Shotgun Question

[Jbwilson1]

I bought a new mossberg model 500 "Grand Slam" turkey 12 ga shotgun 2 weeks ago. This past Friday I sighted it in and found that it shot at least 12 inches high at 40 yards. It has fiber optic front and rear sights. The rear sights are adjustable and I adjusted them all the way down. The gun still shoots 8 inches high. I wrote to customer service at mossberg but haven't gotten an answer. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm using 3 inch #5 magnum shotshells. The shot pattern is tight and that's great, but unless I can fix the sight problem I'm going to have to aim at the bird's feet in order to hit it in the head!!!

[PA Dave]

In years past competition shotgunners would "regulate" shotgun barrels by thumping them on a tire to bend(align) the barrels so that it would shoot correctly. In modern times there are barrel presses that bend the bbl by flexing the length till it takes a new "set". A qualified gunsmith would possibly offer this service, however, I would wait to hear from mossberg because "tweaking" the bbl would likely void your warranty.


Dave

[Jbwilson1]

To PA Dave - Thanks for the information. I'd never heard of this method of correcting the location of the shot pattern. I will wait to hear from mossberg on this one. I am hoping that if the problem is not readily correctable that mossberg may offer a new barrel or even a replacement shotgun. We'll have to wait and see. Thanks again. Jim

[PA Dave]

Again, I can't say enough how much you should consult with a gunsmith. Please do not start wailing your bbl against your bridgestones!!!

[Tomcat088]

LOL, I saw a VERY good competition skeet shooter "thump" his barrel at the range once. He had just gotten a $2,000 shotgun and couldn't hit anything with it. After he finished the round, he walked over to a shed they had to rest and watch others shoot, and he wedged it in there and bent the heck out of it. It looked ugly as all get out, but I didn't see him miss another one all day long.

[inkie]

JB Wilson,
I would surely wait for a reply from Mossberg and not use the fork of a tree or your Goodyears {Idon't like Bridgestones} for barrel bending. If they want you to send it back to the factory ask what they intend to do. There are easy fixes that they can do by removing some wood from the comb, adjust the front sight, and if has a rib, adjusting the rib. Just remember all these fixes are permanent except the front sight. So be sure its not you. I would use a benchrest and fire off a few more shots to be sure and you can send them the sheet. Good Luck