Inexpensive Pump

[goon]

I'd think a used Mossberg 500 is at least as good as a new generic something or other.
Don't look at used vs new - look at gettin the best gun you can for your money.
I picked up a practically unused Mossberg 500 once for $149 at a gun store - so a person to person deal would have probably been even less. It was a great gun and a really good price.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

+1 on goon, there are a whole lot of good guns, that they have quit making that are way better than some of todays new offerings. A throughly broke in Wingmaster , or Winchester 1200/1300.Mossberg 500 too. in the $150 range. Would be the way I would go.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I've had my Mav 88 for about 2 years now. It came with a 28" vent rib barrel. I bought and installed the Mossberg 500 ATI PG adjustable stock, Mossberg 18.5" barrel. Parts from the Mav 88 and the Mossberg 500 are virtually interchangable except for the trigger group and the safety. The Mav 88 forend is also not 100% interchangable with the Mossberg, but they can be swapped one for one, which I did with mine.
The Mav 88 is a Mossberg product, assembled in the USA, with some parts manufactured in Mexico.

It's a perfectly quality weapon. I've not had a single problem with it since I bought it.

 

[Onmilo]

I have always called Maverick 88 shotguns "Mexican Mossbergs" and not as a negative remark.
They are good, sound shotguns, look close, The Mexican Police use them in riot form.

There are literally boxcars full of used 870 express shotgtuns out there.
WalMart used to blow them out for $200 brand new and it doesn't take too much looking to find someone who will sell you a used one for $100 to $125 in 12 guage.

Does this preclude the Mossberg branded guns themselves?
No, but if you look hard enough you will notice Mossberg concentrates on the Model 835 3.5" super magnum pump guns, the semi autos are being pushed pretty hard, and the 500 series has trended into their defense line of shotguns.
As such, the prices are quite a bit higher on Mossberg branded guns.

The basic 3" pump gun is now mainly handled by the Maverick line which also places the Mossberg line on par with the cheaper Remington Express line of shotguns.
That pesky crossbolt safety?
Believe it or not, most hunters and clay shooters actually prefer the safety on the trigger guard while defense and combat shooters prefer a top tang safety, unless you have a collaper type stock where again, the easier to access crossbolt safety is an advantage.
That 'non-interchangeable' forearm on the Maverick, again, believe it or not, MOSSBERG is now using the bonded one piece forearm assembly on some of the Mossberg branded guns!
I replaced the forearms on my Mavericks with 7 3/4" action tubes and forearms of my choosing, don't forget the forearm nut when you order yours.

Do a few dog Mossbergs and Mavericks get out on the market?
You bet they do, but read carefully and you will find so do quite a few Remingtons and el crapo Chinese made copies.
I personally do not care for Chinese commercial items made for the outside China markets, the quality simply isn't there.
It is glaringly obvious when you compare items made for the domestic Chinese market to stuff they produce for export.
The domestic stuff is MUCH better made.
Oh yeah, OWNING a shotgun in China is nearly impossible and those that are allowed to do so tend to favor Italian made guns.

 

[hAkron]

I was just at my local Walmart yesterday and the 870 Express 12ga with 28" (or maybe 26") barrel was on sale for $293. The Mossberg 500 12ga 28" was $220.
The Maveric 88's have the fore end molded to the action tube as do some of new Mossberg 500's. The newer Mossbergs that don't have molded fore ends use a smaller action tube than they used to, so your accessory choices will be affected by this change. Some manufacturers of fore ends provide adapters, and some don't. I've never shot the 870 express, but the milled receiver and the finish on the metal and the wood stocks do seem very nice.

 

[JEB]

maverick 88

 

[Ole Coot]

Yep 870 Express and the price ain't bad.

 

[grant1265]

In my experience the mossberg mavericks, 500s, and the 590s are not even in the same realm of quality of the 870s. I just shot a 94/100 on a sporting clays course today with my 870 express in 12 ga. The mossbergs have way more felt recoil, don't pattern as well, don't have as nice of a fit and finish, and overall just feel like they are terribly made. Save the money for an 870 at walmart. If you are going to use this for HD, quality matters. Also if this is strictly a range gun, you will appreciate the heavier 870 as well.

 

[bubbacrabb]

I own the 870,the 500, and the 835. In my opinion the 870 just isnt up to par with what Mossberg put out. It does not eject as well as my 500, the recoil is much less on my 500, with slug barrels I shoot better with the 500 and I like the safety much better with the mossys than the 870. I dont regret my 870 purchase but I dont think its any better than a mossy. There are always going to be mossy guys and rem guys. It will be a fight til the end of time. Just like 10/22 vs model 60, Im a 60 guy First gun in my life was a limited edition 500 still have it, and out of all my guns its by far my favorite. Its a strap assassin!

 

[Grayrock]

I agree with Lee & Dave above. Don't rule out used. I got a nice shooter Ithaca 37 for $125 and a Remmie 870 police trade in (18.5" barrel PLUS a Speedfeed stock) for under $200. The 870 looks like it was carried a lot but never shot.