for longtime storage of a shotgun, should i leave the ejection port open or closed?

Question

....to not keep springs depressed, etc.
for mossberg 500

Answer 1

For long time storage leaving any kind of shell in the chamber isn't really a wise idea, over long periods of time they stick in the bore.Just oil all the internals really good, close the chamber, pull the trigger (one dry fire isn't going to damage the firing pin or the spring) wrap it loosely in a dye free cotton shammy, and store it someplace dark with low humidity.

Answer 2

Don't Chamber any thing. I suggest using some sort of Gun Grease for long term storage. Spray a good rust inhibitor down the reservoir around the bolt. If worried about spring life, simply make sure the gun is de-******. I Owned a gun store and stored shotguns ****** for several months empty of course. But dry firing a Mossberg 500 one time should not hurt it. Repeated dry firing on the other hand can damage any firearm. Mostly revolvers without a transfer bar. My main concern for long term storage is rust prevention. Springs Usually wear out from excessive flexing. Port closed, it will keep dust out of the reservoir. The more sealed up a gun is, the better! This applies to all guns.

Answer 3

The general rule for storage of all guns is to have the springs as relaxed as possible. In this case it means the ejection port should be closed.

Answer 4

Boker_mag, has the right idea. I used a Mossburg 500 instead of the Rem 870 that was issued to me whiled employed by the Sheriff's Department for two reasons, 1) the amount of 3" mag rounds it could hold and (2) they just don't jam. When you life is on the line out of the middle of no where and I mean no where ( closest back up was 50 minutes away) on good driving conditions, not snow or ice the last thing you need to worry about is your shotgun jamming when your up against 5 or 6 drug addicts with warrents and your 75 miles from town. Oh, don't mistake the rem 870, it's a very good weapon, The mossburg was just my preference.

Answer 5

I would get a "dummy" shell, put it in the chamber and pull the trigger to relieve the tension on the firing pin. Don't pull the trigger on an empty chamber as this could damage the firing pin spring. Then keep the ejection port closed. Occasionally apply a light coat of oil and store in dry place out of humidity.

Answer 6

during longtime storage it is alway wise with any firearm to leave the action open. springs will be ok either way. Also see if you can find one of those moisture proof firearms bags(cheaperthandirt may have them) then oil gun and put it in one of those with one of them moisture absorbing packets, and it shoud be good for years.

Answer 7

Closed and un-******.

Answer 8

closed.