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Mag tube won't screw into receiver on 500A

Bridgebuster

Copper BB
I have an older 500A combo pak (18" barrel and 28" barrel, walnut stock and pistol grip, from early 80s. I also bought a new 500 and conversion kit to build what amounts to one of the new Shockwave 14" before they actually released the Shockwave already setup.
I decided I would like to put the new 18" barrel, WITH HEAT SHIELD, and its magazine tube onto the older 500A. Got everything disassembled and to my distress the new 500 mag tube would not screw into the older 500A receiver. The threads on both the older and newer mag tubes looks exactly the same to me. I took a plastic pick and chased the threads on both mag tubes and the older receiver just to be sure no crud was holding up the works. The new mag tube will begin to thread but then stops for some reason. I don't want to force it lest I cross-thread something.
Is it possible the new mag tube is bigger (thicker) than the older receiver? I've read that this is a compatible swap. The old mag tube will screw right onto the old receiver but the new tube just won't Any ideas would be much appreciated.
 
Turn the tube *backwards* til you hear and feel it click into the threads....that guarantees you won't cross thread. Once it starts, insert your finger into the receiver and push the mag follower up into the tube and then finish the mag tube screwing in. The follower often blocks the tube if you don't.

Welcome to the forum, BB!
 
Thanks RichardL. I thought about that and took the "guts" out of both mag tubes; same problem. The original tube goes into the older 500A smooth as silk. The newer 500 (longer) mag tube goes in a turn and a half and just stops. Refuses to go any further and I'm extremely reluctant to try to force it. I've tried lubing the threads to see if stiction is the problem . . . no go. I have no idea why it would act like this. I thought it would be a really easy swap. Not the first time I've been wrong. :)
Any ideas on what to do next? Would the folks at Mossberg answer if I could find a way to reach them?
Thanks for any additional help.
 
Sorry to hear about your problem.

Sounds like it's got some bad threads.

Is the mag tube you are having a problem with brand new? If so send........
Joseph Zakher
jzakher@maverickarms.com

an email explaining your problem.

Mention you are a member here and they might send you a new one. ...?????
 
Thank you brother. What a wonderful asset this forum is! I'll certainly give it a shot, and report back what happened.
 
Thanks folks for helping me on this. I took the advice above and contacted Joseph Zakher
jzakher@maverickarms.com
He assured me that it would fit but that it would take some muscle. He promised that it would not damage the receiver or mag tube. He said even there in the factory they have to use a good bit of muscle. So, I cleaned both sets of threads and carefully installed the mag tube. It did take a good bit of muscle and I advanced it very slowly and it did seat all the way. Before I talked to Joseph, I used a digital micrometer and found that the outside of the mag tube threads on the new mag tube were .001 more in diameter than the old one. Apparently the new threads were indeed a bit larger than the old, but still in spec. I hope this experience, and the advice given, will be of use to someone else.
 
Glad you got it fixed and thank you for keeping us posted.
 
I just replaced mine on my 500AB last night, and it was tough about 1/2 way in, then screwed the rest of the way on fine.


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