Safety on Mossberg 500 question

[Hunter333]

Yesterday while shooting at the range, my safety started acting up. It slides on and off very easily so I tightened the "screw." After that it still just slides, it doesnt take any force to move it. Anyone know what can be done about this NOW? Should I just take it to a smith and let them take a look at it.

[live2fishdjs]

Something that important I might be inclined to have a professional take a look at it...just my .02

[Swamp Monster]

There is a round ball bearing...very small that the button lides over and locks into a dimple on either side of "safe". It's a pretty easy fix...most likely the small bearing (a lot smaller than a bb...about the size of #9 shot) fell out from underneath the safety when it was loose. This is a pretty common problem on Mossbergs and should only take a second for a smith to fix assuming he has the part or a part that will work.

[Hunter333]

Thanks guys! I was thinking that it is something that I dont want to mess with. Now to find someone that will not rape me seeing as the season starts Monday!!

[MGV]

It is a common problem with those guns. Bring them to bachelders in GR they will fix it.

[PrtyMolusk]

Howdy, Kurt-

While you are at it, you might want to have the 'button' replaced if it's one of the newer ones made of plastic. Mine cracked in half where the screw passes through a few years ago, so I replaced it with an older one which is made of aluminum. You'll find 'em at gun shows, etc.

[Hunter333]

I figure I will just tape it in the off position with electrical tape....I am only hunting with myself, I dont really need a safety that works do I? KIDDING!! :lol: CHILL!! BREATHE!! Thanks for the suggestions guys, I will get it taken care of tomorrow.

[Swamp Monster]

The best safety is always your brain...never trust mechanical devices.

We all know this ofcourse so I'm just preachin' to the choir.

[Hunter333]

Honestly, I got out of the habit of using it when I was shooting trap a lot. I would drop the shell in but not chamber it until it was my turn to shoot..... Hope to get the gun fixed tomorrow but if not, then I will have to just use it VERY CAUTIOUSLY without the safety. My Model 38 .410 doesnt even have a safety! Sure does keep me on my toes when I hunt squirrels with that thing!

[Huntin Horseman]

Honestly, I got out of the habit of using it when I was shooting trap a lot.
I don't use my safety when I shoot trap but I use it any other time. The past few years I've gotten into a habit of covering the trigger guard with my whole hand. That way I don't have my fingers near the trigger and nothing like sticks and grass will get caught and possibly set the trigger off.

[Randy Kidd]

Two most common problems on a Mossberg..Safeties doing exactly what yours is and loose rattling slides. Other than that they are great guns.

[Hunter333]

This is the first time that I have had a problem with it and have had for 10+- years. I have shot many rounds of trap, squirrels, rabbits, pheasant, etc. I would say that I have gotten a great deal of use out of this $300 combo gun. I took it out this morning and no problems to report as I never raised the gun to shoot anything!! :( Ah well, will get it fixed and try again this weekend!

[Swamp Monster]

It's a design issue...the more wear they get, the more loose they get. Once that happens the "bearing" slips free or there it becomes just loose enough to not hold. The plastic ones tend to crack as well if you over tighten them. I have a 20 gauge that was fixed once, but the problem is back. Just something you have to watch out for on these guns, but other than that, they are pretty much bullet proof and a good value.