Mossberg 930 Semi Auto--Bolt Stuck Closed

[underthesun]

I have never owned a shotgun before but figured it was time to give it a try. I purchased a Mossberg 930 (Guard Dog edition) on sale at a LGS couple of months ago. To become familiar the shotgun, I was going through the ropes of loading and unloading it (closely following the instructions on the user manual). However, after the third time loading the shotgun (7 in the magazine +1 in the barrel) the bolt become stuck closed.

I was able to unload the 7 in the magazine by taking apart the magazine. But there is still 1 left in the barrel and the bolt will not budge no matter how hard I try (Federal Premium 2 3/4 12 Gauge Buckshot).

Any suggestions from the experienced shotgun guys on how to solve this problem? Should I just take it to the local range and try shooting it out? Or does stuck bolt this indicate a problem with the shotgun? What about taking it to a local gunsmith for a quick fix (but that means transporting a loaded weapon and will a gunsmith do work on a loaded firearm)?

Any advice to solve this problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Dannicus]

Put it on safe, case it. Someone here could probably try and walk you through steps to fix it, but I'd play it safe and have a pro do it.

In the future, practice loading at the range or get a bunch of snap caps.

Edit: I was a bit hasty in giving you advice. I don't recommend transporting your gun with a live round in the chamber. It's not legal in california.

CALL the gunsmith. The right gunsmith will sort this out.

[underthesun]

Sounds like a great idea. Thanks. I appreciate the advice.

[Chilidaugz]

Lesson be learned, use snap caps.

[bigbearbear]

Lesson be learned, use snap caps.

This. NEVER practice at home with live rounds!

The first thing you'll want to do, is to call Mossberg customer service and ask if they might be able to guide you on the phone how to fix it.

What most likely happened, is that you've been using those same rounds to load/unload, and that those rounds are cheap shells with steel base. They get deformed after you load/unload them a few times by racking the bolt, so now what you have essentially is a shell with expanded steel base stuck in the chamber and the bolt/extractor cannot pull it back.

EDIT: I too just realized you have a live round in the shotgun, transporting it is going to be problematic. Call Mossberg first.

[anti]

And if you decide to buy snap caps, make sure you buy the A-Zoom brand snap caps. They're made of aluminum and colored a shiny, dark red. Plastic ones can and will break.

Good luck and I hope you get it all sorted out. It's never fun having gun issues.

[rimntwitne]

They get deformed after you load/unload them a few times by racking the bolt, so now what you have essentially is a shell with expanded steel base stuck in the chamberand the bolt/extractor cannot pull it back.

[ChrisZ]

I believe you can take the trigger group along with the shell lifter out by pushing out the two pins in the receiver. Now you should be a bit safer from discharging unwillingly. At the same time, you may also have a better access to the bolt, which you may be able to pry it open, but be EXTRA careful with the firing pin (you don't want to go to the jail). Good luck, and be safe.

[Mandalorian]

happened to me, Remington semi/she'll got stuck. Brand new maybe some parts are still tight. Call Mossberg or a few thumps with a rubber mallet ( my backyard pointed at safe direction of course ). worked for me.

[Dannicus]

I believe you can take the trigger group along with the shell lifter out by pushing out the two pins in the receiver. Now you should be a bit safer from discharging unwillingly. At the same time, you may also have a better access to the bolt, which you may be able to pry it open, but be EXTRA careful with the firing pin (you don't want to go to the jail). Good luck, and be safe.

If I were going to go that route, I'd stick a stacked couple of tongue depressors behind the bolt to block the hammer from striking the pin should the unthinkable happen while tapping those pins.

[ChrisZ]

Well, everyone's mileage varies. My experience, it can be pushed out if I push hard enough. Of course, exercise extreme caution if tapping is needed. Better yet, hire professional to be safe.

If I were going to go that route, I'd stick a stacked couple of tongue depressors behind the bolt to block the hammer from striking the pin should the unthinkable happen while tapping those pins.

[Dannicus]

Well, everyone's mileage varies. My experience, it can be pushed out if I push hard enough. Of course, exercise extreme caution if tapping is needed. Better yet, hire professional to be safe.

Tap or push. Block that hammer anyway.

[LiferLance]

Do you have a clearing barrel or a safe accidental discharge olace? If not, put it on safe, and call a gunsmith or mossberg. If that she'll gets set off it'll make one hell of a mess out of a wall.