I took it ll apart, sprayed it with brake cleaner ,dried it off and reassembled it.I haven't take it to the range yet, but the action now slides smoothly.The only issue I can see is the safety seems to come partially on,and that possably is causing the hesitation.I never use a safety anyway,and if it was strictly up to me,I'd remove it,but I am reluctant to take things off.I'm not sure if the safety could be tighted up.
As I said-its a nice little rifle,I like the old mossbergs,got a 342,352 and a 144.The only issue with the 144 is the front sight[multiple beads]is loose,it should be tight.