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Old September 19, 2009, 04:29 PM   #1
cracked91
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Mossberg 500 vs. Maverick 88 for SD

Ok whats the differences in price and quality between an 18 or 20" Maverick or 500? I want to buy an inexpensive shotgun for going up north (black bears, mtn lions) and I have heard that they are pretty much the same thing. Anyone care to share experience with either of these weapons?
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Old September 19, 2009, 04:46 PM   #2
the rifleer
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The maverick is just a cost-friendly version of the 500. Ive never shot a 88, but my 500 is 100% reliable and is a great gun. ive heard people say the same about the 88.
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Old September 19, 2009, 06:09 PM   #3
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The maverick has a trigger guard mounted side to side safety as most rifles and the 500 has it on top of the tang... I find no other differences in the 2...
Brent
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Old September 19, 2009, 07:48 PM   #4
Dfariswheel
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Other than the safety and that the forearm is molded onto the action bar assembly and can't be changed, the Mossberg Model 88 is just the Model 500 as assembled in Eagle Pass Texas from some parts made in Mexico.

As such, the Model 88 is Mossberg's absolute bottom-of-the-line shotgun made to sell for as low a price as possible.

Bluntly, for a life-saving bear defense gun, I wouldn't want anyones bottom-of-the-line gun, I'd want a better made model.
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Old September 19, 2009, 07:55 PM   #5
hogdogs
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I have removed the fore end from the action tube, placed a wood 500 forestock on it and then I swapped back... It is supposed to be "integral" but is swapable.
An 88 is 50-60 dollars less than a 500 give or take.
The savings is in the less machining of the receiver to have a tang safety...
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Old September 20, 2009, 07:13 AM   #6
wnycollector
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We have a few maverick and mossbergs in my family. My father-in-law has an old 1960's vintage 500a, my brother has plain jane wally world 500 combo and I have a maverick. As others have posted,other than the safety position, they are the same gun. Personally I would pick up the cheaper maverick and spend my savings on some buckshot to pattern and practice with!
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Old September 20, 2009, 11:55 AM   #7
Lee Lapin
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Dup post...
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Mindset - Skillset - Toolset. In that order!

Attitude and skill will get you through times of no gear, better than gear will get you through times of no attitude and no skill.

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Old September 20, 2009, 11:57 AM   #8
Lee Lapin
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Under most circumstances, either one will do quite well- if YOU will do. Your ability to use a shotgun effectively is MUCH more important than the shotgun you choose.

Watch this clip and learn - http://www.gunsmagazine.com/webblastTRDS.html . Or see the full screen version on YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhgwHQCJwWw .

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Mindset - Skillset - Toolset. In that order!

Attitude and skill will get you through times of no gear, better than gear will get you through times of no attitude and no skill.

Last edited by Lee Lapin; September 20, 2009 at 12:57 PM.
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Old September 20, 2009, 05:05 PM   #9
JerseyDrez
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I went with a Maverick because it was reasonable cheaper than the 500 and Ive heard very good reviews about it, plus most parts are interchangeable (aftermarket and such).

I heard someone say that the Mav was 50-60$ less than a 500...not in my area. A 500 runs around $400 at my LGS', while the Maverick was a bit over $200.
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Old September 20, 2009, 06:24 PM   #10
INMY01TA
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Love my Maverick. Went with this just because of the price. Was $75 less than a 500 where I bought. Here's a couple pics to tease:

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