Moss 500 barrel: Am I too picky?

[Cump]

This is only my second post, and I'm a novice, so I apologize in advance ...

I recently bought my first tactical shotgun. Out of the box, there was an issue with the drill-work for the bead, which left a small gap between the bore and bead thread. I contacted Mossberg with photos and they agreed to replace the barrel, which they did very quickly -- much appreciated.

However, the new barrel isn't perfect, but I want to make sure my expectations are reasonable. It was shipped in bare cardboard, and there is some minor wear to the finish. Of most concern, there are a few small dings at the muzzle that don't seem to affect the bore (at about 12 and 3 in the photo). Does this look acceptable to you?

Additionally, while the drilled bead hole looks much better than the first barrel, the bead screw slightly protrudes into the bore (I'm talking a fraction of a millimeter). Part of the screw is flush with the bore and a bit is too long. Is this okay? I'm afraid if I try to make adjustments, it won't fill the hole completely.

 

[jonnyc]

No real problems there. If the bead threads really bother you unscrew it and file off a bit.

 

[oneounceload]

I don't think you are being too picky - they obviously have someone with a heavy hand on the air wrench installing bead sight. There should be NO protrusion as that can cause issues with ammo exiting the bore.

 

[dirtykid]

if it was a $3000 side-by-side I would expect nothing but perfection

A $400 Mossberg ,,,, ehhhhhh not so much,,

 

[gamestalker]

With a budget SG your gonna have some areas of workmanship that are less than perfect. if it were me, I would just fix the protruding screw myself and call it good. I've owned a few 500's over the years, and with that said, the 500 is the only SG I've had problems with, or had something break. I'm sure it will stop any impending threat just fine, but in the future you might consider spending a few more $'s for an 870, and older one if possible.
Sorry for your dissatisfaction with that Mossy.

GS

 

[Cump]

Protrusion

Thanks for the comments.

It seems it might be difficult for the flat bottom of the bead to exactly match the cylindrical contour of the bore. Again I'm thinking in terms of fractions of millimeters, but either the center or outside diameter of the screw would be flush with the bore interior. Or, on the other hand, either the center of the screw will break the circle (of the bore), if the outside is flush, or the outside diameter of the screw will be a little short for the hole, if the center is flush.

Okay, so I am probably way over thinking this. But do you think it is better to err on the side of the bead screw being minimally too long or minimally too short.

Thanks for your patience and input.

 

[oneounceload]

too short, it can always br locktited in without issue

 

[MattShlock]

I'd have them address this too. Don't really see this happen with Mossberg but I would praise the heavens you didn't get stuck with an 870 Express.

 

[Cump]

So I backed it out a little and got it as close to flush as I can. Probably won't send it back in unless it seems to be unstable after I put some rounds through it. I'm hoping I'm just overly wary since I'm used to beads in the vent rib or on a ramp.

 

[Fred Fuller]

If you left it loose, it may back all the way out...

 

[rcmodel]

+1

Put it in tight with Blue #242 Lock-Tight.

Then polish off what sticks through with a fine Cratex tip in a Dremel tool.

If you are careful and steady enough!!

That's the way I've done it for 50 years.

rc

 

[CajunBass]

I'd have never noticed it.

 

[Cump]

I did use loctite and it's only a 10-degree turn or so from being tightened down as much as I would tighten it otherwise.

Yeah, probably not as big of deal as I made it -- and I probably wouldn't have been nearly as concerned if not for the problem with the first barrel. Also, you pay a premium for the home defense models, when the cheap field version with vent rib wouldn't have this to worry about. I guess I expected more precision for the extra $100, instead of just the 7-round tube.

On the other hand, I also bought a Mossy 464 lever-action. Didn't expect too much from it -- a $400 lever -- and I'm pleased with it after two range trips and three cleanings. But maybe that's something for another thread.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Deer_Freak]

I am really surprised Mossberg shipped a gun like that. I own 4 Mossberg 500"s and a Maverick 88. None of them have any problems with a hole all the way through the barrel for the bead. I have two 18.5" security barrels and a 24" rifled slug barrel. I am glad I got mine before Mossberg started making the security barrel to thin to properly install the bead.

 

[Uniquedot]

Am I too picky?

Well I would have to say yes. These are the volkswagon beetles of shotguns. I've bought them in the 80's, 90's and in the last year or so and I've never seen one that was perfect. The last security barrel that I purchased allowed the the bead to protrude into the barrel and instead of removing it and filing it off like I did before...I let ammunition file it off for me.

 

[Cump]

Update

I raised the issue with Mossberg. Their first email reply was somewhat skeptical and asked for better pictures (I would to). I took some more and emailed them. Now Mossberg has offered to send out another new barrel, including a postage-paid return slip for the new one. So I'll be able to have the current barrel until the new one comes in, keeping a functioning sg in the closet.

I'd say I've experienced excellent customer service.

 

[Speedo66]

Unfortunately, if the initial workmanship had been proper, no customer service would have been needed.

Several gun companies seem to think the consumer is the final inspector, not someone in the factory.

 

[LeonCarr]

No you are not too picky. Just keep in mind every shotgun is an individual.

I have an 18.5 inch Mossberg manufactured Remington 870 cylinder choked barrel and while it has no bead sight stem in the barrel issues, the interior of the barrel looks like a sewer pipe. The funny thing is it shoots Federal Flitecontrol 00 Buckshot tighter than any of the six Remington factory 18.5 inch Cylinder choked barrels I have .

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[natman]

As far as the muzzle marks go, the tiny freckle at 12 o'clock isn't worth worrying about and I can't quite tell what the issue is at 3 o'clock. The bead is a minor problem. Personally I'd take it out, give it a couple of strokes with a file and reinstall it.

You can't realistically expect the polished perfection of a Perazzi from a $300 shotgun.

I see that Mossberg is going to send you a third barrel. I hope it's satisfactory.

 

[rodinal220]

Its a Mossberg and not a Holland & Holland. This is how companies like Mossberg make it,they offer solid working guns and not beauty queens.The bead threads extending into the barrel, ok , thats a legit beef.

If you want perfect polish and slow rust bluing, Turkish walnut with a fine French polish expect to pay "a little more".

A little swipe with a file and some fine sandpaper on a dowel would have taken care of the thread issue.

Oh,and yes I like Mossberg shotguns,they have taken more game than my more expensive guns.