Introduction
The Mossberg 500 is a legendary shotgun, a stalwart of the shooting world known for its reliability and versatility. From hunting in the field to home defense, the Mossberg 500 has earned its place as an American icon. But even the most rugged firearm needs care, and one of the most critical elements of maintaining a dependable Mossberg 500 is consistent and proper cleaning. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, helping you keep your Mossberg 500 functioning smoothly and safely for years to come.
Proper cleaning of your Mossberg 500 is far more than just a cosmetic task. It’s a fundamental aspect of responsible gun ownership. Regularly cleaning your shotgun provides a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond keeping it looking pristine. Consistent maintenance ensures optimal performance, prevents malfunctions, and most importantly, contributes significantly to your safety and the longevity of your firearm. Neglecting this crucial aspect of ownership can lead to a host of problems, from frustrating failures at the range to potential damage and hazardous situations. Taking the time to clean your Mossberg 500 is an investment in its performance and your well-being.
Safety Precautions
Before diving into the cleaning process, we must first emphasize the paramount importance of safety. Firearms are inherently dangerous, and cleaning them presents a specific set of risks. Always, and I mean always, adhere to these vital safety precautions:
Verify Empty
The absolute first step before any cleaning or maintenance is to **ALWAYS** ensure your Mossberg 500 is unloaded. Visually inspect the chamber to confirm it’s empty. Check the magazine tube and make sure no rounds are present. This critical step is non-negotiable. Double and triple check.
Muzzle Direction
At all times, point the muzzle of your Mossberg 500 in a safe direction. This means a direction where any accidental discharge would cause no harm. The safest direction is generally up or down in a location free of people, animals, or property.
Eye Protection
Wear appropriate eye protection, such as safety glasses. Cleaning solvents and potential debris can splash or fly into your eyes, causing injury.
Ventilation
Work in a well-ventilated area. Cleaning solvents often emit fumes that can be harmful if inhaled in significant quantities. A well-ventilated space helps disperse these fumes.
Handling
Handle your Mossberg 500 as if it were always loaded. This ingrained mindset fosters a consistent level of caution.
Dry Hands
Ensure your hands are dry before handling the firearm. Moisture can affect the cleaning process and is best avoided.
Understand the Mechanics
Take a moment to understand how your Mossberg 500 operates. Knowing its mechanism helps with cleaning and potential troubleshooting.
Failing to abide by these safety rules is potentially life-threatening. Always remember that gun safety is the responsibility of the owner.
Tools and Supplies Needed
Gathering the correct tools and supplies is key to an efficient and effective cleaning session. Having everything you need readily available prevents interruptions and streamlines the process. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential items for cleaning your Mossberg 500:
Cleaning Rod
This is the backbone of the cleaning process. Ensure you have a quality cleaning rod specifically designed for shotguns and of the appropriate gauge (12 gauge, 20 gauge, etc., matching your Mossberg 500’s bore).
Bore Brush
The bore brush is used to scrub the inside of the barrel and remove stubborn fouling. The brush should match the gauge of your shotgun. A nylon or bronze bore brush is recommended to avoid scratching the barrel.
Patch Holder and Cleaning Patches
The patch holder is attached to the cleaning rod and holds the cleaning patches. Cleaning patches, typically made of cotton, are used to apply solvent, absorb fouling, and dry the bore. Get a large supply, as you’ll go through many.
Gun Cleaning Solvent
A quality gun cleaning solvent is essential to dissolve carbon buildup, powder residue, and other contaminants. Products like Hoppe’s No. 9 are classic choices, but many modern solvents are available as well. Select a solvent compatible with your shotgun’s materials.
Gun Oil or Lubricant
After cleaning, lubrication is necessary to protect against corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Gun oil is applied to moving parts to reduce friction.
Toothbrush or Cleaning Brush
An old toothbrush (dedicated solely to gun cleaning) or a specialized cleaning brush is invaluable for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas and removing grime from the receiver, bolt, and other components. Avoid using a brush with metal bristles unless you have a hardened steel finish; nylon or bronze is usually preferred.
Cleaning Cloths or Paper Towels
These are for wiping down parts, applying solvent, and general cleanup. Lint-free cloths are a good option to avoid leaving behind debris.
Small Containers/Trays (Optional)
These are incredibly useful for keeping small parts organized during disassembly and reassembly. Preventing parts from getting lost is paramount.
Screwdrivers (Optional)
You may need screwdrivers for any disassembly if you choose to perform any deeper cleaning (the right size screwdriver is important to prevent damaging screws).
Cotton Swabs (Optional)
Cotton swabs, or Q-tips, are helpful for detailed cleaning in tight spaces and for applying oil precisely.
Work Mat (Optional)
A work mat provides a clean and protected surface to work on and helps prevent scratches to your firearm.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedure
With the safety procedures firmly in place and the correct supplies gathered, we can finally begin the cleaning process. Before you start, consider your environment. A well-lit, uncluttered space is always advantageous.
Before you start cleaning, it is important to acknowledge that for general cleaning, you typically do not need to completely disassemble your Mossberg 500. However, some owners prefer a more thorough cleaning regimen. Before you proceed, please re-emphasize your safety measures to yourself and ensure you have taken steps to ensure your safety.
Disassembly (if necessary)
First, if you choose to disassemble your Mossberg 500, you can begin by removing the barrel. Ensure the shotgun is unloaded, then remove the magazine cap, unscrew it by turning it and pull the forend towards the muzzle. Pull the barrel forward and away from the receiver.
Next, if you choose to disassemble your Mossberg 500 further, you can remove the forend and action bars. This step is relatively simple. With the barrel removed, the forend can usually be removed by pulling it forward away from the receiver, being careful of the action bars that connect to the bolt.
The trigger group disassembly is usually not required for routine cleaning, and we would recommend you do not attempt this if you are not familiar with this process. This involves removing pins and potentially small springs.
Cleaning the Bore
With all the necessary components safely disassembled, you can now focus on the core of the cleaning process:
Begin by attaching a cleaning patch to your cleaning rod. Soak the patch in gun cleaning solvent. Carefully insert the rod with the wet patch into the bore from the chamber end (the breech). Push the patch through the barrel, ensuring it comes out the muzzle end. Avoid using excessive force. Let the solvent dwell for a few minutes to soften any fouling.
Next, attach your bore brush to the cleaning rod. Insert the brush into the bore from the chamber end and scrub vigorously. Move the brush back and forth along the entire length of the barrel. This scrubbing action dislodges carbon buildup and other residue. Ensure the brush extends the full length of the barrel.
After brushing, remove the brush and attach another solvent-soaked patch to the cleaning rod. Run this patch through the barrel, pushing it all the way through to remove the loosened debris. Continue this process, using fresh solvent-soaked patches until the patches emerge relatively clean. This indicates that the majority of the fouling has been removed.
Once the bore is clear of solvent and fouling, switch to dry patches. Run several dry patches through the bore to remove any remaining solvent and moisture. This is a crucial step to prevent corrosion. Continue until the patches emerge completely clean and dry.
Finally, apply a thin coat of gun oil to the bore. Attach a patch lightly soaked with oil to the cleaning rod and pass it through the bore. This protects the metal from rust and corrosion and helps to ensure a smooth cycling action. Remove any excess oil with a clean patch.
Cleaning the Receiver and Action
Next, the receiver and action parts are cleaned:
Wipe down the receiver exterior with a solvent-dampened cloth. Remove any external powder residue and grime. Pay close attention to the ejection port and any areas where dirt and debris might accumulate.
Using a brush and solvent, clean the bolt face thoroughly. This area is particularly prone to fouling. Pay special attention to the extractor and ejector, which are essential for reliable cycling.
Clean any other accessible parts of the action, such as the inside of the receiver, the rails that guide the bolt, and the locking mechanism. Use a small brush or cotton swabs to reach tight spaces.
Ensure all parts are thoroughly dried after cleaning. Solvent residue can attract dirt and moisture if left behind.
Once the parts are clean and dry, lightly lubricate the moving parts of the action with gun oil. This is essential for smooth and reliable operation. Apply a thin coat of oil to the bolt, the bolt rails, and the action bars. Avoid over-lubrication, as excess oil can attract dirt and debris.
Cleaning Other Parts
This process provides a comprehensive clean for the inner workings of your firearm.
Don’t forget the details, as this is what makes the difference:
The cleaning of the magazine tube, the forend, and other parts is also important to ensure the smooth operation of your Mossberg 500.
Cleaning the Magazine Tube
Clean the magazine tube. The magazine tube is usually accessible from the front of the receiver. You will want to wipe the tube down with solvent and use a bore brush if necessary.
Cleaning the Forend
Clean the forend. Remove any visible grime or residue. Wipe down the forend to remove loose particles.
Reassembly
With all the components cleaned and lubricated, it’s time to carefully reassemble your Mossberg 500. This process is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process.
First, re-insert the trigger group if you previously removed it. Ensure the pins are properly seated and that the trigger functions correctly.
Next, reassemble the forend and action bars. Then, insert the barrel and re-attach the magazine cap.
Double-check the function of the safety features, such as the safety button.
Cycle the action of the shotgun several times to ensure it functions smoothly. The bolt should travel back and forth without excessive friction. Ensure the ejector and extractor operate correctly. Check to see if the trigger and firing pin move as expected.
Lubrication
Proper lubrication is critical to the proper function of your Mossberg 500. You will want to make sure that the appropriate amount of oil is applied in the correct locations.
Bolt Rails
Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the bolt rails. The bolt rails guide the action of the bolt.
Bolt
Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the bolt. Oil the bolt where it contacts other parts.
Action Bars
Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the action bars. The action bars are part of the pump-action mechanism.
Magazine Tube
Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the magazine tube (lightly). A small amount of oil ensures smooth operation.
Trigger Mechanism
Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the trigger mechanism. A small amount of oil ensures smooth operation.
Post-Cleaning and Storage
Storage is an important part of maintaining your Mossberg 500. After completing the cleaning process, wiping down the exterior of your Mossberg 500 with a clean, dry cloth removes any lingering solvent or oil residue.
Store the Mossberg 500 in a safe and secure location. A gun safe or a locked gun case is highly recommended to prevent unauthorized access.
If you plan to store your Mossberg 500 for an extended period, consider applying a light coat of gun oil to all metal parts. This adds an extra layer of protection against corrosion. Store the shotgun in a climate-controlled environment to minimize the risk of rust and moisture damage.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Knowing how to troubleshoot common issues can save you time and prevent frustration.
If your Mossberg 500’s action gets stuck, often the issue is either dirt, debris or lubrication issues. Try cleaning and lubricating the action and see if that alleviates the issue.
Failure to eject or extract is another issue you may encounter. Check that the extractor and ejector are clean and free of debris.
Also check your ammo and make sure your ammo is the correct size and type.
If issues persist, consult with a gunsmith.
Conclusion
In conclusion, properly cleaning your Mossberg 500 is not just a task but an essential part of responsible gun ownership and it is something that should be done every time you shoot. Consistent cleaning protects the firearm from the elements and allows the Mossberg 500 to function properly.
Always remember that safety is paramount. Prioritize gun safety at all times.
For additional resources, consider watching videos online that demonstrate these cleaning steps or looking into other guides. By investing the time and effort to maintain your Mossberg 500, you can keep it running reliably for years to come.
The Mossberg 500 is a reliable firearm, and maintaining it is important. The Mossberg 500 provides a wealth of enjoyment for its owners.
Disclaimer
*Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always prioritize gun safety. Consult a qualified gunsmith for any repairs or if you are unsure about any of the steps.*
