Unloading the Mossberg 500 question

[an actual gun]

Simple question that I can't get an answer to by searching.

Do ALL models of the Mossberg 500 have the feature where you can unload the magazine from the magazine?

The reason I ask is, I have heard some shotguns (not necessarily Mossbergs) do not have a feature where you can unload the magazine directly from the magazine well; you must cycle the action to unload these shotguns.

I understand the Mossberg 500's design has seen quite a lot of changes over the years such as the changing of integral parts, the addition of twin bar actions, etc. and so I'm curious for future reference if the unloading feature has been the same throughout its production years. This could prove useful knowledge when dealing with older manufacture Mossbergs

I guess this question also applies to pump action cousin models of the Mossberg such as the 835, if you so choose to delve into that matter as well.

Just a question that popped into my head. Thanks in advance for responses.

[gcvt]

Bump....for answers for the OP.

[ponderosa]

I have an older Mossberg 500 8-shot security. There is a cartridge stop that holds the shells in the magazine tube. Depress this and the cartridge will pop out. No need to cycle the shotgun...

[Macadelic4]

I have an older Mossberg 500 8-shot security. There is a cartridge stop that holds the shells in the magazine tube. Depress this and the cartridge will pop out. No need to cycle the shotgun...

There is a trick to doing this with some 500's, however. Slugs and buckshot tend to "stick" due to the extra metal on them when you simply depress the cartridge stop, so you sometimes need to push in against the shell and press the stop at the same time.

It's easier to do this with birdshot (generally just pressing the stop will cause them to pop out), but in any case it's good to practice to make sure you know how your Mossy's mag spring tension and cartridge stop work.

[low94noma]

Both the posts above hit it right on. That is the same way I unloaded my Mossberg 500. Play around with what shells you would be using in the shotgun to see how each type of load reacts to being manually removed by depressing the cartridge stop.

[an actual gun]

Thanks for the answer guys. I appreciate it!