The 88 is not just the 500 "lite", it is an entirely different design and one that was designed from the ground up to be more economical to produce. That means that parts that would be machined and threaded on the 500 are stamped and press fitted on the 88. Parts are thinner and lighter than the 500 to save on materials costs.
It goes to tell you something about just how cheap it is that Mossberg even changed it's brand name to market it rather than call it some new number of Mossberg. Even Remington had the balls to call their new cheapo gun the "710" instead of something like the "Rebel 06made by Remington."
What does this mean in practical terms?
Well... the first thing that you will notice when picking up a Maverick 88 is where the safety is. It's a cross-bolt at the front of the trigger guard. And frankly, I like that. I really, really do. It's not ambidexterous like the 500's thumb switch, but for a right-handed guy, it's right there under the finger in normal readiness position. Very nice placement and a ++ for the Maverick in my opinion. It's a good design feature.
As for reliability, I don't know. Logic dictates that over the long term, it's going to jam more and break more often than the 500. However, I put a bunch of rounds of 2.75" buckshot through one and yeah, felt it a little more than if it was an 870. But not so much so that I felt the $175 difference in price. I had no problems with it with factory ammo. And countless homeowners in the US buy it as a house gun every year. At least enough of them to keep Maverick as a going concern.
I think, if I was to buy a new shottie I would definately consider the Maverick.
that'll give you 20 
