Maverick 88 the real deal

[herrwalther]

What's the difference between the 88 and 500? I understand its the safety placement and the action bars pinned to the forearm. Any other differences?

Maverick 88 is also not drilled and tapped along the top of the receiver. So if you want to add different sights or a red dot, you have to add a rail somehow. I use a top rail/side saddle combo that replaces the extractor screw with a slightly longer one. Kills two shotgun needs with one accessory. I am not sure about the 500/590s but the trigger housing is plastic on the 88 and the receiver in aluminum.

I think the 88 is assembled in Mexico too. I have one as well. I

Eagle Pass, Texas. But I think some of the parts come from Mexico.

 

[RMc]

The extremely stiff crossbolt safety of the Maverick 88 series is a design weakness. Of course if you keep the shotgun in cruiser ready" * this may not be a concern.

*Magazine loaded, safety off, and internal hammer down on an empty chamber

 

[Boom Vang]

...The Mossberg 590S takes mini-shells from the factory, has interchangeable chokes, ghost ring sights, and accepts a bayonet.

Is it better than the Maverick 88 - not really but it has some more features that I like.
View attachment 1179542

The bayonet KEY, especially for guarding prisoners or when those commies get thru the wire. Also the sling is a must for those 20 mile marches.

 

[Boom Vang]

The extremely stiff crossbolt safety of the Maverick 88 series is a design weakness. Of course if you keep the shotgun in cruiser ready" * this may not be a concern.

*Magazine loaded, safety off, and internal hammer down on an empty chamber

When I went to school, "cruiser ready" was bolt locked closed on an empty chamber, magazine loaded, and safety on. Requires an extra second or less to put into action; but the required knowledge set in the event of unauthorized access is a welcome safety additive.

 

[RMc]

When I went to school, "cruiser ready" was bolt locked closed on an empty chamber, magazine loaded, and safety on. Requires an extra second or less to put into action; but the required knowledge set in the event of unauthorized access is a welcome safety additive.

Indeed, some organizations may use the phrase as you describe. However, the condition of readiness moniker, "cruiser ready," is generally understood as described in post 27 above. Usually in connection with a secure automotive, or otherwise mounted, weapons lock.

 

[Choctaw]

I've had 88s in one form or another ever since they came out. I have never had a problem with any of them and you sure can't complain about the price. Mine are hard use shotguns that haven't failed me.

 

[entropy]

While I've never owned an 88, I've fired a few. I've only rarely had to repair any. That crossbolt safety may be a bit heavy, but it doesn't break. That can't be said for the 500's safety, which while conveniently placed for some people, is plastic and breaks very easily. When someone mentions to me they have a 500, first thing out of my mouth is to recommend the aftermarket metal safety.

 

[Insignificant bill]

It's a great pump action shotgun. I put a magpul forearm on mine just because I like it better than the stock one.

 

[Scooter22]

For the price it's a steal. I picked up a 18" barrel model for HD to supplement another HD shotgun. I put a side saddle on it and a 12" LOP Hogue but stock. Works great from shoulder or lower. Forget a pistol grip.

 

[bannockburn]

Scooter22

For the price it's a steal. I picked up a 18" barrel model for HD to supplement another HD shotgun. I put a side saddle on it and a 12" LOP Hogue but stock. Works great from shoulder or lower. Forget a pistol grip.

Sounds kind of like my Model 88. I added another short, vent rib barrel for hunting upland game; mainly because it had choke tubes with it. Got a buttstock shell holder and put on a Limbsaver slip-on recoil pad. Good to go!

 

[RMc]

My "franken gun" is a 12 bore Mossberg Maverick that I set up with a model 500 18.5" heavy contour barrel with accu-choke. The barrel was billed as a contract overrun for an LE agency - plain barrel with a brass bead sight. The original Maverick plastic stock was a bit too long so a 70s era bargain-bin Mosberg wood stock was installed. Slightly shorter with a little more drop at comb and heel, the wood stock helped balance things out. The ribbed black plastic forend stayed, while sling swivels and and quick detach "mountain sling finished out the "franken."

Certainly a convenient, well balanced, utility and thick cover shotgun.

 

[drobs]

The bayonet KEY, especially for guarding prisoners or when those commies get thru the wire. Also the sling is a must for those 20 mile marches.

Nothing says "BACK OFF!" quite like a fixed bayonet on a 12 gauge shotgun.