5 Mossberg SA 410 Problems & How To Fix

I recently had the chance to test out the Mossberg SA 410 shotgun in the field. I have to say, it’s got a lot going for it. 

While the SA 410 offers a lot of features that shooters will appreciate, I ran into some issues that you may face as well. 

In particular, I’ve experienced feeding problems, jamming issues, thread problems, extractor issues, and some safety concerns. 

This article aims to help you understand these common problems better and guide you through resolving them. By the end of this article, you’ll be better equipped to handle any snags you might hit with your Mossberg SA 410.

Overview of Mossberg SA 410 Problems & their Solutions

Top 5 Mossberg SA 410 Problems & Solutions

1. Feeding Problem

So, let’s get straight into it. One problem that gave me some serious pause was the feeding issue. Imagine you’re out shooting, and your Mossberg SA 410 starts trying to feed two shells at once into a single chamber. 

Yep, you got it; that leads to a jam. It’s a pretty frustrating one, too. This isn’t just a random one-off; I’ve had this happen more than once, which made me realize that it’s a common problem that needs addressing. 

And if you’re in a situation where you need your shotgun to be reliable, well, you can see how this is a real concern.

Solution

After some tinkering, it became apparent that the retainer spring might be the culprit here. A weak retainer spring doesn’t hold the shells in the magazine tube as securely as it should, making it easier for more than one to try and enter the chamber at once. 

So, what’s the game plan? Simply get that retainer spring replaced. 

Trust me, once you do, the feeding issue pretty much vanishes. I got mine replaced, and the problem was as good as gone. It’s a simple fix but one that makes all the difference in the world.

2. Jamming Issue 

Alright, let’s dive into another headache: jamming. Fresh out of the box, my Mossberg SA 410 seemed promising. 

It cycled through 4 or 5 rounds smoothly, and then—boom—a jam. This wasn’t a one-time thing; it happened almost every other round. 

It’s super frustrating, especially when you’re trying to get a feel for a new firearm. I mean, who wants to deal with jams when you’re trying to focus on your aim or the mechanics of the shotgun? Not me, that’s for sure. 

This recurring issue needed a closer look. I started observing the action closely and noticed that, yup, two rounds were trying to load simultaneously, causing the jam.

Solution

So, how did I tackle this annoying problem? I got down to some observation and noticed the two rounds trying to get loaded at the same time. It dawned on me that this was similar to the feeding issue I faced earlier. 

And guess what? Replacing the retainer spring did the trick here, too. Once I got that spring changed, the jamming issue became a thing of the past. 

The rounds started cycling like they should, making the experience a whole lot smoother. It’s a straightforward solution but one you should definitely consider if you’re facing this jamming issue.

3. Thread Problem

Now, let’s chat about another pesky issue: threading. In my time with the Mossberg SA 410, I tried attaching some accessories to the barrel. 

Simple enough, right? Wrong. I found myself wrestling with the gun because the thread wouldn’t even start to catch on the barrel. You read that right—it wouldn’t even start. 

Talk about frustration. This isn’t something you’d expect to encounter, especially when you’ve just invested in a new firearm. It made attaching anything to the barrel virtually impossible. Clearly, this was a problem that needed solving pronto.

Solution

So, what’s the fix here? Well, it’s pretty straightforward. If the thread won’t catch, it might be time to just get a new thread. I followed this exact course of action, and it worked like a charm. 

A new thread will cost you a bit, but the investment is well worth the hassle you’ll save. Once replaced, I had zero problems attaching accessories. 

Honestly, this is one of those simple but essential fixes. You shouldn’t have to struggle with something as basic as this, so swapping out the thread is a no-brainer.

4. Problems with the Extractor

So, here’s another issue that needs talking about the extractor problem. During my time out in the field, I noticed something odd. The Mossberg SA 410 sometimes didn’t want to pull the shell out of the barrel while unloading. 

It’s like the shell was stuck too far in to be pulled out by the extractor. I observed that this problem wasn’t consistent; it only happened with specific loads like Apex and Federal TSS. 

That was super frustrating. It felt like the gun was being choosy, which isn’t something you’d expect. I had to use a cleaning rod to bump the stubborn shell out manually. It’s not exactly what you’d call convenient, especially when you’ve only run about 20 rounds through the gun.

Solution

So, how did I fix this? After some thought, it hit me: could the issue be with roll-crimped shells? To test this out, I trimmed about 1/8” off the hull before crimping. 

And guess what? It worked. If you’re facing a similar issue, trimming the hull can make a big difference. Once trimmed, the shells were extracted just fine, no more wrestling or resorting to cleaning rods. 

It’s a simple enough solution that doesn’t require too much fuss but effectively resolves a very specific, yet annoying, problem.

5. Safety Issue

Alright, there’s a safety issue I think everyone should know about. Although I didn’t personally encounter this problem, it’s serious enough to mention. 

Imagine the firearm’s hammer failing to fully engage the sear. Sounds technical, but what it boils down to is a scenario where the round could fire and cycle the slide without you even touching the trigger. 

This could potentially result in multiple discharges, putting not just the shooter but everyone nearby at risk. A firearm should be a tool of precision, not a ticking time bomb.

Solution

Since I didn’t experience this issue first-hand, my advice is based on Mossberg’s official response. There has been a safety recall for this exact problem. 

So, what should you do? Send it back to Mossberg for repairs. Yes, it’s inconvenient, but safety should always be the priority. You don’t want to take any chances with something as serious as this. 

Final Verdict

After spending quality time with the Mossberg SA 410, I’ve got a balanced perspective to share. This shotgun certainly brings a lot to the table—versatility, user-friendly features, and a design built for different shooting scenarios. 

But from feeding issues to extractor problems, I’ve had to wrestle with a few snags. But the upside? Most of these problems are fixable, often with simple solutions like replacing the retainer spring or trimming the shell hull. 

And let’s not forget about the safety recall. While it’s a hassle to send the firearm back to Mossberg, when it comes to safety, there are no shortcuts. 

Overall, if you’re willing to invest some time in understanding and troubleshooting, the Mossberg SA 410 could still be a reliable pick for your shooting needs.

FAQ’s

Are Mossberg 410 any good?

Yes, the Mossberg 410 is a good choice, especially for beginners due to its light kick.

Who makes Mossberg SA-410?

The Mossberg SA-410 is manufactured by Mossberg International.

How many rounds does a Mossberg 410 hold?

The Mossberg 410 has an impressive 6-round total capacity.

What is the maximum range of a 410 shotgun?

The effective range of a 410 shotgun is up to 40 yards.