What about the Maverick 88?

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GoldenLAN

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I want to better understand the drastic difference in opinion about the Mossberg Maverick 88.
I'll have one group tell me it's an amazing shotgun to start with, and read about it being reliable and long-lasting. But I'll also see forums of people clowning on it, or the seller at Cabela's trying to convince me to pick a different option.
Am I missing something, or is it just because it's low price tag make it an easy thing to mock?
 
Owned one for some years and it never gave me one stitch of grief. I used to joke that I cleaned it when I bought it, and cleaned it when I sold it, which was true. All I ever did was put some atf on and in, and wipe it down.
 
They are basically a 500 with a couple cost saving changes. Most of the internal parts are the same. Slightly more plastic on the 88 but they seem to hold up just fine and the 500's have a lot of plastic too these days.

-The difference that might really matter to you operationally is the cross-bolt vs tang safety.
-The barrels interchange, although all 88's only come with fixed choke.
-The 88 comes with the one-piece fore-end (which only matters if you want to install an aftermarket one)

They are a perfectly serviceable shotgun. Nothing wrong with them.
 
EXCRider said:
They are basically a 500 with a couple cost saving changes. Most of the internal parts are the same. Slightly more plastic on the 88 but they seem to hold up just fine and the 500's have a lot of plastic too these days.

-The difference that might really matter to you operationally is the cross-bolt vs tang safety.
-The barrels interchange, although all 88's only come with fixed choke.
-The 88 comes with the one-piece fore-end (which only matters if you want to install an aftermarket one)

They are a perfectly serviceable shotgun. Nothing wrong with them.
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Some additional info/an addendum to your points:

1) All 3 Mav88s with 28" field barrels that my group has owned came with a removable choke. Yes, it only comes with 1 choke tube, a mod, but it's not a fixed choke barrel unless it's a security model.

2) at least SOME 500s use the same foreend as the Maverick these days and have for some time. My 500 has the same one and it's 5+ years old.

2a) the barrels interchange AS LONG as the magazine is the same size. There are 20"/8rd guns out there that don't interchange with the 18" or 28" 5 round barrels.

3) The Maverick does not come drilled and tapped, the 500 does.


Oh, and I lied above. My buddy bought a 2nd Mav88, so we collectively have 4 of them. Lol
 
Nothing wrong with a maverick 88. As long as you’re not expecting high end quality it’s good. I have a mossberg 500 from the 70s and it’s my go to. Most people I know have one, if it wasn’t any good there wouldn’t be so many in peoples safes for 10+ years. Buy what you want and enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy it message me I’ll take it off your hands 🤣
 
Had one years ago and it was a solid unit
Worked every time and gave no issues
For the price they are way better then any of the Turkish guns out there that’s for sure
 
Lourio said:
I'm looking into also purchasing it as my first firearm. Please follow-up after your range day, let us know how it went!
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I did actually purchase it as my first shotgun, and I think it's a beauty. Didn't have any issues, I like the feeling and look of it, and I think it's quite universal in what I can use it for. I put shot and slugs in it and it worked no problem.
With knowledge that the barrel is interchangeable with the Mossberg 500 makes it even better if I ever need a choke.
 
They should be the first choice for intro to 12 gauge or first 12 gauge imo. Incredible value
Id still have mine. But got a good deal on its older brother the mossberg 500 (wood stock. I got a thing for wood)
 
I have owned/shot a dozen of them over my lifetime, never an issue

Everyone should own one, they are best bang for the buck and always on sale at cabelas/bass pro/EE
 
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