chevyforlife21
Member
ideas for unscrewing it? i tried clp to help break it loose then i put an adjustable wrench on the end but it just slips, and i put leather under it too. i really need to get it off for cleaning its getting rusty in there
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mossberg 500 mag tube
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Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
Try heating the receiver/magazine tube area with a hair dryer and putting on some Kroil or other penetrating oil. Sometimes they're hard to get loose, but damaging it in the process sure isn't going to help.
A strap wrench is a far better idea than any kind of steel tool to get yourself some more leverage on the tube. Sometimes putting some non-slip stuff like non-skid shelf liner or one of the rubber 'cheater' discs used for opening jars/bottles under the strap wrench will help it get a better grip on the tube. Or maybe powdered rosin if you have any.
Can't help but say, this is why I encourage getting a 590 or the like with a pull-through magazine tube design for anyone who wants a serious shotgun. It really is important IMHO to be able to easily pull maintenance on the magazine tube and its contents.
Hope it works out OK for you,
lpl
A strap wrench is a far better idea than any kind of steel tool to get yourself some more leverage on the tube. Sometimes putting some non-slip stuff like non-skid shelf liner or one of the rubber 'cheater' discs used for opening jars/bottles under the strap wrench will help it get a better grip on the tube. Or maybe powdered rosin if you have any.
Can't help but say, this is why I encourage getting a 590 or the like with a pull-through magazine tube design for anyone who wants a serious shotgun. It really is important IMHO to be able to easily pull maintenance on the magazine tube and its contents.
Hope it works out OK for you,
lpl
AcceptableUserName
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like others said, heat is magic. spray it liberally with clp, let it soak in for a few and hit it with a blowdryer or heat gun. be gentle when threading it off. after you take it off and put it back on, it will be easier in the future. the most irritating thing about the whole procedure is putting it back on. the best way i can describe it is while youre holding the tube down over the spring and screwing it on, with your other hand use your index finger to press the follower and spring up so its out of the way of the threads tightening into the receiver.
the 500s tube design isnt a huge deal when you get it down, but its nowhere near as convenient as the win 1300 or the 590. the 870 with an extension is in the middle.
the 500s tube design isnt a huge deal when you get it down, but its nowhere near as convenient as the win 1300 or the 590. the 870 with an extension is in the middle.
MCgunner
Member
In 20 years, I've never taken mine off. It might be a bit more hassle as it's been dip painted camo. I do have a heat gun and strap wrench if ever I feel I need to do it, though. I'd find a piece of carpet to pad the jaws of my vice with, too. Wouldn't take much force on the vice, but it would hold the receiver from turning while you use the strap wrench and a long handled 1/2" ratchet or break over.
AcceptableUserName
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You guys mention using a vice. Honestly I've never used one and I'm not incredibly strong or anything. I had an old 500atp that probably never even had been cleaned, and I didn't even use heat to get the tube off. The oil worked well enough by itself.
I supposed a padded vice could help from doing damage to the gun, but youre careful you can do that too.
I supposed a padded vice could help from doing damage to the gun, but youre careful you can do that too.
chevyforlife21
Member
thanks for the replies/help guys. i did try hold a lighter on it for a few seconds but stopped cuse the clp was making the flames go higher. cuse i have heard use a torch so i tried the lighter. but ill try the hair dryer out although i dont got a strap wrench besides a a oil filter wrench for the car wich is to big. but what do you guys think is better super tech lube/ which is a wd40/liquid wrench copy or the breakfree clp?
hub
Member
I had to do one earlier this summer on an old rusty 500. I padded a vice each side with scrap boards and old rags. Then I put the receiver in mag tube up and drowned the base of the mag tube in PB's Blaster penetrating oil and left it over night. The next day I used a cheap rubber strap wrench from Harbor Freight without too much problems. It was a little rusted inside on the threads and still tight but came off ok. I did remember to lube it back up with a light coat of grease before I reinstalled it so next time should be pretty easy.
I got the pb at autozone or something, not very expensive but this is what it looks like.
http://blasterchemical.com/display.cfm?p=50003&pid=4
There is a Harbor Freight only about 15 miles from my house. I got these not to long ago for $2.50 for the pair and bought two pair. You can sign up for email and get discounts all the time too.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94119
I mainly use the liquid breakfree clp for lube. I also use Rem Oil, and some Hoppes products for intitial cleaning. I don't know if it is better, but we used clp in the Marines and it's supposed to lube and break down carbon.
Like I said I don't know if it is actually better, my dad has used wd 40 for as long as I can remember and all his firearms still look new and funtion great. They don't get abused at all though, after ever time we ever went hunting or shooting we always cleaned them later that night.
I got the pb at autozone or something, not very expensive but this is what it looks like.
http://blasterchemical.com/display.cfm?p=50003&pid=4
There is a Harbor Freight only about 15 miles from my house. I got these not to long ago for $2.50 for the pair and bought two pair. You can sign up for email and get discounts all the time too.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94119
but what do you guys think is better super tech lube/ which is a wd40/liquid wrench copy or the breakfree clp?
I mainly use the liquid breakfree clp for lube. I also use Rem Oil, and some Hoppes products for intitial cleaning. I don't know if it is better, but we used clp in the Marines and it's supposed to lube and break down carbon.
Like I said I don't know if it is actually better, my dad has used wd 40 for as long as I can remember and all his firearms still look new and funtion great. They don't get abused at all though, after ever time we ever went hunting or shooting we always cleaned them later that night.
MCgunner
Member
My fav lube is Corrosion X. It really clings.
chevyforlife21
Member
well i spent hours trying to get it guys. no success. clped it waited a while put the hair dryer on it hot enough that a burnt my hand a few times.put more clp on it tried again, i tried twisting in by hand, i put sandpaper on the tube for grip i wasnt to worried about the finish and i tried an adjjustable wrench over the sandpaper that didnt work. it super tight
hub
Member
Like I said before clp in a vice over night then strap wrench. If the strap doesn't work I guess you could use a pipe wrench, that will get it for sure just be sure to pad it first. I would try to find something rubber to protect and help it grab a little better.
If it's rusted there is no way you will get it off by hand, and sand paper with an adjustable wrench just doesn't have enough bite or leverage.
You can probably find a pretty cheap one at walmart or autozone.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=39644
If it's rusted there is no way you will get it off by hand, and sand paper with an adjustable wrench just doesn't have enough bite or leverage.
You can probably find a pretty cheap one at walmart or autozone.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=39644
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chevyforlife21
Member
im pretty mad at the design. i had to take it completely apart spent an hour trying to break it loose i tore up my hand in the process then it took me 3 hours to get it all back together which is the 3rd time ive done it on a mossberg i like the Remingtons and benellis for the ease of assembly. i also dont got a pipe wrench or strap wrench and i hate strap wrenches at least for car oil filters they are a pain and hardly do anything. sorry if im complaining to much guys but this is my forth pump gun ive had and the only one that has given me so much hassle.
hub
Member
i had to take it completely apart spent an hour trying to break it loose i tore up my hand in the process then it took me 3 hours to get it all back together which is the 3rd time ive done it on a mossberg i like the Remingtons and benellis for the ease of assembly.
So does that mean you got it?
If not do yourself a favor and get a cheap pipe wrench somewhere. Borrow or buy it, sounds like it would have already paid for itself with just your time and misery. As a chevyman you should know when you don't have the right tools for the job things can be frustrating if not impossible. I've kicked, cussed, beat on, and broke way too much stuff not using the right tools for the job in the first place.
chevyforlife21
Member
nope i didnt get it. i hear ya you need the right tools for the job. i may just leave it i did get to clean out the tube a bit with it still screwed in i just put a patch on a rod and pushed the follower to the end of the tube a few times, then a light clp patch. it was easy with nothing in the receiver to run a rod down the tube.
Jeeezus.
Hold the thing receiver up, mag tube down, and heat the MAG TUBE with a propane torch about an inch below the receiver. When it starts smoking, the thread lock is burnt. Unscrew it.
There is NOTHING on a Mossberg 500 that can't be fixed or replaced inside of two minutes. If it takes longer, it's the operater, not the gun. If it took you three hours to assemble one, you might want to consider watching a youtube video on the process or something.
I've had rusted tubes in and out of my shop so many times over the years, I couldn't count. Funny thing was, when cleaning/oiling the mag tube came up as a topic a year or so ago, I was one of I think TWO people who had ever done it. In fact, most recommended against it if I recall correctly.
If it's *really rusted*, drill a hole through it and use a steel rod instead of pliers. The tube is a $20 fix and you won't ever have to worry about thread lock again.
Lee, that's twice now you've implied that the Mossy 500 isn't a "serious shotgun". That gets funnier every time I read it.
rich
Hold the thing receiver up, mag tube down, and heat the MAG TUBE with a propane torch about an inch below the receiver. When it starts smoking, the thread lock is burnt. Unscrew it.
There is NOTHING on a Mossberg 500 that can't be fixed or replaced inside of two minutes. If it takes longer, it's the operater, not the gun. If it took you three hours to assemble one, you might want to consider watching a youtube video on the process or something.
I've had rusted tubes in and out of my shop so many times over the years, I couldn't count. Funny thing was, when cleaning/oiling the mag tube came up as a topic a year or so ago, I was one of I think TWO people who had ever done it. In fact, most recommended against it if I recall correctly.
If it's *really rusted*, drill a hole through it and use a steel rod instead of pliers. The tube is a $20 fix and you won't ever have to worry about thread lock again.
Lee, that's twice now you've implied that the Mossy 500 isn't a "serious shotgun". That gets funnier every time I read it.
rich
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Bad Hammer
Member
There is NOTHING on a Mossberg 500 that can't be fixed or replaced inside of two minutes.
There is a lot of truth in that statement.
IF one has the knowledge.
IF one has the proper tools.
IF one has the ability/aptitude.
When any of the above are lacking, expect problems.
This applies no matter WHAT you're working on.
The Mossberg 500 is a very simple mechanism and you don't need to study one for very long to figure it out.
As for the magazine tube, it's a simple tube threaded into a simple hole. Held in place by thread locker.
Heat it up....screw it out.
Ineptness on my part doesn't indicate poor design or faulty manufacturing on their part.
If I can't unthread a tube from a hole, I'm thinking maybe it's me.
Bad Hammer
Member
Thanks RandKL.
I should probably add that I don't mean to bash or insult anyone with the previous post.
After I re-read it I can see where that opinion may be taken.
But, after all, these are firearms we're tinkering with here, so if I was uncomfortable or unable
to competently service one I would definitely take it to someone who can.
Again, these are firearms. Guns. REAL GUNS.
Be safe.
I should probably add that I don't mean to bash or insult anyone with the previous post.
After I re-read it I can see where that opinion may be taken.
But, after all, these are firearms we're tinkering with here, so if I was uncomfortable or unable
to competently service one I would definitely take it to someone who can.
Again, these are firearms. Guns. REAL GUNS.
Be safe.
How I got mine loose...
remove barrel...clamp receiver very loosely and padded in a vise. Use hair dryer/heat shrink/paint stripper device to heat receiver & mag tube joint. When hot, spray A LOT of good penetrating oil such as PbBlaster, etc on the joint. Let cool, reheat and repeat.
I had a cloth-type (nylon perhaps??) strap wrench. I used the strap portion around the barrel attatchment end, clamped with curve-jaw vise-grips and broke it loose. The strap was the padding for the vise-grips.
remove barrel...clamp receiver very loosely and padded in a vise. Use hair dryer/heat shrink/paint stripper device to heat receiver & mag tube joint. When hot, spray A LOT of good penetrating oil such as PbBlaster, etc on the joint. Let cool, reheat and repeat.
I had a cloth-type (nylon perhaps??) strap wrench. I used the strap portion around the barrel attatchment end, clamped with curve-jaw vise-grips and broke it loose. The strap was the padding for the vise-grips.
Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
Rich,
Glad you find it entertaining. It's just an opinion, not something scribed on a stone tablet by the finger of God.
One more of those entertaining opinions for you- if a closed magazine tube was such a sterling idea, then Mossberg would never have started manufacturing the 590 series. IMHO that's a serious shotgun.
And for the record, I do own four or five Mossberg 500s too. They're good shotguns- they just have one particular design shortcoming. Lots of mechanical stuff is that way- good enough but no better.
Oh, and the gun that the Mossberg 500 wanted to be when it grew up- the High Standard Flite King/JC Higgins Model 20- is similar in many respects to the 500, save that both designs and the variety of High Standard riot guns I've seen allow access either to the completely removed magazine tube, or through the front of the fixed magazine tube by removing the end piece. Too bad the designers at Mossberg didn't copy that feature also.
AND while we're at it, as far as I'm concerned, it's a major shortcoming of the 870 design that the magazine tube is not user replaceable.
fwiw,
lpl
Glad you find it entertaining. It's just an opinion, not something scribed on a stone tablet by the finger of God.
One more of those entertaining opinions for you- if a closed magazine tube was such a sterling idea, then Mossberg would never have started manufacturing the 590 series. IMHO that's a serious shotgun.
And for the record, I do own four or five Mossberg 500s too. They're good shotguns- they just have one particular design shortcoming. Lots of mechanical stuff is that way- good enough but no better.
Oh, and the gun that the Mossberg 500 wanted to be when it grew up- the High Standard Flite King/JC Higgins Model 20- is similar in many respects to the 500, save that both designs and the variety of High Standard riot guns I've seen allow access either to the completely removed magazine tube, or through the front of the fixed magazine tube by removing the end piece. Too bad the designers at Mossberg didn't copy that feature also.
AND while we're at it, as far as I'm concerned, it's a major shortcoming of the 870 design that the magazine tube is not user replaceable.
fwiw,
lpl
WNC Seabee
Member
ummmm....are you remembering that it's "Righty Tighty" and "Lefty Loosey"? =)
chevyforlife21
Member
yes im usually good at fixing things including guns this is one of the few that has given me trouble. exactly how hot does the mag tube joint have to get? i made it hot enough that i couldnt keep my hand on it for more then a second or two.
AcceptableUserName
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I'm surprised you guys run into so much resistance with these. I've had guns that have NEVER had them removed in 15 years and came off with just oil.....and not even over night. We're talking immediately.
Glad you find it entertaining. It's just an opinion,
Yep, Lee. I just find that phrasing to be a bit funny considering all the Mossies there are out there and the way they're used.
The history of the 590 part, we've been over. I won't waste anyone's time by going over that again. It's a purpose-designed gun, though. It's not a standard hunting shotgun. The front cap, like the bayonet lug etc, isn't really a plus if you don't need it.
rich
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