Barrel rust on new 500 combo

[inky0ct0pus]

Hi all,

I just bought a new Mossberg 500 Combo from Big 5.
When I brought it home I noticed a half inch scratch with a little rust on it on the 18.5 inch barrel. I called the manager at Big 5 and he said he didn't know if they'd be able to switch out the barrel for me. He'd have to talk to his supervisor on Monday. He said they'd take care of me but worse case scenario would be that they might have to exchange the whole gun and do a whole new background check.
Would it be easier to just contact Mossberg directly? Would they take care of my problem? I bought the 500 because my 870 was having rust problems.

Here's a few pics from after I cleaned it.

Thanks.

[dvs762]

clean it good..get some cold blue and should be fine. Probably from shipping or factory. maybe they had it on display and got scratched in the gun rack but likely more trouble than its worth to get the store to deal with it. Maybe call Mossberg and see what they say..might just send you a barrel..

[CSACANNONEER]

It's a utility shotgun not an expensive safe queen. Just clean it, put a light coat of oil on it and forget about it. Hell, see if Big5 will give you a $20 gift card or some ammo instead of dealing with the exchange.

[LeadFarmer74]

It's a utility shotgun not an expensive safe queen. Just clean it, put a light coat of oil on it and forget about it. Hell, see if Big5 will give you a $20 gift card or some ammo instead of dealing with the exchange.

This for the win.

[inky0ct0pus]

Thanks for the replies. One more question; it also came with a 28 inch vent ribbed fixed modified choke barrel. I've read mixed responses about whether I'd be able to safely shoot slugs out of it. Are slugs okay to shoot? Will they damage the barrel?

[LeadFarmer74]

I don't shoot slugs out of my long mossberg barrel.

[inky0ct0pus]

I don't shoot slugs out of my long mossberg barrel.

What about the short one? Not for hunting or anything, just for fun.

[LeadFarmer74]

I've shot everything out of the short barrel with no issues. Shot a slug at a steel plate at 50 yds. It made a nice sound. I haven't had one issue with my 500 from big 5. Mine has the silver trigger.

[CSACANNONEER]

Well, let's see what Mossberg has to say:

http://www.mossberg.com/customer-service/faqs/

Can I shoot slugs or buckshot through a "smoothbore" field barrel with Accu-Choke™ tubes? (500/505/535/9200/88/930 models)
Yes, and with sabots or rifled slugs, the more "open" the choke tube, the better the accuracy ("Improved Cylinder" recommended.) The "full" or "modified" choke tubes are preferred for buckshot loads. Slugs, buckshot and steel shot loads are not recommended for use with an extra full "turkey tube" installed, due to the tube's tight constriction. Do not fire any load without a choke tube installed, doing so will damage the internal choke tube threads.

Since your's is a fixed choke, it is stronger than a screw out choke and is safe but not a preferred choke to use with slugs. You can google "can I shoot slugs out of a modified choke" and get the same answer from multiple reputable sources.

[hattles]

Contact Mossberg and they should replace the barrel. They may or may not have you send them your barrel for inspection and replacement...either way, you do have some good photos you can send them. You did not pay for a damaged shotgun and I'm sure Mossberg will have no issues replacing it.

If your OK with keeping the scratched barrel, there are products that can be used to at least color over the scratch. I use a black permanent marker to fill in the little scratches on a couple of my hunting shotguns...it won't fill in the scratch but it'll at least fill in the color.

Big 5 may or may not exchange it...besides, who wants to wait another 10 days. Perhaps the manager might even consider exchanging just the barrel out of another in stock combo and save you the trouble of dealing with it any further. They can easily return the damaged combo to their supplier for credit or exchange and it would save you the added grief. Worth the effort to try if you can't live with the scratched barrel.

MOSSBERG Customer Service
U.S. Customer Service (within all 50 states)
service@mossberg.com
(800) 363-3555

Should your firearm or any component of your firearm require service, kindly ship the entire firearm (not just components) to our Product Service Center postage paid, via your chosen carrier. We do not accept C.O.D. shipments.

Shipping Address:
Mossberg Product Service Center
Eagle Pass Industrial Park
1001 Industrial Blvd.
Eagle Pass, TX 78853

Shipping Instructions:

Make absolutely certain your firearm is unloaded.
Do not send ammunition with your firearm.
Remove all accessories (scopes, slings, etc).
Ship your firearm in a suitable container, packaging it securely to prevent parts from shifting and/or damage during shipping.
Include a note with a clear description of the service you wish us to perform, your complete return shipping address (no P.O. Boxes, please), your daytime telephone number and your e-mail address (if available).
It is advisable to place your correspondence inside the shipping container when shipping.

[j15w]

You can definitely safely shoot foster slugs out of the long barrel.

[olhunter]

It's a utility shotgun not an expensive safe queen. Just clean it, put a light coat of oil on it and forget about it. Hell, see if Big5 will give you a $20 gift card or some ammo instead of dealing with the exchange.

Yeah, this.

Sharpie that itty-bitty mark.

Now you don't have to worry about scratching it.

[I Swan]

That long barrel is a fixed choke and doesn't take accuchokes? That is somewhat surprising I didn't think Mossberg made long barrels like that for a long time. Must be a cost savings issue.

[fffblackmage]

^It's what comes with the cheap Big 5 version of the combo. It's definitely a cost saving thing to bring the combo to a lower price point (the forend is cheaper too).

[I Swan]

I thought all Mossberg 500's for some time now have that cheaper style forend? Not just economy type ones or ones sold by Big 5.