Stiff Mossberg 500 Safety (Replacing)

[vinny_land]

Hi everyone!!!

Picked up a used Mossberg 500 a few months back. The safety was a stiff and had a hard time returning to the 'safe' position. I did some research and tried out a few techniques.

1. watch a movie while toggling back n forth
2. lube and play (that's what she said)
3. stop complaining and wear a glove (that's what she said)

After a few months of owning it, I've noticed that the safety hasn't loosened up at all and even after wearing a glove, my thumb starts to develop blisters. In my attempt to take apart the safety, I ended up cracking the thing.

So I'm looking to replace the safety for a steel one and instead of the 'anti-tamper' screws that were factory, I want to replace with standard or even hex screws. I can't find the size of the screw so asking if anyone out there knows?

Thanks!!!

[aippi]

There are a few parts in there so simply replacing the safety switch may not reslove the problem You should remove it and clean it first as there could simply be crud around the detent ball and spring. That is the first thing to do and then if the issue is still present you can change out the parts.

[vinny_land]

I've taken everything down and going to look for a replacement piece since I cracked the original plastic one during the takedown process. I want to use different screws than the original "tamper-resistant" ones and I am having trouble finding the right size. Going into Home Depot tomorrow morning to see what's available.

There are a few parts in there so simply replacing the safety switch may not reslove the problem You should remove it and clean it first as there could simply be crud around the detent ball and spring. That is the first thing to do and then if the issue is still present you can change out the parts.

I noticed that the shim was slightly bent upwards, like a leaf spring with a bolt through it if you can imagine (maybe safety screw was tightened way too much). Didn't notice any crud, just oil. Spring and detent ball appeared fine.

[RobG]

All mine have been tight. I replaced them all with larger ones from Brownells. There are a few different styles you can use. To remove the screw I use an armorers type screwdriver. Its a pain but works.

[land locked]

I have removed several mossberg 500 safeties. Use a proper sized screwdriver, make sure the shotgun is stable and apply downward pressure while turning the screw. No special tools needed. I replaced the plastic safety with an OEM mossberg metal one. Order a new detent ball, spring and shim. Should solve your problem and feel better with no blisters.

[vinny_land]

I have removed several mossberg 500 safeties. Use a proper sized screwdriver, make sure the shotgun is stable and apply downward pressure while turning the screw. No special tools needed. I replaced the plastic safety with an OEM mossberg metal one. Order a new detent ball, spring and shim. Should solve your problem and feel better with no blisters.

Is there any objection to just re-using the original parts? I've already took apart my safety and looking to replace the screw instead of the anti-tamper kind.

Haven't had to time to go look at local gun shops for a safety and most likely going to order online. As for the screw, I plan on just taking the safety lock (the metal piece that the safety screw goes into) with me when I go to Home Depot.

[land locked]

I have reused the tamper screws without any problem. But seeing as how you are having a problem with the safety in the first place replace everything. Don't go cheap and order the safety with the all the parts needed including the metal. I use a drop of blue loctite to hold everything together just to make sure the crew doesn't back out. I would forget Home Depot. The parts should not cost you a whole lot of money.

[-hanko]

Is there any objection to just re-using the original parts? I've already took apart my safety and looking to replace the screw instead of the anti-tamper kind.

Haven't had to time to go look at local gun shops for a safety and most likely going to order online. As for the screw, I plan on just taking the safety lock (the metal piece that the safety screw goes into) with me when I go to Home Depot.

Brownells should have a kit. I'd be surprised if HD has the fasteners.

[RobG]

I have re-used the original screws without issue.

[vinny_land]

Brownells should have a kit. I'd be surprised if HD has the fasteners.

Update: Everything is fixed!!!

Went into a local gun store in Stockton and asked the guys at the counter for a Mossberg 500 safety. The gunsmith ended up helping me out and had a few sitting in the back. Sold me a metal replacement (from Brownell's) for $5 I guess you can get lucky sometimes with local shops.

Went to Home Depot and matched the safety screw to the wall with different size threads (used to find out what size you need by inserting the screw). So if anyone is interested in replacing the anti-tamper safety screw and opt for a hex head, 6-32 screw is the size you want (I forgot the length but I went with the size a tad longer than original). Tried to find a black screw but nothing available so ended up with a stainless steel one.

Took awhile mounting it all together until I remembered to put a dab of grease to keep the ball bearing from moving. Tiny squirt of blue loctite and done. The safety feels easier to toggle back and forth, and doesn't require heavy effort as before. The safety from Brownell's is a factory replacement piece and feels less abrasive than the original plastic one that was on it (kinda ironic that the plastic was rougher). Was a bit skeptical of having a stainless screw on an all black shotgun but eh...it actually looks pretty cool Like having different color threads on the functional buttonholes on your custom suit (if you're into that world).

I'll try and get pics up tomorrow so that you may get the idea. Thanks everyone for the help.