Best Tool for Removing a Forearm?

[Zeke Menuar]

Hello All
This winter I am going take a break from milsrup madness and refinish the wood on my Western Field 550A (Mossberg 500). I have looked in the Brownells catalog for the appropriate tool to remove the forearm. Has anyone ever got one of the Brownells tools and how do they work? There are two or three types. I would like to get the best tool for my application. I don't think I'll make one. I am more of a "Right Tool For the Job" kinda guy.

As a part of this project I will be replacing the factory recoil pad. It seems to have turned a bit hard over the years. A perfect excuse to put a Decelerator pad on it. Does the Mossberg 500 Decelerator "pre-fit" pad actually fit pretty close like advertised?

Before someone asks "why in the (insert expletive here ) would you waste your time on refinishing a Mossberg?" The OEM stock has some really neat burls and swirly stuff in the buttstock that is begging for a decent refinishing job, and most of the finish has worn off the buttstock. I also want a project that doesn't start out dripping in primordial gun ooze.

Thanks
ZM

[sm]

Brownells Forearm tools work. These are what I use.

Good Choice on the Decelerator pad. All the pre-fit I have used - have worked.

I also get the better recoil pad screws from Pachmyer or Brownells . Check the receiver bolt , washer and such. I can't remember if Mossberg is a bolt or screw head - either way if stripped or worn - now a good time to replace.

Good Wood has Soul and Character. Not a thing wrong with giving that Wood some attention.

Good Luck , and have fun.

[Dave McCracken]

Refinishing a good using tool like that Mossberg is hardly a waste of time, Zeke.

"Primordial Gun Ooze"? My, my....

If I ever get around to refinishing the abused Penitentary stock that came off Frankenstein, I may use aniline dyes to copy or simulate the Cherry Sunburst finish on classic Gibson guitars....

[OF]

Aron Ralston used a dull leatherman knockoff, proving that the best tool is the one you have...handy. Ouch.

- Gabe ;)

[Tom Held]

FYI, Miles Gilbert is going to come out with a complete stock refinishing kit sometime this fall. I've seen the first draft 50 page document that comes with it and it's the best I have ever seen. Really well written and photographed step by step procedures. It's probably going to be a complete kit (sealers, etc.). MG is a subsidiary company of Midway. Here's their website:

www.battenfeldtechnologies.com/milesgilbert/

[Andrew Wyatt]

i use a six inch mitotoyu scale.


the 12 works just fine, too

[dance varmint]

On the Rem. 870 I have used an Allen wrench having a short leg that spans the forearm nut perfectly, and twisted it with pliers. Don't know about the Mossy.