I had an Older one. It had the 28” barrel With screw in chokes. I did not have any problems with it just wished it had a shorter barrel.

 

Got a rock solid 12gauge which I sold because there was no way to get a longer barrel then the 20"

 

Texas, Eagle Pass, version of Mossberg 500. I too am an 870 guy but I have owned a 500 for a while. Two issues for me, the "square" wrist and the top safety.
We like 870s for the thin wrist, though some may not realize that. The index finger-easy-to-operate button safety of the 870 is much better than the quick-tearing thumb operated slide button of the Mossberg. If the thumb safety was as smooth as a Ruger 77 or Red Label, I could abide.
Serviceable weapon, available barrels inexpensive.......in today's market, I'd buy.

 

Texas, Eagle Pass, version of Mossberg 500. I too am an 870 guy but I have owned a 500 for a while. Two issues for me, the "square" wrist and the top safety.
We like 870s for the thin wrist, though some may not realize that. The index finger-easy-to-operate button safety of the 870 is much better than the quick-tearing thumb operated slide button of the Mossberg. If the thumb safety was as smooth as a Ruger 77 or Red Label, I could abide.
Serviceable weapon, available barrels inexpensive.......in today's market, I'd buy.

I prefer the 870 for all the same reasons.

 

I can get the 20" 7+1 version new for $250 + tax at rural king. Won't think twice about having it bounce around in my jeep for that money.

 

Actually the Maverick 88 I have does not have the tang safety like it’s mossberg 500 brother. I have 870s and 590s but that Maverick 7 shot has been great. It rides in my truck. Get it, you will not be disappointed

 

The 1 negative review I've seen is the finish is inadequate and they tend to rust. Had any issues with yours? How do you store it in your truck?

 

I bought a Maverick 9 years ago at Academy Sports and love it. it's light weight, shoots well and is easily manhandled and has a cylinder bore which makes it great for home defense using buckshot, if necessary, or a rifled slug for any hunting or target shooting you may choose to do. A family member bought the Remington version of the "black home defense shotgun" and while it's a really nice firearm, it's really heavy compared to the Maverick, plus he paid a LOT more for the Rem than I did for the Mossy.

The Mav 88 model I have doesn't have a full length mag tube and it comes with a cross bolt safety and not the tang safety like other models have.

 

I myself bought a Mossberg Maverick 88 a few years ago! It's attached to the back of my front door.

Close up!

Has no plug in it!
Don't come a knocking!
Stay off my grass!
😁 😁 😁

 

Yep. I've got mine stoked with 4+1 shotshells standing in the corner next to my bed in the main bedroom.

 

My Mav88 is next to my bed as a home security shotgun. Got it on sale a few years ago for $150. No problems whatsoever.

 

My Mav88 is next to my bed as a home security shotgun. Got is on sale a few years ago for $150. No problems whatsoever.

Thats exactly how I use mine.

 

Had a Mossberg 835 once. But didn't like it so got rid of it. Went looking for a Rem 870 and found a used youth model for 175 bucks plus tax, in great condition, with wood stock and forearm. Very maneuverable in thick brush. I like the 21-inch barrel. I sometimes use it for deer hunting with buckshot or slugs when I'm not using my AR15. And I have taken 2 deer with it. One with buckshot and one with slugs. My feeder is only about 20 yards from the blind. I would say go for an 870. Nothing against Mossy's but I prefer the 870. If I were going to get a Mossy I would go with the 500 over the 88. Good luck.

 

I purchased a maverick 88 22 years ago and never had a problem with it, I have the short security barrel and change the stock to a short Houge stock and replaced the slide action and tube nut to a Mossburg 500.

 

I've owned numerous Mossberg 500's and some of their "house brands" over the years, including (my favorite) a Coast to Coast (Hardware) Master Mag 660. I also have a Maverick 88 Bullpup that seems to work just fine. Not as finely finished as some, but not near as expensive, either.

For an economy priced pump gun, the Stevens 320 is a decent shotgun, although a bit heavier than I prefer.

 

I've owned one and 2 friends currently own them. All are good reliable guns and haven't given any issue. None of them had been shot extensively, but we put a couple hundred rounds through the one I owned shooting clays. My friend's guns, I think one has been shot a little bit, and kept well, and is in good condition. My other friend gives his gun no maintenance and it quickly became speckled with rust. Not that a better gun would do much differently.

I've always been an 870 man myself. I have a beater 870 Express Magnum with no finish and birch stocks. It's a fine gun and I've put 1000 rounds through it myself since I've owned it.

 

 

I have had my 88 for over 20 years. Bought it lightly used for less than $100 with 18" barrel. Picked up a used long barrel and have shot many hundreds of rounds at clays before picking up a an OU and later a nice 500 used. I was swapping back and forth with the 18" barrel when I was using it for clays so I could store it arms length away on the wall beside the bed, just in case it was needed. Now it stays with the 18" behind the bedroom door with a mix of 4-0 and 2-0 shells. a few steps from the bed and my living room. Never a problem. I have recommended to many of my friends and use it for as an extra when a group of us go shoot clays and we need an extra gun.

 

The Maverick 88 is a great shotgun for the price. If I was in law enforcement (making my living doing so) I would own something else like a Benelli or Baretta, obviously much more expensive. Most people will never come close to wearing a gun out. It is a good design and is proven over time. I have a Stevens 320 and the same goes for it also. It is basically a copy of the Winchester 1300. I also own two Remington 870's. They all perform their appointed task without problems. The 870's and the 88 are used for hunting and the 320 it the dedicated security shotgun. Only problem I have with the 88 is that my son moved to Colorado and took it with him,,, damn the luck. 😢