Mossberg Maverick 88 12ga - First Shotgun - challenge my logic?

[chiwawadan]

I've never owned a shotgun before, but I plan on quickly expanding into all manner of bird hunting, from Upland to Turkey to Waterfowl. But here's the thing:

-I'm stingy
-I want one shotgun capable of getting all those critters (not looking for the best for each given task)

Based on the price (~$200 when on sale), the 28" Mossberg Maverick 88 in 12ga seems like the best choice given what I'm looking for. Parts are interchangeable with Maverick 500, so I would have their entire accuchoke chokes available. While I might prefer a 20ga for grouse, I can handle the 12ga. With it's cheap parts, the 88 is super light for a 12ga. If I want to upgrade down the road my initial investment is minimal - or conversely - if I don't continue the activity enough, I haven't thrown too much into it.

Thoughts? Arguments against it?

[Buckmark]

Shop around for a good used Rem 870 or Benelli Nova or spend a little more on a good used Browning BPS 

[magnanimous_j]

You could do the maverick and it will probably be fine, but a 500 is only a hundred bucks or so more. That's what I would do.

[Woodchuck]

I have one and it has lived a rough life. It goes bang every single time I pull the trigger, has never needed a repair, kills birds just as dead as a higher dollar shotgun.

[Evil_EdwardO]

I almost did what you did for the same reasons. The only reason I changed my mind was that I was going back and forth from buying another pump or buying a semi. I ended up buying a Stoeger Semi in 20 gauge instead.

The Maverick should be fine, like you said you can always upgrade it with 500 parts. The only difference between the two is the trigger group and the action slide.

If you do buy the Maverick and decide to upgrade later to 500 parts though, you would eventually be spending more than if you just bought the 500.

Another option if you're on a tight/stingy budget is a H&R Pardner. This was the only shotgun I owned until I bought that Stoeger a month ago. I used it the past 20 years and loved it, it's just a little heavy. You can usually find them new for under $200.

[Yondering]

I won't try to talk you out of it. I've had a Mossberg 500 and a Maverick 88 for at least 20 years, with never a problem from either one. The only functional difference is just the position of the safety (thumb vs trigger guard).

One thing to consider though - IIRC in the past the 28" Maverick 88 version came with a fixed choke barrel, while the Mossberg came with removable chokes. I don't know if that's still the case.

[724wd]

kills birds just as dead as a higher dollar shotgun.

BS!!!  When a bird is shot with a Purdy or Perazzi or even a lowly Krieghoff, the bird gently floats to the ground, feathers unruffled, dying a dignified death, free of trauma. A gentle death befitting worthy quarry.

When you shot a bird with YOUR "shotgun", the bird explodes in gore and viscera, feathers protruding from every orifice, contaminating the meat and the environment around it. They thump to the ground like a blood soaked stone, further tainting the flesh of the once proud avian compatriot. You, SIR, are NO sportsman with your "shotgun"...   




 

[chiwawadan]

kills birds just as dead as a higher dollar shotgun.

BS!!!  When a bird is shot with a Purdy or Perazzi or even a lowly Krieghoff, the bird gently floats to the ground, feathers unruffled, dying a dignified death, free of trauma. A gentle death befitting worthy quarry.

When you shot a bird with YOUR "shotgun", the bird explodes in gore and viscera, feathers protruding from every orifice, contaminating the meat and the environment around it. They thump to the ground like a blood soaked stone, further tainting the flesh of the once proud avian compatriot. You, SIR, are NO sportsman with your "shotgun"...   




 

Decision made. Maverick 88.

 

[Woodchuck]

kills birds just as dead as a higher dollar shotgun.

BS!!!  When a bird is shot with a Purdy or Perazzi or even a lowly Krieghoff, the bird gently floats to the ground, feathers unruffled, dying a dignified death, free of trauma. A gentle death befitting worthy quarry.

When you shot a bird with YOUR "shotgun", the bird explodes in gore and viscera, feathers protruding from every orifice, contaminating the meat and the environment around it. They thump to the ground like a blood soaked stone, further tainting the flesh of the once proud avian compatriot. You, SIR, are NO sportsman with your "shotgun"...   




 

Decision made. Maverick 88.

 

Apparently that sum gun is even badder than I knew. I'll start the bidding at 1k. Thanks 72   

[Miles]

I had an older 88 that worked well for a truck gun.  Only problem was it had one metal bar going from the forend to the action.  I had the plastic forend break where the bar was pinned (a couple times). I believe the newer models have two slides and should be a little better.

[yorketransport]

I think you'd be fine with the 88, they're solid guns and kill stuff as well as anything else. I've had one for years with well over 2000 rounds through it without issue.

[Calvin Rayborn]

Wise choice for your budget range! 

[biggfish]

I have a maverick 88 12 gauge, after 20 years decided I wanted wood furniture. I spent $50 for new pump and stock so many people out there want to change to polymer it's cheap as easy to find. Its a great gun used it to drop turkey, grouse, quail, ducks, and countless clays. Mine has had easily 5000 shells down the pipe and is still in great condition. Only way is dream of talking you out of it is if you said you wanted a 20 gauge, it has horrible pump rattle. I have a Mossberg 500 in 20 gauge it's also a great gun and if you wait for the right sale the Mossberg 500 can be bought for $240.

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[jasnt]

I'd go with the 500 myself. The Mavericks I've handled just seemed cheap clunky junk. Jmo

[Tjkride]

Maverick 88's have never given me an issue. I bought 2 of when I turned 18 so my friends could clays with me. There parents wouldnt allow guns and a few of them were still 16-17 at the time. Both them 88 had over 10,000 shells and broke clays just as well as the franchi I was shooting at the time, well until one of them got run over by a 87 ford one ton. There worth the money for a reliable beater gun.