Educate me on Maverick 88 and Mossberg 500 differences please.

[deadcoyote]

Just what it says. Looking for an affordable shotgun for hunting and generally messing around with. The Mossberg 500 and Maverick 88 have a $100 price difference at my local big 5. Worth the $100 or just as good?

[cesboze]

Basically the same shotgun with some differences like the Mav 88's FCG is made in Mexico and other parts which brings down the price. Also the Mav 88's safety is located on the trigger guard as opposed to the 500's the safety is on top of the reciever. Mossberg 500 type shotguns are 100% built in the U.S.A. However, both shotguns are assembled in the U.S.A. & stamped made in U.S.A. Also, most parts are interchangeable on both shotguns with the exception of the FCG and pump assembly. Some one chime in if I missed anything.

[bizzlechopps]

hecho en mexico! get the 500

[drunktank]

As an FYI, the forearms don't come off on either of these shotguns like a "normal" 500. You'll have to buy a few pieces to do a change out.

The big 5 shotguns basically have a similar fore end as the maverick. Not a big deal, but just wanted to let you know.

Big 5 did sell normal 500's at one point however.

[sergismaximus]

159 @ dicks this weekend!

[land locked]

Big 5 still sells "normal" Mossbergs. The 8 shot security pump has the forend tube. Its $290 on Friday. Also the parkarized 500 with the ATI pistol grip/collapsable stock also has the forend tube. The combos do not have the forearm tube.

I have a few Mossberg 500's and a Maverick 88. The Maverick is all mossberg except as noted above. Safety on the trigger guard and the action bars are attached direct to the forend. The shells I put through it can't tell the difference.

[vinny_land]

The Black Friday sales price at Dicks for a Maverick 88 is tempting....

Must. Resist. To. Buy.

[dangerranger]

I have both, A 500 from the early 80s and an 88 that's about 1 year old. I actually prefer the safety on the trigger guard [TG]. My left handed son prefers it on the reciver. The new Mav has a plastic stock that I'm not wild about except that when it was covered with mud my son took it out into the yard and hosed it off. I spent an hour cleaning my wood stocked gun in the garage. Son, even after stripping it down and drying everything was done in half that time.[ and he did a good job! ] When I see a good deal on another Mav I may add another to the safe! My son found his used for $75. It appeared unfired,but was missing the ejector screw. If they fired this gun even at the factory it was with blanks because the finish was a black oxide and even the inside surfaces were freshly done! When I first shot the gun it had a 12 lb trigger. but after a few boxes of ammo it settled to a 7 lb pull. We use it as a field gun so I left it at that.