Is this kind of damage preventable?

[twofewscrews]

Hi,
I just purchased my first shotgun, a Mossberg Maverick 88 (12 gauge), and noticed some damage to the top of the receiver after having fired 75 rounds of Federal #8 shot Field and Target 1200fps and 4 rounds of RC4 00 buckshot 1400fps. I've been advised by various members of this forum that the damage is normal wear and tare. They seem to know what they are talking about so I defer to them.

I have three questions:
First, is the damage caused by the hull of the shell being slamming into the top of the receiver when pumping the firearms or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Second, If the damage is caused by the hull, is it due to the material the hull (metal plated brass or brass) interacting with the material of the receiver (aluminum)? If so, would more expensive shells cause less wear due to the hull being straight brass, as opposed to less expensive shells being brass coated?

Third, if you adjusted the tension or the force with which the shell is loaded, would that limit or slow the amount of wear to the receiver? Is it even possible to adjust the tension or force with which the shell is loaded without affecting the function of the firearm?

I'm not concerned about the safety or functionality of the firearm as this damage is normal wear and tare and will most likely continue. I am however very curious as to why this happens (is it the force of loading, the materials interactions with each other, or a bit of both) and what can be done to prevent it.

Thanks for your time in advance!
And remember kids, the only safety feature that makes a difference on a firearm is the user!

 

[troy fairweather]

It will be fine if really worried get some shells that are brass.

 

[entropy]

Or a shotguns with a steel receiver, such as an 870.

 

[beag_nut]

I don't see any wear and tear, just that some bluing has rubbed off. The pics are awfully bad quality. As troy said, get some shells with brass bottoms rather than steel.

 

[Bazoo]

I don't see anything other than finish wear. Maybe I'm missing it. A light coat of oil on the bolt is about all you can do. Id guess the wear is as much from the bolt reciprocating as the hulls rubbing against it.

I don't have a mossberg currently to compare, but have had a maverick 88 as well as a couple 500 variants. They all develope wear to the finish inside the receiver, just the nature of an aluminum framed shotgun.

 

[herrwalther]

I know it is hard to take pictures of things inside firearms to get answers on. It looks like areas where the anodizing stain/dye came off. Stick your finger up there. If the area feels sharp, jagged, or missing metal (like where part of the aluminum chipped off) that would be more to go on.

FWIW I also have a Mav 88 and I haven't noticed any damage in that area. Wear yes, but not damage.