Green horn move:

I mean no disrespect by this, but that is REALLY difficult to read. While grammar on a forum doesn't have to be perfect, some punctuation, paragraph breaks, and better sentence structure would help tremendously.

So you're getting some type of feeding malfunction. Are you having trouble while inserting shells into the magazine (ie, are they popping back out after you insert them), or are multiple shells trying to come out of the magazine when you pump it.

I don't have a Mossberg parts diagram close by, but in general most shotguns have 2 catches on the magazine tube - one is engaged when the bolt is closed and that's your normal retention catch that keeps shells in the magazine. When the action cycles that first latch retracts to release a shell, and then at some point as the bolt travels rearward, a second interrupter latch engages from the other side to keep additional shells from feeding and binding up the action. Cycle the gun empty while upside down and you should be able to see these latches engage and disengage. If either isn't working, the gun may need to be cleaned or some parts may be broken/damaged.

One word of advice I have on buying used firearms: when buying something that has been obviously modified (ie, in your case the barrel was cut down), be EXTRA careful and inspect everything closely. That is evidence that at least one previous owner fancied himself a gunsmith and there's no telling what they may have messed around with trying to "improve" the gun.

If your "first shotgun" is a cut down piece with a pistol grip... you might want to consider backing up and re-grouping a bit... That sort of rig is tough for an experienced 'gunner to use properly (and most of the folks I know would avoid a pistol grip like the plague, me included -and I've killed with a shotgun when I had no other choice....). Whether it cycles properly or not -you might want to learn a bit about defensive shotguns before you even pick the thing up again... The first thing to do is look at the top of this board for a sticky entitled "On fighting shotguns" and read all the talk there (with 540 entries you might need a cold one since you've got some reading to do...). The next item I'd want to do is get that weapon to a competent gunsmith and have him (or her) check it out... If someone else has been messing with it (cutting down the barrel is the first sign that you might want make sure the thing is okay to shoot...).

Once you've learned a bit about these kind of weapons, and made sure the gun is actually safe to fire... then I'd look to find a class to take you through the basics (and maybe, just maybe lose that pistol grip and put a proper stock on that gun...).

Hope this helps... years ago I used my issued shotgun on the street (the one and only shot I ever fired at another person) and learned that there was a lot I didn't know about them... I spent the following 17 years learning everything I could about basic riot guns and how to use them properly... Picking up a shotgun without some training isn't anything I'd recommend to anyone....

The two previous posters have given you excellent advice. I will add a couple of thoughts. If, as you say, you don't know too much about guns, please stop running live ammunition ("hot" shells) through your firearm until it has been checked out by a gunsmith. If it has been messed with in addition to the barrel, that and your lack of experience could result in a negligent discharge which tends to ruin your day. Sporting goods stores and gun shops sell dummy rounds that should be used for function checks.

If you can actually see the spring at the chamber end of the magazine tube, that could be part of your problem as there should be a cap over the end of the spring. You may also be inducing the feeding issues by trying to see how fast she will load and unload.

I see you are 21 and have not been back here since your original post four days ago. I hope all is well and you still have all your appendages.

PLEASE quit toying with your shotgun. Have a gunsmith give it a once-over. Be prepared to repair or replace a few parts; fortunately, parts for M500s are generally cheap and the arm isn't all that intricate. THEN invest in a few dummy rounds if you feel the need to check the function of the gun. From your description, it sounds like your shell stop may be faulty, and your shell follower may be missing.

Please do a little measuring on your new shotgun. Although the 19" barrel is legal, the overall length needs to be 26". Some pistol grips will let the overall length fall below the magic 26" with a short barrel.

I call drive by.....

The re

Kp321 said:

Please do a little measuring on your new shotgun. Although the 19" barrel is legal, the overall length needs to be 26". Some pistol grips will let the overall length fall below the magic 26" with a short barrel.

Click to expand...

Wouldn't the receiver alone keep the gun with in legal length with a 19 inch barrel? I'll have to go measure my 500 receiver.

Lobo9er,
You are right. It is on break action shotguns I have run into the 26" oal problems with 18" barrels. I was not thinking.