Mossberg 500...shotgun problem or user error?? Question for the experts...

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saturno_v

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Today I was shooting trap with my trusty M500. I did two sessions (the usual 25 shots each).

During the first, I used the regular trap loadings (1 1/8 oz, 7 1/2 pellets, low brass, 1200 fps), the gun performed beautifully as usual.

In the second session I used quite a bit hotter loads, 1 1/4 oz. (same 7 1/2 pellets) high brass, 1330 fps.

The recoil was noticeably higher and in 3 or 4 occasions the slide "locked" (like when you try to cycle it before pulling the trigger) when I wanted to discharge the spent shell, so I had to depress the lever to open it up.

Initially I was baffled by the event and I thought that something was wrong with my shotgun..however I did noticed that sometimes, as a side effect of the recoil, the hand on the slide "tended" to pull the slide back. When I tried to hold my hand more firm on the slide (kind of applying a forward pressure) the issue disappeared (maybe it did only once after that).

Once I got back home I carefully inspected the shotgun and I noticed that when you start to pull the slide back and then pull it forward again, if you stay within 1/2 or 3/4 of inch of rearward movement, you can cycle back again, but if you approach the 1 inch mark you can hear a distinct "click" (I suppose it is the cocking) and if you pull the slide forward again it lock...basically the shotgun cock at about one inch rearward movement.

So my question is....has my shotgun malfunctioned today or the slide locking was the effect of the recoil that got my slide hand kinda of "half cocking" the gun?? If it did it was so fast that I did not notice it.

I hope is the latter...if that is the case I wonder if it is a common "no-brainer" issue.....I do not have a lot of experience in shotgun shooting techniques and issues.

If it is a potential mechanical problem what it could be??

Thanks!!
 
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Seen it a lot on people who get tired. You are partially unlocking the action then locking it again, just as if you cycled in a new shell. You might consider changing your grip on the fore end to sort of "push" out as you fire and then deliberately shuck it full cycle.
 
I have fired many, many, thousands of rounds thru a 500 in Trap, and witnessed hundreds of thousands of others -- I have never experienced or seen this myself in a Mossberg. 870's though? Often.

Recommendation: next time at the range ask one of the old pros who WORKS on the trap line there that is familiar to look at and consider it with you. Also, try to duplicate this with someone elses 500 -- they'll probably let ya.

Al
 
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Surprised that your gun club allowed 1-1/4 oz loads, but it sounds like as mentioned above. If you want to help your trap scores try shooting 1oz or even 7/8 - your shoulder will thank you and you won't be slightly opening the action
 
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