Wooden dowel in magazine tube?

[brandnew]

Apologies in advance if this has been covered. I haven't found the answer by searching this THR or Google.

To start out, I'm just now finally getting properly acquainted with my shotgun. I've got a Mossberg 500, and disassembling now I've found this wooden dowel with rubber grommets on it. Conceivably by removing it I would be able to fit another 3 or so shells in the tube. Now then, I would assume it was placed there by Mossberg for one of the following reasons:

A. Some states limit shotguns to hold a maximum of 5+1 shells or
B. The spring isn't designed to be compressed all the way to the end

I know of no laws in my state (WA), or at the federal level, limiting the number of shells a shotgun may hold in the magazine tube unless hunting (not applicable). So then, is there any reason why I would not want to remove this dowel?

 

[kentucky_smith]

Federal law limits migratory bird hunting to 2 in the tube and 1 in the chamber. Most states follow suit with other hunting.

You state it's not a hunting shotgun. Take out the plug.

 

[inSight-NEO]

Removing the plug should be fine.

 

[scmerrill71]

pencils work good to.

 

[ArmedBear]

Unless you are actually hunting game with the regulation, you can remove it. There's nothing saying you have to store your duck gun with a plug, either, as long as you put it in there while hunting.

Wooden plugs can accumulate moisture and contribute to rust. I'd remove it ASAP, and if I did go hunting, I'd get a plastic replacement for a few bucks. Word is that the air in your vicinity can contain a little humidity now and again.

 

[brandnew]

Thanks guys!

 

[kentucky_smith]

I have found pencils, a weed stalk and an old branch with bark still on it used as plugs in shotguns I've bought.

 

[JimKirk]

Small piece of 1/4" PVC pipe, arrow shaft -Graphite alum. or fiberglass, piece of heavy copper or alum. wire or rod!

Jimmy K

 

[oneounceload]

IF you ever go migratory hunting and forgot to reinstall the plug, the nice game warden will love to confiscate your gun, truck, etc.......and hand you a nice fine. Personally, IF I use a pump or semi for that, I prefer the plastic plugs - they don't absorb or hold mooisture

 

[slicers63]

A friend and I was hunting doves here in Arizona years ago when a game warden came by to check our licenses and guns. My friend did not have a plug in his gun, it was a borrowed gun, The game warden proceeded to whittle a pug out of a branch, very nice guy.

 

[Onmilo]

If you have an industrial supply outlet in your area, go get a piece of Delrin rod, 3/8" for a Mossberg.
They come in lengths of 12" increments at the place I buy mine and I get the 24" pieces and cut them to fit.

Delrin is strong, lightweight, and will not hold moisture or swell and bind in the magazine tube.

 

[Fred Fuller]

It's best to use something cylindrical for a plug, with neatly radiused ends. I've seen field expedient plugs (sticks with the bark and twigs still on) that mangled magazine springs badly enough they wouldn't function reliably.

lpl

 

[MCgunner]

The plug has never been out of my Mossberg. It's only reason for life is duck hunting. My Winchester 1400 only holds 3, game warden friendly. My other shotguns are single shots and side by sides.

 

[oneounceload]

I have never had a reason for more than three in the gun anyway; most of the times, no need for more than two

 

[ArmedBear]

A friend and I was hunting doves here in Arizona years ago when a game warden came by to check our licenses and guns. My friend did not have a plug in his gun, it was a borrowed gun, The game warden proceeded to whittle a pug out of a branch, very nice guy.

Must have been a LONG time ago.

I have never had a reason for more than three in the gun anyway; most of the times, no need for more than two

You must not hunt California Quail in the hills and canyons here. Covey of 25 finally flushes after you've been trudging around for a few hours, and you want Tom Knapp's extended mag Benelli (and his level of rapid-fire skill). Those are probably the last birds you'll see that day.

 

[41magsnub]

One duck hunting trip last year I realized when I got there and loaded the shotgun I had the wrong plug in it. My other pump shotgun's tube is about 1/2" longer than this one and I put that plug in by mistake at the house, my 870 was reduced to a 2 shot. It is a wood plug and I did have a saw with me and could have trimmed it, I just decided I didn't care that much. I did fine...

 

[win71]

I'll remember that

Wooden plugs can accumulate moisture and contribute to rust. I'd remove it ASAP,

And the next time I get done hunting I'll pull it out. It's been in that Mod 12 since 1938.............

 

[oneounceload]

You must not hunt California Quail in the hills and canyons here. Covey of 25 finally flushes after you've been trudging around for a few hours, and you want Tom Knapp's extended mag Benelli (and his level of rapid-fire skill). Those are probably the last birds you'll see that day

Hunted them just down hwy 95 from you near Winnemucca and over by Reno. All those big fat birds in big coveys knew to stay in the residential area. We always busted between 1-4 birds, two shells worked fine. And especially for those damn chukar!.....