I’m here to share my hands-on experience with the Mossberg SA-20, a shotgun that many outdoor enthusiasts like me swear by. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a solid piece of equipment, but like anything else, it’s got its own set of issues.
I’ve encountered various issues—from trigger assembly glitches to ejection problems and even feeding and cycling issues. Yeah, it sounds like a lot, but don’t worry. I’m not just here to point out the problems.
I’ve managed to troubleshoot most of these issues and have solutions to share that’ll make your life easier.
I’m aiming to walk you through the most common problems you might face with the Mossberg SA-20 and offer you some tried-and-true solutions.
Overview of Mossberg SA-20 Issues & Solutions
| Mossberg SA-20 Problems | Solutions |
| Trigger Assembly | Inspect and replace worn parts in the trigger assembly. |
| Ejection Problem | Clean and lubricate the ejection port thoroughly. |
| Feeding Issue | Regular maintenance and part replacement for worn components. |
| Cycling Issue | Use quality ammunition and keep the moving parts lubricated. |
| Barrel Overheating | Practice controlled shooting and use a barrel cooler. |
Top 5 Problems & Solutions for the Mossberg SA-20
1. Trigger Assembly Problem
Now, let’s tackle the trigger assembly issue. This one’s not as obvious as the others, but trust me, it can seriously mess up your day. I was out in the field, getting my aim right, and when I squeezed the trigger, it felt spongy and inconsistent.
Instead of a clean, crisp pull, the trigger felt off. Then, on a few occasions, it failed to fire altogether. When you’re out there ready to take your shot, the last thing you want is your trigger acting up, right?
Solution
So, how did I fix this? I rolled up my sleeves and disassembled the trigger assembly for a close inspection. Yep, some worn parts were definitely in need of replacement. After replacing the worn sear and hammer, the trigger was crisp and responsive and back to its old self.
If you’re not the DIY type, don’t sweat it. A professional gunsmith can sort this out for you. But honestly, regular maintenance can save you from getting to this point.
So, be proactive, check your trigger assembly now and then, and replace any parts showing signs of wear. It’s that simple.
2. Ejection Problem
Ah, the notorious inconsistent ejection. It’s like your spent shells do not want to leave the shotgun!
During my time with the Mossberg SA-20, I experienced this more than a couple of times. One minute, you’re shooting fine, and then bam! A shell refuses to eject.
Annoying, isn’t it? After a little inspection, it became clear that dirt and grime were the culprits. Over time, they had built up in the ejection port and were mucking up the whole system.
Solution
So, what did I do to fix this? Well, I cleaned the heck out of that ejection port. You’ve got to be thorough here. I used a good-quality gun-cleaning solvent and a soft brush to remove unwanted debris.
But I didn’t stop there. To seal the deal, I lubricated the ejection mechanism post-cleaning.
You won’t believe how much of a difference it made. These are simple steps, but they go a long way in ensuring that your shotgun runs like a well-oiled machine.
3. Feeding Issue
Let’s get into the details of another frustrating problem: irregular feed mechanisms. When I was out in the field, it was super noticeable that the shells weren’t feeding consistently.
It’s like the shotgun had a mind of its own! One moment, it was smooth sailing, and the next, it just wouldn’t feed.
I mean, who wants to deal with that, especially when you’re aiming for a smooth operation? I found out this could be due to wear and tear, which makes a lot of sense if you’re frequently using your Mossberg SA-20.
Solution
So, how did I tackle this? Simple: regular maintenance and checking up on those internal components. I went in and took a good look at all the parts.
Where I found wear and tear, I replaced the components. There are measures here. Additionally, I implemented a solid cleaning routine to keep everything in tip-top shape.
Believe it or not, a consistent cleaning schedule can make all the difference. So, don’t neglect your shotgun. Get into a regular habit of maintenance, and you’ll avoid this issue altogether.
4. Cycling Issue
Okay, let’s dive into another issue: poor cycling of shells. This one’s a doozy. On several occasions, I’d pull the trigger only to find the shotgun didn’t cycle properly.
The spent shell would stay stuck, or a new one wouldn’t load up. Talk about throwing off your game! I quickly realized that the culprit could be either bad ammo, poor maintenance, or even both. It was super frustrating and certainly needed fixing ASAP.
Solution
Now, onto the good stuff: how I fixed it. First things first, I swapped out the low-quality ammunition for something more reputable.
This made an immediate impact; the pressure was just right for proper cycling. Next, I took out my trusty cleaning kit and gave the Mossberg SA-20 a good scrub.
Lubrication followed. I applied a thin layer to all the moving parts responsible for cycling. Remember, the Mossberg is a gas-operated auto-loader. This means the gas system should be cleaned and lubed as recommended by Mossberg.
Keeping that in mind really made a difference. If you’re facing similar issues, consider doing the same.
5. Overheating Barrel
Look, I get it. The thrill of rapid-fire shooting is hard to resist, especially when you’re out in the field with a shotgun as smooth as the SA-20.
But beware! During my sessions, I felt the barrel getting hotter and hotter, to the point where I started worrying about its integrity.
Overheating is no joke. Excessive heat can actually cause the metal to warp. Now, think about it—a warped barrel is a recipe for inaccuracy and could even cause long-term damage to your shotgun.
Solution
So, what’s the workaround here? I switched my approach to more controlled shooting. This means giving the shotgun some time to cool off in between rounds. Patience is key. Additionally, I invested in a barrel cooler.
This handy gadget sped up the cooling process. The result? A cooler barrel and a shooter at ease, knowing his firearm is in top-notch condition.
Simple solutions, yes, but they make all the difference. Trust me on this one.
Final Verdict
Alright, let’s sum it up. The Mossberg SA-20 has a lot going for it—easy to handle, comfortable grip, and it performs like a dream most of the time.
Nothing’s perfect, and the SA-20 isn’t an exception. Some issues could disrupt your shooting experience, from spongy triggers to barrel overheating. However, these are far from deal-breakers, especially considering that most problems have straightforward fixes.
Regular maintenance and being proactive about checking the components go a long way in preventing these issues.
And if you do face them, a little cleaning and sometimes part replacement can get your shotgun back on track. So, is the SA-20 worth it? Absolutely.
FAQ’s
How much does a Mossberg SA 20 weigh?
The Mossberg SA-20 weighs approximately 6.25 pounds.
How many rounds does a Mossberg SA 20 hold?
The Mossberg SA-20 can hold one round in the chamber and five in the tube, but extensions are available to increase the capacity to eight rounds.
How much is a Mossberg SA 20 turkey?
The Mossberg SA-20 Turkey version is priced at around $669.99.
Does Mossberg make a 20 gauge automatic shotgun?
Yes, Mossberg does offer a 20-gauge automatic shotgun, known as the Mossberg International SA-20.
