A few years back, when I first got into firearms, I knew I had to make sure my collection was well rounded before I started adding the fun guns. So after my first handgun, I followed that up with a used Mossberg 500 12 ga. When I purchased it, I didn't notice the small dent in the magazine tube. I have the 8 round tube, and the dent is located toward the muzzle end and it blocks the follower from traveling all the way to the end of the tube and prevents me from loading the last round.

 

I've been watching Brownell's and Midway, but the 8 round tube has been on back order for well over a year. I'm not in a rush to get it fixed, but does anyone have any suggestions on how to repair it? Replacing the tube would be best, and would only be ~$35, but lack of availability has me wondering if I can fix it.

How close to the end is it? If it's right at the end, a wirsbo expansion tool for pex would work. Alternatively, if you had access to a large air compressor you could probably seal it off enough then jolt it with a big volume of air. You could fill the tube with water and let it freeze.

 

I know there are expanders for the end of tail pipes and such but they're too big.

Used one on ebay for ~$50:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160928528194

Also, have you tried contacting Mossberg directly?

Annnndd...$20 starting bid on gunbroker:

 

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=318579967

Pressurized air/ice sounds interesting in theory, but I wonder; assuming that you can figure out a way to cap the ends so that you can build up the necessary pressure in the tube, are you certain that the dent would "pop" first before the tube ruptured somewhere else?

are you certain that the dent would "pop" first before the tube ruptured somewhere else?

 

My thoughts exactly. Good in theory, tho.

I used a socket from a wrench set to knock a dent out of a mag tube. Found the right size with trial and error. Start with the smallest socket that won't drop through the tube, put some lube on it, and used a rubber mallet to knock it past the dent. Then moved up to the next size and so on.

I used a socket from a wrench set to knock a dent out of a mag tube. Found the right size with trial and error. Start with the smallest socket that won't drop through the tube, put some lube on it, and used a rubber mallet to knock it past the dent. Then moved up to the next size and so on.

 

I like! Going to remember that technique in case I ever encounter one.

Ive used big ball bearings in a similar manner.

Ken

How close to the end is it? If it's right at the end, a wirsbo expansion tool for pex would work. Alternatively, if you had access to a large air compressor you could probably seal it off enough then jolt it with a big volume of air. You could fill the tube with water and let it freeze.

 

I know there are expanders for the end of tail pipes and such but they're too big.

 

It's about 2-2.5" from the muzzle end of the tube. I'll post a picture so you guys can see it.

 

Also, have you tried contacting Mossberg directly?

 

No, but I might try that.

 

Annnndd...$20 starting bid on gunbroker:

 

http://www.gunbroker...?Item=318579967

 

Funny, right in the description he mentions replacing a dented one. But $20 shipping seems a little steep.

 

I used a socket from a wrench set to knock a dent out of a mag tube. Found the right size with trial and error. Start with the smallest socket that won't drop through the tube, put some lube on it, and used a rubber mallet to knock it past the dent. Then moved up to the next size and so on.

 

That might work. I'll need to get my hands on a long extension to reach ~16" into the tube, but my father-in-law is a mechanic, so his shop has plenty of that kind of stuff laying around.

 

Thanks for the tips so far!