun, i.e., the stock, the magazine, and the frame or cover of your receiver will remain in their position. The only parts that will be disassembled are:
- Barrel
- Trigger Guard (with housing pin)
- Cartridge Stop
- Cartridge Interrupter
- Forearm
- Bolt slide
- Bolt
- Elevator
You can remove the magazine tube too. Unscrew it from the receiver. However, it’s usually useful to do so. If you want to learn how to reassemble your Mossberg 500, browse this step-by-step guide.
Also check: Best Sling For Mossberg 500
FAQs
Can you take apart a shotgun?
Yes, you can take apart a shotgun. To take it apart means to disassemble it for either changing components or cleaning it.
Can I change the barrel on a Mossberg 500?
Yes, you can change the barrel on a Mossberg 500. Here’s a short video by Dave about how you can change Mossberg 500 barrel easily.
What’s the difference between a Mossberg 590 and 500?
Technically, Mossberg 590 is an upgraded version of Mossberg 500. But the primary difference between the two is of ease of changing the barrel. It is easier to change different length barrels in Mossberg 500 compared to Mossberg 590. Hence, they come in handy for different purposes.
Final Words
Now that you’ve learned how to disassemble a Mossberg 500, we hope you can independently clean and inspect your shotgun when need be. Remember, it’s a good practice to clean your shotgun after every shooting session, particularly if it was an intensive one.
If you use your Mossberg 500 occasionally, we recommend disassembling and deep cleaning it at least once every 1-2 months. Similarly, lubricate your Mossberg 500 at least once a week if you use it daily. Oil it once every two weeks if you only carry it around. Disassemble your shotgun only when necessary. Read this guide about how to put a sling on a mossberg 500. It’ll help you a great deal! Take good care of the old fellow!
