called mossberg today and talked to a woman who wouldnt let me talk to a tech but relayed the message back and forth to one while i was still on the phone.( thought that was wierd!) she was trying to tell me this was normal and especially with heavy loads. i said it never did that before so i insisted on sending it in. they will do the labor for free but if there are any parts it will cost me. the gun is more than 10 years old but maybe a 100 rounds through it. it is in barely used and near mint condition. it was never hunted with mostly a range gun for slugs and water jugs. i guess they will get this one back!