Maverick 88 vs. Mossberg 500

[roberts_usmc]

I like the Mossberg 500 over the Remington 870. It fits me better - its just much more ergonomical IMO.

I'm gonna get one from a pawn shop, because I believe most used guns are just as good as a new one. From looking around, I found several shotguns, and came across the Maverick 88. It seems that it is pretty similar in design, except for the safety. It seems to have a shorter barrel than most of the 500 variations, and it has a black synthetic stock. I like the shorter barrel, and the the wood stock isn't really important to me. I'm throwing around the idea of a pistol grip, and a black stock would make it much easier to do that.

What is the REAL difference in the Mav 88 and the Moss 500 - other than I can save 25-30 bucks?
The 88 just seems close to the Mossberg 500 Persuader. Am I wrong?

[XavierBreath]

The big difference, as you have found, is the location of the safety. There may be a few other differences, such as I've heard the Maverick barrels are thinner, etc. I don't know if there is truth to that. I'm not sure, but the Maverick might have a single slide arm, check to make sure.

I like the Mossy 500 (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2005/09/home-defense-shotguns.html)for the safety location, so the Maverick is out for me.

[mtnboomer]

I have a Maverick 88 and, other than the position of the safety, the only difference I found between it and the Mossberg was the Mav's butt is a little too low in the comb for me and I changed it with a Mossy butt and it fits perfectly now.

[rwking]

Do You Use Your Maverick For Hunting Or For Home Protection And Have You Had Any Problems With The Gun?

[MrAcheson]

It's location of the safety and the safety components themselves. I believe the Mossberg safety is drop safe because it blocks the hammer. The Maverick safety is not and does not. But just about everything else is the same. I think the barrels will even interchange.

[rugerdude]

Ummm what models are you looking at? There is a Maverick 88 field and a Maverick 88 HD model.

The Maverick 88 field model has a 28" barrel (same as Mossberg 500)
The HD model has an 18.5" barrel (same as Mossberg 500 persuader or 500a)

I have a Maverick 88 field model and a Mossberg persuader.

All parts will interchange between them with the exception of:

1. The trigger assemblies
2. The forend (The Maverick utilizes a simpler forend with 1 less part, this means that you CAN NOT put a forward pistol grip on the Maverick 88 unless you had the Mossberg 500 forend base piece with the action bars on it)

READ: BOTH GUNS HAVE DUAL ACTION BARS

Both guns have been 100% reliable, but the Maverick seems to have a slightly different finish on the reciever. Not really a bad thing, just something I noticed.

The mossber persuader and the maverick 88s have the same stock.

The persuader however, comes with a pistol grip (but it isn't really a nice thing to have on it, because it makes it very akward to use)

A new Maverick 88 retails here for 140 bucks new, the mossberg persuader cost 220 at the same store (Academy) In fact, I went there recently and they had the persuader and the Maverick HD model side by side...........and I couldn't tell them apart (until I cheated and looked at the safety)

The Maverick shotguns are made by Mossberg anyway.

Hope this helped, good luck.

[ron73644]

The Maverick and 500 are the best pump bargains out there, and they are tough, quality guns. The 500 Field offers some extras for the same price as, or cheaper than some others (ported, 2 bead sights, blued, etc.).......just a nice gun. My fit and finish was perfect. I got off track, but I'd go get that Maverick now.

[rwking]

i purchased one on november 3 2005 and it is on its way to the shop for the second time for repair, i was trying to find out if mine is a big POS or a lemon and need to ask for a replacement.

[ron73644]

What did you need to have repaired?

[rwking]

they replace the trigger mechanism and now its doing the same thing

[ron73644]

I'm sorry..............that's really aggravating.