thinking about a maverick 88 or a 870 express

memaquay said:
I've owned the 870, the Mossy 500 and recently, the 88.

The 870 was OK, The mossy in 12 guage felt too big for me. The 88 was just right. Sure, it's got a cheap safety on it, and mine is still a little rough, but for some reason, I love it. It fits great! I got a short barrel for it and fired off a bunch of slugs, very nice! And it's fugly! Freak'n fugly! It's like that girlfriend you only see after dark, but can't stay away. And sure, maybe you don't want people to see you hunting with it, but that's half the fun. I was out the door at my local hardware store with two boxes of shells and the 88 for less than 250, taxes in.

It's a dirty girl who might dump you when the chips are down, but who doesn't like the bad girls?
Click to expand...

Best description ever, lol!
 
Never heard of anyone I know having much trouble with an 88. I've shot a few and they seem like pretty serviceable firearms. I plan to buy one with an 18 or 20" barrel myself in the near future. I prefer the 870 with a wood/laminate stock for hunting or barnyard clays though. They just fit right and point well for me.
 
A Maverick 88 is exactly the same thing as a Mossberg 500. Difference is the finish and stock.
Far more aftermarket stuff available for 870's though. Far easier to find extra barrels for 'em too.
 
A Maverick 88 is exactly the same thing as a Mossberg 500. Difference is the finish and stock.
Far more aftermarket stuff available for 870's though. Far easier to find extra barrels for 'em too.
Click to expand...

True dat! I had a heck of a time finding a short barrel for the 88. Finally got one right here on the EE. Seems like extra barrels for 870's grow on shotgun trees and pile up just waiting to be sold.
 
sunray said:
A Maverick 88 is exactly the same thing as a Mossberg 500. Difference is the finish and stock.
Far more aftermarket stuff available for 870's though. Far easier to find extra barrels for 'em too.
Click to expand...
Also the forend cannot be replaced without replacing the action bars as the stock plastic is molded over them. So if you can anticpate never wanting to change it then go nuts. Also the main reason for picking a 500 over an 870 is the tang safety which the 88 does not have anyway. If you feel you prefer a Mossberg over an 870 get the 500. I dont prefer the 500 because its a rattle box and the action just isnt as smooth as an 870.
 
Last edited:
I'm with team 88 on this one. I've had one for a few years now and it's never given me any trouble, no matter what I've fed it. 870's are nice, but I'm not sure I'd want a Freedom Group/Cerberus one after seeing what they've done to both Remington and Marlin...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom