4 Most Common Mossberg SA-28 Problems & How To Fix

I got my hands on a Mossberg SA-28 and took it out for some field testing. Let me tell you, it’s a fine piece, but it’s not without its issues. 

Well, I experienced cycling problems, jamming issues, a less-than-ideal trigger pull, and even some barrel-related difficulties. 

In this article, we’re going to tackle each of these problems head-on and give you some solid fixes. Trust me, by the end of it, you’ll have a much smoother experience with this firearm.

Overview of Mossberg SA-28 Issues & Fixes

Top 4 Mossberg SA-28 Problems & Solutions

1. Cycling Problem

When I took the Mossberg SA-28 for some field action, I immediately noticed a persistent cycling problem. 

The bolt wasn’t operating smoothly, causing inconsistent ejection and chambering. The shotgun’s action felt sluggish, leading to both feed and extraction issues. 

It wasn’t just a “one-off” thing; it happened repeatedly. For a semi-automatic shotgun, especially one that operates on a gas system like the SA-28, a smooth cycle is crucial for rapid shots and reliability.

 It appeared that the bolt carrier assembly was not reciprocating efficiently, affecting the shotgun’s overall performance.

Solution

To tackle this, I took a multi-step approach. First, I disassembled the shotgun and performed a detailed cleaning, focusing on the gas ports, bolt assembly, and recoil spring. Factory grease and residues can significantly hinder action performance. 

Next, I inspected the gas piston and seals, replacing the O-rings with high-quality, heat-resistant versions. Since this is a gas-operated firearm, proper gas flow is critical. But the real game-changer was upgrading the recoil spring. 

I opted for a premium-grade, high-tension recoil spring designed for semi-automatic shotguns. Post these modifications, the cycling issues were resolved to a great extent. 

The bolt carrier moved seamlessly, providing consistent chambering and ejection. I ran several rounds through it afterward, and the cycling was pretty much flawless. A well-functioning recoil system and clean gas ports turned out to be the key.

2. Jamming Problem

During my field testing with the Mossberg SA-28, the jamming problem was another headache. This is serious stuff, especially when you’re relying on a shotgun for timely shooting. 

The jams happened mostly during feeding, right when the bolt was supposed to lock into the chamber. What I figured was that the bolt was not going fully into battery, leaving the shotgun unusable until I manually cleared the jam. 

For a semi-auto, which relies on precision mechanics, these jams were disappointing and disrupted my whole shooting flow.

Solution

To tackle this, my first step was to thoroughly clean the chamber and polish it a bit, making sure there were no obstructions or rough surfaces that might impede the bolt’s movement. 

After that, I scrutinized the extractor claw and ejector, as they are critical in ensuring proper feeding and ejection. I replaced the stock extractor with a higher-grade, more durable one. 

After these adjustments, the shotgun worked a whole lot better, almost as if the jams were a thing of the past.

3. Lack of Quality Trigger Pull

Alright, let’s talk trigger pull, a cornerstone of any shooting experience. When I was using the Mossberg SA-28 out in the field, I couldn’t help but notice how the trigger pull was less than satisfactory. It felt gritty, with an inconsistent break point. 

This is not just a minor annoyance; it can seriously impact your accuracy and reaction time. In a semi-automatic shotgun where every millisecond counts, an inconsistent trigger can mess up your shooting rhythm big time.

I even measured the pull weight with a trigger gauge and found it to be quite variable, ranging from a bit too light to uncomfortably heavy.

Solution

Now, onto the fix. My first move was to disassemble the trigger assembly and give it a thorough cleaning. Removing any built-up grime can sometimes solve half the problem. 

Then, I applied a small amount of high-quality firearm grease to the sear and hammer contact points. But the main fix was replacing the trigger spring with a higher-quality one. 

These springs are made to offer a more consistent pull weight, and they really do make a difference. When I took it out for another test, the improvement was notable. 

The trigger pull felt much smoother and broke at a more consistent weight. This not only improved the shotgun’s performance but also made for a more enjoyable shooting experience.

4. Barrel Problem

During my time with the Mossberg SA-28, I started noticing some inconsistent shot patterns, which led me to suspect a barrel issue. 

Upon closer inspection, I found that the interior of the barrel had some irregularities. You’d think a shotgun barrel would be the least of your concerns, right? Wrong. 

An uneven or damaged interior surface can mess up your shot pattern and seriously affect your accuracy. Even though it’s a smoothbore, the internal barrel conditions are crucial for pellet dispersion and range.

Solution

Alright, let’s get to the fix. The first thing I did was give the barrel a rigorous cleaning using a bore snake followed by a phosphor bronze brush and gun-specific solvent. 

This removed any lingering residues that could affect shot consistency. But to really solve the problem, I had to go a step further. I decided to get the barrel professionally honed. Honing improves the interior barrel surface, making it smoother and more consistent. 

After the honing process, I saw a marked improvement in my shot patterns. The pellets dispersed more uniformly, and the overall shooting experience felt better. 

So, if you’re facing similar barrel issues with your SA-28, a good honing service could be the answer you’re looking for.

Final Verdict

Alright, folks, that wraps up my hands-on experience with the Mossberg SA-28. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a solid shotgun. Sure, it has its issues like cycling problems, jamming, and inconsistent trigger pull, not to mention barrel concerns. 

But, hey, no firearm is perfect right out of the box. What’s important is the firearm’s potential for improvement. Every issue I encountered was fixable, either through some DIY work or professional tuning. 

By taking the time to make these adjustments, I’ve transformed the SA-28 into a reliable tool for the field. So, if you’re willing to put in a bit of effort, this shotgun can deliver a performance that is, frankly, quite impressive.

FAQ’s

Is the Mossberg SA-28 a good gun?

Yes, the Mossberg SA-28 is a reliable shotgun, especially effective within reasonable ranges.

Who makes Mossberg SA-28?

The Mossberg SA-28 is manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons.

Are Mossberg rifles good?

Yes, Mossberg rifles, like the Mossberg Patriot, offer good performance, reliability, and are priced fairly.

Is Mossberg a good brand?

Mossberg is a reputable brand that has been making quality firearms for over a century.