GrottoKnight
.22LR
Maverick 88 Special Purpose retail $289
VS
Mossberg 500 all purpose $401
(basic is $401 but I figured these better compare)
So the question I want answered is why spend $224 MORE dollars on a M500 over a M88?
Most sites I ran across had no comparison. One did, another forum, and I am combining and copying it over here to see what the group of Mossberg Forum elites can come up with. The other I pasted as it was a blog.
M500=Mossberg 500 M88=Maverick 88
found this link for more comparison: http://arealmansreviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/mossberg-maverick-88-security-8-shot.html
the above link's list of differences is as follows.......
1.Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): Maverick $233, Model 500 $406 (prices must have changed since 2010 when this was written)
2.Location of the Safety: Maverick has a cross-bolt safety on the trigger guard and the Model 500 has a top tang safety.
3.Trigger Groups: Not interchangeable
4. Swivel Studs: Maverick has an integrally molded sling mount on the buttstock and no forward swivel stud. The Model 500 comes with swivel studs on both the buttstock and the take down screw.
5.Upper Receiver: Maverick is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount, Model 500 comes drilled and tapped.
6.Stock Forearm: The forearm on the Maverick has the action bars riveted or integrally molded to the synthetic forearm. Replacement Model 500 forearms will not fit on the Maverick.
7.Manufacture & Assembly: Based on everything I have read on the Internet, the Maverick has some parts that are fabricated in Mexico and assembly takes place in Texas. All Model 500 parts are fabricated in the USA.
8.Warranty: Maverick One (1) Year Limited Warranty, Model 500 Ten (10) Year Limited Warranty
------------------------------------------
1. The M500 has a receiver mounted slide tang safety.
The M88 has a trigger guard mounted cross-bolt safety.
The trigger assemblies are interchangable
2. The M500 USED to have a slide tube which slides over the magazine with attached action bars for cocking the action. It has a seperate forearm which in turn slides over it and is secured by a nut that threads over the end of the slide tube. Now it is the same as the M88 listed below.
The M88 has a molded one piece forearm which has the action bars pinned to it. The forearm has plastic ribbing inside of it to take up the space where the slide tube would have been. It does not have a forearm nut
The forearm assemblies are interchangable.
3. The M88 is basically a cheaper version of the M500. Every other part on the M88 will Interchange with an M500. The only difference is the M88 will not accept some aftermarket goodies that some people would install on their M500. Mainly forearm replacements, such as: Pistol Grip forearms and SureFire Integrated WeaponLights. Besides those two things or related parts, anything you can put on an M500 you can put on an M88. The M500 you should notice that the top is not drilled and tapped for mounting optics. This is one of the key differences between the Maverick and the Model 500.
4. One interesting fact is this: They are made in the same Factory, but do not carry the same warranty. The M500 carries a Ten Year Warranty, while it's cheaper sibling only carries a One Year Warranty.
5. I have noticed that the M500 tends to wear the bluing off of the magazine much faster, than the M88. This is due to the constant contact from the metal slide tube, I suppose.
6. Both of the action bars on these guns are much looser than comparable guns in their price bracket. They are known for this, but are still very reliable. Although, the M88 can have its action bars come unpinned. Whereas the M500 has them covered by the forearm, and not pinned through it, like the M88.
7. M88's are only offered with synthetic stocks because of their cheapness to mold. M500 comes in Black Synthetic, or a Honey Satin Finished wood, stock and forearm.
8. Both the M500 and M88 are 3" chambered guns, and all barrels interchange between gauges. Even the 20" 8 Shot models.
9. The safety locations and method of function differ. Trigger assemblies as a result are not interchangeable without modification. If you install an M500 trigger assembly in a Mav88 receiver, you will have a safety-less shotgun. If you install a Mav88 trigger assembly in an M500 you will have at least 1 safety, possibly 2,..
10. The receiver of Mav88's are not drilled and tapped for rails/scopes/what have you's,.. (at least the field models aren't, not sure about the security models.)
11. The M500 comes with swivel studs ready to accept s strap/sling
---------------------------------------
Based on what I am gathering there is VERY little to justify the $112-$224 extra into the M500 depending on model. The Warranty and Made in USA are all likely going to be the biggest "persuaders" (pun intended ) I was finding M500 everywhere and have had very little trouble getting accessories. The Maverick is no where to be found and parts are the same. I would say leaving the M500 for Maverick is second worse to leaving the 12 gauge for 20 gauge when it comes to accessories or swaps. Most 20 gauge stuff fits the 12g version. I am not new to shotguns but still rather green having been away from it for 15 years. I just thought it was way to difficult to track down this kind of info and am trying to help others out. I ended up with the M500 model # 50452 which came with a postol grip too and was $379.99. I ordered it in the 20 gauge (wife) since 12g are on every shelf and I can get that anytime.
VS
Mossberg 500 all purpose $401
(basic is $401 but I figured these better compare)
So the question I want answered is why spend $224 MORE dollars on a M500 over a M88?
Most sites I ran across had no comparison. One did, another forum, and I am combining and copying it over here to see what the group of Mossberg Forum elites can come up with. The other I pasted as it was a blog.
M500=Mossberg 500 M88=Maverick 88
found this link for more comparison: http://arealmansreviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/mossberg-maverick-88-security-8-shot.html
the above link's list of differences is as follows.......
1.Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): Maverick $233, Model 500 $406 (prices must have changed since 2010 when this was written)
2.Location of the Safety: Maverick has a cross-bolt safety on the trigger guard and the Model 500 has a top tang safety.
3.Trigger Groups: Not interchangeable
4. Swivel Studs: Maverick has an integrally molded sling mount on the buttstock and no forward swivel stud. The Model 500 comes with swivel studs on both the buttstock and the take down screw.
5.Upper Receiver: Maverick is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount, Model 500 comes drilled and tapped.
6.Stock Forearm: The forearm on the Maverick has the action bars riveted or integrally molded to the synthetic forearm. Replacement Model 500 forearms will not fit on the Maverick.
7.Manufacture & Assembly: Based on everything I have read on the Internet, the Maverick has some parts that are fabricated in Mexico and assembly takes place in Texas. All Model 500 parts are fabricated in the USA.
8.Warranty: Maverick One (1) Year Limited Warranty, Model 500 Ten (10) Year Limited Warranty
------------------------------------------
1. The M500 has a receiver mounted slide tang safety.
The M88 has a trigger guard mounted cross-bolt safety.
The trigger assemblies are interchangable
2. The M500 USED to have a slide tube which slides over the magazine with attached action bars for cocking the action. It has a seperate forearm which in turn slides over it and is secured by a nut that threads over the end of the slide tube. Now it is the same as the M88 listed below.
The M88 has a molded one piece forearm which has the action bars pinned to it. The forearm has plastic ribbing inside of it to take up the space where the slide tube would have been. It does not have a forearm nut
The forearm assemblies are interchangable.
3. The M88 is basically a cheaper version of the M500. Every other part on the M88 will Interchange with an M500. The only difference is the M88 will not accept some aftermarket goodies that some people would install on their M500. Mainly forearm replacements, such as: Pistol Grip forearms and SureFire Integrated WeaponLights. Besides those two things or related parts, anything you can put on an M500 you can put on an M88. The M500 you should notice that the top is not drilled and tapped for mounting optics. This is one of the key differences between the Maverick and the Model 500.
4. One interesting fact is this: They are made in the same Factory, but do not carry the same warranty. The M500 carries a Ten Year Warranty, while it's cheaper sibling only carries a One Year Warranty.
5. I have noticed that the M500 tends to wear the bluing off of the magazine much faster, than the M88. This is due to the constant contact from the metal slide tube, I suppose.
6. Both of the action bars on these guns are much looser than comparable guns in their price bracket. They are known for this, but are still very reliable. Although, the M88 can have its action bars come unpinned. Whereas the M500 has them covered by the forearm, and not pinned through it, like the M88.
7. M88's are only offered with synthetic stocks because of their cheapness to mold. M500 comes in Black Synthetic, or a Honey Satin Finished wood, stock and forearm.
8. Both the M500 and M88 are 3" chambered guns, and all barrels interchange between gauges. Even the 20" 8 Shot models.
9. The safety locations and method of function differ. Trigger assemblies as a result are not interchangeable without modification. If you install an M500 trigger assembly in a Mav88 receiver, you will have a safety-less shotgun. If you install a Mav88 trigger assembly in an M500 you will have at least 1 safety, possibly 2,..
10. The receiver of Mav88's are not drilled and tapped for rails/scopes/what have you's,.. (at least the field models aren't, not sure about the security models.)
11. The M500 comes with swivel studs ready to accept s strap/sling
---------------------------------------
Based on what I am gathering there is VERY little to justify the $112-$224 extra into the M500 depending on model. The Warranty and Made in USA are all likely going to be the biggest "persuaders" (pun intended ) I was finding M500 everywhere and have had very little trouble getting accessories. The Maverick is no where to be found and parts are the same. I would say leaving the M500 for Maverick is second worse to leaving the 12 gauge for 20 gauge when it comes to accessories or swaps. Most 20 gauge stuff fits the 12g version. I am not new to shotguns but still rather green having been away from it for 15 years. I just thought it was way to difficult to track down this kind of info and am trying to help others out. I ended up with the M500 model # 50452 which came with a postol grip too and was $379.99. I ordered it in the 20 gauge (wife) since 12g are on every shelf and I can get that anytime.