Mossberg 500A - play in receiver

[shub]

recently bought a old Mossberg 500A and I notice that there is a lot of side to side play with the receiver-slide when the receiver is extended out. The play is a good inch side to side, Is this normal?, if not how would I fix this.

Otherwise its in great shape.

 

[gunrunner100]

There is a certain amount of lateral play with the "pump" due to the action bar tube riding on the magazine tube. IIRC, the 500 A had a threaded magazine tube and you may want to check to see that the tube has not backed out of the receiver. This would cause lateral play as well as feeding problems. Also check to see that the forend is still held on tightly to the action bar tube with the forend nut.