[dubious]

Hi folks... I recently acquired a Mossberg Security 7+1 12 gauge shotgun from big 5. It says in the manual that I can use 3" shells, but I've noticed that 80% of the time it doesn't eject the 3" slug shells I've tried. I have to fish them out with my fingers. It seems like the slot is just too small for the shells when their "mouths" have expanded an extra 1/4" after firing. Is this normal? Is there another type of ammo I should try?

Thx!

[mnrivrat]

No - Not normal

Hard to say what exactly the problem is but I do recall in recent history getting some shot shells that were in fact slightly out of spec for length. Make sure your fired hulls are no more than 3 inches long - if they are , then they would be a problem.

If that isn't the problem then the best bet is to return the gun if possible or send it in for warranty repair. The ejector may be out of spec and releasing the shell before it travels rearward far enough to clear the port ?

[Jeff F]

Some 3 in shells with a roll crimp can sometimes be a problem.

[Fred Fuller]

Simplest solution is to just shoot 2.75" slugs and not worry about it. The shorter rounds will do everything you need a slug to do, and sometimes they are even more accurate in some guns than 3"ers.

Sometime more is less, and less is more. Lots of times that is the case with 3" maggie numb shotgun shells. For waterfowl, there may be reasons, for turkeys too. but most of the time you are just spending more money than you need to and getting kicked harder than you need to. Take it easier on yourself and don't worry about it. The terminal difference between a 3" slug and a 2.75" one is not going to make any real difference. And you're more apt to get better hits with the shorter shell.

Stay safe,

lpl/nc

[dubious]

I wrote mossberg about it and they sent me a form email back saying to send it to the factory. I don't think I'm ready for that. I'm going to do some more experimenting and if it doesn't work out I can probably live without using 3" shells.

[Dave McCracken]

Try some different 3" shells. Ammo incompatabilities seem to be getting more common.