Is it a Mossberg 500A or a Maverick 88

[heavyshooter]

Okay ladies and gentlemen,

After reviewing the many posts concerning Mossberg 500A vs. Maverick 88, I am aware that you guys may be weary of answering questions of this sort. However, I discovered a peculiarity about my gun that I can not resolve and my OCD requires clarity.

I purchased a Mossberg 12g from Big 5 Sporting Goods in Colorado and I have been very happy with it. I have put about 300 rounds through it and I have never had a problem of any sort. When I purchased it I was unaware that Mossberg manufactured the Maverick 88. According to my understanding it is a cheaper, but good, version of the 500A. My problem is that I am unsure of which one I have. The Mossberg 500A and the Maverick 88 (photos) look very similar to me (20” barrel/8 round capacity with synthetic stock). To complicate matters even more, the owner’s manual directs me to send the gun to Maverick Arms, Inc. in Eagle Pass, TX if I am in need of repairs and the barrel is stamped with an Eagle Pass, TX address in case I desire an owner’s manual. I mention this because the Maverick 88 is assembled in Eagle Pass, TX while the Mossberg 500 is manufactured in North Haven, CT. In spite of what the owner’s manual and barrel say, the bottom of the receiver says Mossberg 500A and it has a North Haven, CT stamp. Essentially I am asking how I can be absolutely sure of whether it is a Mossberg 500A or a Mossberg Maverick 88.

Shoot straight,
Heavy

 

[bragood]

Do you still have the box? What does the sticker on the box say? Ultimately if the receiver says you have a 500 I would assume you have a 500.

 

[MAX100]

So you will be able to sleep. The safety on the Maverick 88 is located on the trigger guard and on the 500 it is on the top tang or receiver as some call it.


GC

 

[heavyshooter]

bragood,

I no longer have the box. I agree with you in that the reciever should be the most sound indicator, but I am curious as to why the manual refers me to Maverick Arms, INC. and the barrel does the same.

 

[heavyshooter]

MAX100,

I just noticed the difference in safety location. Mine has the safety on the tang. So all Maverick safeties are on the trigger guard? Is there a particular reason why they do that?

 

[MAX100]

Cost, the 88 is a economy shotgun.


GC

 

[mikkeeh]

You have a Mossberg. Maverick and Mossbergs repair facility is in Eagle Pass.

 

[heavyshooter]

All Mossberg's and Maverick's go to Eagle Pass. Cool. I am pretty sure it's Mossberg now.

 

[MortalWombat]

Cost, the 88 is a economy shotgun.

Then why do Rem 870s also use the cross bolt safety? Is there an advantage/disadvantage to each type of safety?

 

[Frog48]

I just noticed the difference in safety location. Mine has the safety on the tang.

If the safety is on the tang, it is definitely a Mossberg 500, not a Maverick 88.

 

[Rugerlvr]

My 500A has the make & model imprinted in the receiver just forward of the loading port at the bottom. There's no mistaking it as a Maverick.

 

[heavyshooter]

"My 500A has the make & model imprinted in the receiver just forward of the loading port at the bottom. There's no mistaking it as a Maverick." Rugerlvr

Mine has "500A" imprinted in the same area. I was throne off by the Maverick Arms, INC reference in the manual and on the barrel. I guess I was wondering if it was a Maverick and they hid the fact that it was a Maverick. For example, Jaguar is owned by Ford but, as far as I know, they are not marked with the Ford logo.

 

[Mr Bernoulli]

yeah they are right about the safety you got a mossberg. I was unfortunate enough to own a maverick... and sounds like you guys are unfortunate enough to own a mossberg lol didnt know what I was missing untill i got my 870 lol

 

[Sicari]

RE:Then why do Rem 870s also use the cross bolt safety?

Maybe as a subtle insult against Remington!
In the same way that Miller brews "Milwaukee's Best" to taste like Bud!