Replacing Mossberg 500 plastic safety

[guninthewater]

I was thinking I'd replace the plastic safety on my Mossberg 500. I took it out of the safe to see how hard that'd be, and then I saw that the screw holding the safety switch in place is one of those "one-way" screws that can only be tightened. The head of the screw is designed so that the edges of the screwdriver slot that would be contacted when loosening the screw are rounded, which means I can't get any leverage to loosen the screw. It reminds me of the screws you sometimes see in public restroom stalls. Anyway, is there a good way to remove the screw without destroying the parts? Thanks!

 

[MAX100]

Sharpen the blade of a old screw driver a little, one that is smaller than the screw. Then bare straight down real hard and turn. It should come out. Do it with the action back so the detent ball won't fall into the receiver. The Vang metal oversize safeties are nice and come with all the replacement parts.

You may want to tape the receiver up around the safety with thick duct tape so if you do slip you won't scratch the aluminum receiver



GC

 

[4thPointOfContact]

Take a look at the Brownell's page; I think it comes with a replacement screw. I found a pic of one from Vang Compensators....

 

[Landlocked Pirate]

I replaced mine recently and I found the instructions by Zach S (post #6) in this thread to be invaluable:

http://http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=321653&highlight=mossberg+safety

1) Unload shotgun, both the chamber and the tube.

2) Double check chamber and tube.

3) Make sure the safety is engaged, close the action, and wrap a zip tie around the trigger. You dont have to use a zip tie, but constant pressure on the trigger is required.

4) Remove the screw holding the safety on, and carefully lift the safety off. Be careful not to lose the ~.125" ball bearing. I dont know of the stamped steel peice that rides under the safety is required for the aluminum part.

5) Put the new safety on, being careful not to lose the ball bearing.

6) Cut zip tie with fingernail clippers.

7) Function Check.

Its the easiest way I know of. Its just a pain to hold the peice that goes on the inside of the receiver while putting the safety in on the top unless you have fingers like my lady. Not to mention its easy to lose that ball bearing while holding the bottom and working on the top.

(edit)

8) Dont lose the ball brearing. A BB wont work, and a ~.125" ball bearing isnt easy to find, in carpet, Lowes, Home Depot, or local hardware stores. In a pinch, you can use the center post from a .125 rivet, cut down and "threaded" inside the spring, but the safety wont work, you either have to put it together on safe if you dont plan on using it, or off safe if you think you might need it...

9) Dont ask me how I know.

Following these instructions, the job was a snap and took about five minutes.

As far as the one-way screw, mine turned by just bearing down hard with a regular screwdriver.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

what do you guys think about this thing?

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...p=24530&title=MOSSBERG 500/590 SST-590 SAFETY

 

[BADUNAME37]

I don't think that overly-large tang safety is necessary. I replaced my plastic one with a metal one, same dimensions, I believe and it is just fine.

 

[4thPointOfContact]

The oversized one Davidsdivad llinked to looks like one for pistolgrip equipped shotguns, or ones that have a MESA Tactical rail on them.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

I just like the look of it,

 

[MAX100]

If you ever used a Vang oversize safety you would like it. I have one on my 930 SPX.

Haven't you heard size does matter. My safety is bigger than yours.


GC

 

[BADUNAME37]

If you ever used a Vang oversize safety you would like it. I have one on my 930 SPX.

Haven't you heard size does matter. My safety is bigger than yours.

Yeah, just think how you can accidentally bump it into the SAFE position in the middle of the night with the lights off just when you are about to shoot the bad guy that just broke through your window.

No thanks, I'll stick with the metal "regular" size.

 

[MAX100]

Yeah, just think how you can accidentally bump it into the SAFE position in the middle of the night with the lights off just when you are about to shoot the bad guy that just broke through your window.

No thanks, I'll stick with the metal "regular" size.

You are reaching with that one. There is nothing wrong with the Mossberg metal safety. I prefer the Vang oversize safety.


GC

 

[BADUNAME37]

MAX100

You are right, I was wrong in stating what I stated. I guess I sometimes think "if it works, don't fix it," however I was one to replace the original plastic safety with a metal one.

Now you have me wondering. Maybe I should try the Vang.

When looking at the picture, I see it is different than I imagined. I thought it stuck up like 1/4".
Foot in mouth syndrome, I guess.
**********************
UPDATE!
I double-checked my Mossberg 500 and the safety that I installed about 5 years ago looks like it IS the Vang! For some strange reason, I thought the Vang was like a tang sticking up. I guess the shotgun I was looking at in a picture had a rear sight!

Now I feel like a complete idiot. I apologize to everyone. Please forgive me.

 

[shockwave]

I replaced mine recently and I found the instructions by Zach S (post #6) in this thread to be invaluable:

http://www.thehighroad.org/sh...ossberg+safety

About 10 minutes ago, I just completed this job. Zach's post was invaluable. It's the only writeup of the Vang Comp oversized Mossberg safety replacement procedure that mentions tying down the trigger.

Here's how my install went:

1. Got a very thin-tipped tungsten edged screwdriver and really bore down on that security screw. It started to back out, no trouble. Closed action, set safety, zip-tied trigger back tight.

2. I put a large plastic bag over the back end of the gun, covering the safety mechanism for the final few turns of the screw, just in case anything was spring loaded.

3. I kept the gun in a vertical position. Important, as when you lift the OEM stock safety off, the ball bearing is seated by gravity only. In this case, the bearing stayed seated and no spring emerged.

4. Fitted the new detent plate. The hole at the far end second from the stock covers the ball bearing about 75 percent, so this is where your spring pressure is coming from. Unidirectional and no up-down issues. Only one way it can fit.

5. Wasn't sure about which way to seat the Vang Comp, but it made sense to put the fatter, wider end toward the stock, for your thumb.

6. Set the supplied screw with lock-washer in place and finger tightened.

7. Used the supplied Allen wrench to torque the Vang Comp down firmly, but not too tightly. The lock washer should obviate the need for Loctite, but if I'd had Loctite blue I would have used a bit.

Done. The new safety switch is much easier to operate and will be a blessing if needed in the dark under stress. This upgrade removes the principle weakness of the 500-series Mossberg and improves function. There's no reason not to do this.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

I just like the look of it,

Funny how tastes can change in a year.

I looked at the link without realizing I had posted it, and thought, "What a tacticool ****** bag"

Hahahahah!

 

[Al LaVodka]

I don't think that overly-large tang safety is necessary. I replaced my plastic one with a metal one, same dimensions, I believe and it is just fine.

+1. Just please always change them.

And the bigger Vang end soumd like it goes toward the front -- contour of thumb grips it. No?

Al

 

[shockwave]

And the bigger Vang end soumd like it goes toward the front -- contour of thumb grips it. No?

Well it's not a gigantic step up from the stock, it's just a bit larger and has a more notchy contour. What's important to me is switching the safety off, so the big end goes toward the stock because you push your thumb up against it and push forward.

However, the part would install either way, so whatever suits your style would work.