I'm leaning towards getting a Maverick 88

[zombiescanlearn]

Anyone with any experience with this shotgun?

[crackerman]

Slightly off brand made by mossberg. Parts are 99% interchangeable with mossbergs, but don't plan on getting a new forend without replacing the whole unit. Its 1 piece unit in the mavericks. Barrels swap between them. And don't worry if you get the 8 shot model and want to do hunting later, they make a barrel for that.

[socalsldr]

I have a Maverick 88 and love it. Like auxcoastie said, it's pretty much the little brother of the Mossberg 500 and parts are interchangable. I recommend calling Mossberg first, talking to a tech and seeing if a part is interchangable before buying it. I just got my 88 from my dad and am loving it so far, so many options to choose from, from security to field.

[Reductio]

I'd skip the Maverick, and go for the Big 5 Mossberg 500 combo. YMMV

[zombiescanlearn]

I'd skip the Maverick, and go for the Big 5 Mossberg 500 combo. YMMV

That's the debate I'm having in my head between the Mossy 500 and the Maverick 88. The big question is: "the 500 is twice the price, but is it twice the gun?"

From what I have read, it's practically the same gun. The difference seems to be less of the parts are made with metal in the 88 than the 500 -- and the 88 is made in Mexico while the 500 is made here in the U.S.

Is my information right?

That's why I'm leaning towards the 88.

[CZ9]

I bought a maverick 88 as my first shotgun and never regreted it. Ive put on a pistol grip only, pistol grip with shoulder stock, but the factory buttstock is the best bet.
as for the mossberg 500 combo set, I worked at a sporting goods store that sold em, and man did quality in those ones drop. The mosberg combo sets are using cheap stocks and forends, so thin, you can flex the stock on them... idk if the mavericks made currently are this weak because I bought mine about 5 years ago. If you get a chance to handle the mossberg 500 combo set vs the "nicer" 590 or the security versions, they have a better feel of their plastics....
anyhoo i just felt my older maverick 88 was way better quality than the newer 500s ive handlef

[Halfey]

I got the mossy 500 combo at big 5 for only $279. Comes with 18" and 28" VR barrel.

I don't know how much the Mav you are lookin at is going for but $279 for a 500 w/ 2 barrels that's a sweet deal worth saving a little longer for.

Otherwise I have only heard good things about the Mavrick but no personal experance

[socalsldr]

Your pretty much right though, Maverick 88 is much less expensive than the Mossy, though I do have to say the Mossy 500 is one heck of a shotgun, you can't go wrong with the 88. My dad has had it for over 10yrs and it's still kicking like a champ now that it's in my hands

[shafferds]

My coworker has had a 500 for over 20 years and I have had a 500 for 5 years. No problems and great shotgun.

[MrMarco]

If you're shrort on cash, get the Mav. If you're not, get the 500 security combo. Either way, you can't go wrong...

[zombiescanlearn]

I'm staring at Turner's weekly ad that has the 88 for $199 and the 500 for $319. I'm paralyzed by the choices... I can't believe it, I've become my wife choosing shoes!!!

[alex45auto]

Why not Rem 870?

[Bigdaa]

I'm staring at Turner's weekly ad that has the 88 for $199 and the 500 for $319. I'm paralyzed by the choices... I can't believe it, I've become my wife choosing shoes!!!

That's some funny stuff right there.

[zombiescanlearn]

Alex45auto, I already have to choose between the sexy brunette and the hot blonde. I don't need that killa red head to give me the bedroom eyes lol

[zombiescanlearn]

decided to go with the 88. It's going to be my first shotgun. So, I'm going to mall ninja it out just for the fun of it. Duracoat it, etc. Do all the things I would never do on my pricier firearms to learn what not to do to them.

Thanks everyone.