88 Vs. 500

[Mr. Blue]

At 7:19am I got an email about the Mossberg 500 combo back in stock for $380. I went to check it out at 7:50am and it was sold out.

The Mossberg Maverick 88 combo sells for $230 when in stock. Would you recommend one over the other?

[9Cal_OC]

Both are solid. What’s the purpose you have for them?

[meno377]

The ONE functional difference is the safety. The ONE aesthetic difference that limits the look is the forearm. BUT I would get the Maverick as it is just as reliable and if you really want to have a different forearm, you can always buy a new action slide that allows whatever forearm you desire like the Mossberg.

Personally it's not a big deal about the safety, but others will feel differently about it. Personal choice.

[sonofeugene]

If you don't make any changes to the forearm, the 88 is OK. But the 500 really is the better gun.

[BigPimping]

Honestly in this day and age, get what's available. Both are very good. The 500 is better.

[pennstater]

As mentioned, what's the purpose?

[sigstroker]

Local wally's has 500's at 500 bucks, gunbroker has shockwaves around 600 bucks...

[pennstater]

If either one is for casual field, range or HD use, either one will be more than fine.

[wolfmann]

Downside of the 88 is the light crappy stocks and while safety location is a preference thing the 88 has a VERY stiff safety.You can switch out the forearm using a 500 slide tube easy to do and cheap if you look around.

[Spyder]

I very much prefer the 500 safety position. Probably because it's what I grew up with. If you're not already accustomed to that, the 88 will do a lifetime of service just fine.

[W.R.Buchanan]

500 is just a better gun, that's why it costs more. The safety position is a big issue.

I have two of these one short one and one long one both are excellent guns and I have fired both extensively. Both are set up exactly the same way but for barrel length. You've seen pics of both guns many times here.

Randy

[DennisCA]

At 7:19am I got an email about the Mossberg 500 combo back in stock for $380. I went to check it out at 7:50am and it was sold out.

The Mossberg Maverick 88 combo sells for $230 when in stock. Would you recommend one over the other?

For what is worth: I own two Mossberg 500's, one in 20 ga (this one is bird hunting-it's lighter than 12) and one in 12 ga. Both have been solid-solid guns.

[bigbossman]

I think the top mounted safety is a desirable feature.

[sigstroker]

I very much prefer the 500 safety position. Probably because it's what I grew up with. If you're not already accustomed to that, the 88 will do a lifetime of service just fine.

Where is it on the 88?

[9Cal_OC]

Where is it on the 88?

By the trigger guard. Similar to Remington.