How to Remove the Plug From My Mossberg Model 500

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The Mossberg model 500 shotgun is favored among many shooters and hunters for its durable construction and affordable price. Featuring a pump action, the Mossberg model 500 is available in both 12-gauge and 20-gauge, with chokes that include improved, full and modified. Due to game regulations in many states, a plug or dowel is inserted into the magazine tube to limit the rounds carried to two plus one in the chamber. You can remove the plug from your Mossberg 500 with relative ease.

Items you will need

  • Rag

  • Needle-nose pliers

Unload the Mossberg model 500, making sure there are no shotgun shells in the magazine tube or in the firing chamber. Visually inspect the shotgun to make sure that it is unloaded.

Locate the magazine cap on the end of the short-shell magazine under the barrel of the shotgun. Loosen and remove the magazine cap by turning it counterclockwise.

Pull the barrel from the receiver and guide the barrel mounting ring from the end of the shell magazine tube. Place the barrel to the side.

Point the shotgun down and shake slightly to move the plug, or dowel, toward the end of the magazine tube.

Pull the plug or dowel from the tube with your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Pull the plug or dowel past the rubber ring at the end of the magazine tube and out.

Slide the barrel mounting ring back onto the magazine tube and guide the end of the barrel into the receiver. Place the cap back onto the magazine tube to secure the barrel in place.

Tips

  • Make sure to understand and follow all local rules and hunting regulations in regard to removing the plug or dowel from the shotgun, as this will increase the shells that can be carried.
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