Old Mossberg 500C - any safety issues?

[SeaChicken]

I just inherited a shotgun from my father, which was a surprise since I didn't know he owned it until after his death. It's a Mossberg 500C and the guy who transferred it from Texas to Washington state for me said it hadn't been used in a long time. I assume it's pre-1968 (no serial number), and looks to be in very good condition. Would it be worth taking it to a gunsmith for inspection (I don't know anything about shotguns) before I try firing it? Any advice would be welcome.

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[Joe13]

There's a saying about when in doubt...

Having said that, also I am not a gunsmith nor am I qualified to give advice about old guns.

If it were my gun though, if there isn't any rust or visual damage - I would start with a light target/clay load and get comfortable with the weapon.

If I wanted to shoot slugs or mag loads, I'd probably just buy a new one for $200 and use that for it.

Not sure if there's a glimmer of a sence in there, just what I would do.

 

[Sgt Nambu]

The above is one way to go. Personally, by long association with 500's I trust them well! After carefully inspecting it inside and out I would take it to a safe, private place. Carefully tie it to a tree, loaded with the heaviest load that is rolled on the barrel, and use a long string to detonate it! Even if made in the 50's or 60's it is still a modern firearm not an antique! Enjoy your new heirloom!
BTW, pad it well from the tree or post to prevent scuffing her up.

 

[SeaChicken]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys! Both of you have offered some excellent advice. Not sure which way I'll go yet. I'll let you know the outcome once I decide.

 

[wombat]

... I've also got a 500C; unknown round count and it was in need of disassembly and a clean.

The safety button and action lock lever (behind the trigger guard and to the rear; press up for operation) should operate easily, not 'sticky'.

These disassemble quite easily; the trigger housing assembly needs one pin for the housing to be removed.
The action bars might just 'fall out' after that, don't worry it all goes back together easily!

I cleaned out an accumulation of dirt/sand and debris; all cleaned up nicely and re-assembled without fuss.
I think that almost all the parts ore still available; I installed a new safety button to be sure ... and also obtained an 18.5" barrel, swapping out the 24" (well I think it was 24"); 20ga ammo is around sometimes a little hard to find; Big 5 is a good source ...

Brownells have a schematic you can peek at:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=0/sid=161/schematicsdetail/500C-20-Gauge

PM if you are in need of an owners manual; I can send you such electronically, in PDF format; shows disassembly, cleaning, specs, etc ...

:

chris

 

[Throckmorton]

unless it's a rusted up hulk,any Mossberg will out last at least 2 owners when treated with respect.
Can you open the action and kind of look things over in a GOOD light,looking for rust mainly,but also what might look like bent or damaged parts. If it looks clean inside,and the bore looks clean,i'd shoot it with no qualms.

 

[jbett98]

YouTube has a few quality video's showing how to dis-assemble and re-assemble your Mossberg 500c.