Mossberg 500E .410 keeps breaking left-hand extractors

Trying to correct a problem with a 500E .410, late '80s build. No knowledge of its history other than it has been a safe queen until recently.

Perfect condition, cycles and fires without issue...except that it has broken three left-hand (the thin, spring steel one) extractors in the last 150 rounds.



Using Federal Handgun 2-1/2" and Winchester 2-1/2" AA Target Loads.

Internals all seem to be in proper working order and I can't figure what the problem is. Good function, I'll fire off a few dozen rounds, then snap.

Anyone experience this, find a solution or have an idea?

Also, the ejector is similar to the standard 500, but it has an additional, separate leaf spring retained under the same screw. I can't find reference to it anywhere in the schematics or parts list. Does it have a name and can it be bought? It's the lower of the three items in this picture (middle is the screw, upper is the ejector):



Could someone post a picture of what it looks like assembled inside the receiver?

SHR970 said:

Looking at the schematics on Numrich and Brownells, in your three part ejector set there seems to be one part too many; that would be the lowest of the three. I don't see it anywhere in the schematics.

It may be that someone adapted a 12/20 gauge ejector to fit your gun. I have a 12 and 20 gauge but no 410 so I am working off of schematics only. Try changing the ejector and deleting the additional part.

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Haven't been able to find it in the schematic or parts list either, but I think it's factory as other 500Es have it, too.

12Bravo20 said:

I just checked .410 (made in 84 or 85) and it has the additional/separate spring as in the photo. The spring goes on top of the ejector.

I have thousands of rounds through mine since 85 and never had a problem with either the extractor or ejector breaking. I mostly shoot 3" shells in mine bout I doubt that will make a difference.

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Appreciate the reply. Is the leaf spring's curved/bent area closer to the chamber than it is to the ejector, and is the bend pointing out toward the ejection opening?

12Bravo20, thank you. That's how it's set up -- so at least everything's in place. Can't figure the problem...

rcmodel said:

Are you buying them from Numrich??

That right there could be your problem.
Most likely aftermarket manufacture and tempered wrong.

Call Mossberg customer service and see if you can get the real deal from them.

rc

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It's good advice -- although the last two came from a place that has excellent bona fides, particularly for Mossberg items. I doubt they're using lesser vendors, but one never knows absolutely.