Mossberg Maverick 88 Security or Winchester SXP Defender

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ddtank

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Burlington ON
Thinking of getting one of these as a first budget compact shotgun for general use such as fun target shooting. Anything to split them when it comes to build quality, ease of use and cleaning, durability, reliability etc? I'm not sure I'm that interested in accessories and mods at this stage.
The SXP is slightly more expensive, worth the difference?
 
I have no experience with the SXP, but I have experience with 3 Mavericks and a few Mossy 500s which are almost the same gun, other than the trigger group basically. All have been reliable guns that went bang every time. I prefer the 500 to the 88, but that is mainly because I shoot lefty and the 88 has a cross bolt safety which suck as a lefty, whereas the 500 has a tang safety that I can use properly without issues.

IIRC for the Maverick 88 the parts are made in Mexico then assembled in USA, whereas the SXP is made in Turkey.

The one thing I would point out is the 88 Security will have a fixed cylinder choke, which will limit your range on targets. If you're just gonna shoot static targets on the ground and hand-tossed clays then it'll work fine, but it won't be very good for shooting rounds of trap or anything like that.
 
I had an SXP and regret selling it. Turkish made shotguns a junk but in my experience the SXP is the exception. I bought a mossberg as my first shotgun and it was a lemon. Been jadded ever since.
 
I had two SXP defenders, have owned a 500 and currently own an 88 security.

Not too much difference between any aluminum receiver pump gun that functions. I like the SXP "inertia assisted" pump. It does make it a little faster to cycle. The 88 is good too. I just like the extra capacity of a 20" full length mag, which is why I have an 88 currently.
 
Thanks all. Sounds like not much to separate them and both are generally very good but like any budget buy, there's always the chance of ending up with a duff one.
 
I just bought my first Maverick, a new production 20" 7+1 Cruiser.
I went with the cheaper pistol grip version because I planned on adding my own stock anyways.

It's a fantastic shotgun. The action was smooth right out of the box.
I really prefer the cross bolt safety instead of the tang slider safety too.
A surprising and welcomed change is that Mossberg is not seem to put the large Maverick Model 88 stamp on the left side of the receiver anymore, and the bolt is painted black instead of being silver.

So far I replaced the front brass bead with a Hi Viz, and installed a Magpul SGA stock.
I might install a 590 forend tube and Hogue forend that I have as well.
Great fit and finish so far though.
 
ddtank said:
Thanks all. Sounds like not much to separate them ....
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Disagree - The 88 has about a solid a track record as you could hope for, as well as aftermarket support. The SXP is not even close on either of those points. Maybe those factors matter to you, maybe not.
 
The 88 is well proven but I don't care for the sloppy/rattly forend. Just personal preference.
The SXP is what I would choose. It's extremely fast and simple to disassemble for cleaning, and the chrome plated chamber and bore is nice.
The latest versions have a reversible safety as well.
 
bb07 said:
The 88 is well proven but I don't care for the sloppy/rattly forend. Just personal preference.
The SXP is what I would choose. It's extremely fast and simple to disassemble for cleaning, and the chrome plated chamber and bore is nice.
The latest versions have a reversible safety as well.
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Yeah I can understand that, but something that's strange is, this Maverick's forend has very little play or rattle. Like, I can hold it by the receiver and shake the shotgun around and there very, very little noise. Once I place my hand on it you get slight sound but that's it.

This is probably my third or fourth Mossberg 12 gauge and they've all had that extra forend rattle. Same with any in any store.
But I've never handled a Maverick until owning this one, and the forend is rather quiet.
I'm wondering if it's the Mavericks pinned forend that's giving it a tighter hold. Because it feels a little more solid too.
No effect on the action though...after 5 or 6 pumps this 88 feels as smooth as my other Mossbergs already.
I bet if I put on my 590s forend tube assembly extra rattle would be introduced though.
I've always liked the synthetic Mossberg corn cob, so I may just leave it as is.
 
Both are decent shooting shotguns in factory form. I had a Maverick 88 for almost 15 years and put close to 1000 shot shells through it. I think it is the best value for dollar pump action shotgun you can buy (although it has gone up in price). As stated by previous respondents, the Mav 88 has a lot more aftermarket options available as you can swap the majority of parts out with the Mossberg 500.

If you plan on leaving it in factory form, get the one that feels best ergonomically for you.
 
josh1976 said:
IMO, the SXP is a far better build. Both work extremely well.
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I've never shot one but I've handled one I'm a fan of some of the Turkish pumps and they're reminiscent, of course. Nice shotguns. Not cheap feeling but also not super high quality feeling.
I just wish they made a flush muzzle to mag tube model or at least that there were +1 and +2 extensions available. Or, are they like the Mossberg 500 where their design can't facilitate an extension?
 
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I have owned many of each and would way rather have the winchester SXP Defender, better design and quality, faster action and well made, yes in turkey, with american oversight.

BTW go look at the new 2022 OD GREEN 12 and 20 gauge defenders, so nice........winchester web site
 
↑↑↑ Great review ↑↑↑

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Very tough to beat the Maverick 88 for its price, build quality and readily available parts & accessories.
 
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