Remington 870 vs Mossberg Maverick 88
Posted by Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 58 comments
I'm looking to buy my first shotgun that I plan on using as my home defense weapon. My dad is telling me to buy a Remington 870 and nothing else but I had seen that there's a Mossberg Maverick 88 for sale at my local academy and through all the research I've done it seems like a solid budget shotgun. Are there any real meaningful differences between the two?
Mountain_Man_88@reddit
A vintage 870 will be the best. For new guns, Mossberg 590>Mossberg 500>Mossberg 88>Remington 870.
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
What's the difference between all the different Mossberg models?
BBQSauce61@reddit
88s are the budget model, and have a crossbolt safety, but are still just as tough, maybe just not as refined.
590s are usually better set up as a 'tactical gun' or for home defense. They also have an open end tube that makes it easier to clean. 500s are typically hunting focused but do come in security variants. Both have tang safeties.
If you want to go wild, the 590A1 beefs things up even more with a thicker walled barrel, and metal trigger assembly and safety.
As mentioned, older police magnum and wingmaster 870s are fucking awesome as long as you don't mind the crossbolt safety. The freedom group builds..? Not so much. Allegedly they've been getting better the past couple years, but still seems to be an even mix of good and bad, versus all bad...
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
Do the 590s only come in 12 gauge? If so I would need to stay away from those as I'm looking for a 20 so that the girlfriend can use it if push comes to shove. And maybe I got misinformation but arnt the maverick 88s and the 500s the same? I thought they just renamed it after they had to change some manufacturing stuff
DeFiClark@reddit
Low recoil 12 g loads are your friend for this use case
1Crusty_Old_Man@reddit
Short shells.
DeFiClark@reddit
With any of the Mossberg and 870 you need an adapter to run mini shells. And even then they may not run well.
Personally I would never rely on mini shells regardless of what adapter used for a self defense gun. Particularly with the Mossberg lifter design you are asking for stacking and dramatically increased potential for jams.
Low recoil buck and slug rounds are a far better choice unless you are prioritizing capacity over reliability.
Personally I’d say a social situation that needs more than 7+1 rounds of 12 g to resolve isn’t going to be resolved with a handful more mini shells. Further if you practice load as you go you can keep a shotgun in the fight for as long as you have ready ammo.
They have a place in SBS or shockwave type guns, but those are for a very particular edge case where entry/exit from a vehicle is getting weighted heavier than any other considerations.
1Crusty_Old_Man@reddit
Mossberg has the S series that has built in support for short shells.
BBQSauce61@reddit
They come in 20ga as well, but like the other post mentioned, I'd look into some lighter low recoil loads before doing that. Get a limbsaver stock pad, as well as something like a neoprene sleeve or shell holder for the stock that helps cushion any interaction with the face and body. Even 20g is still going to keep anyone recoil sensitive awake, and unless she's willing to train extensively, pump action shotguns really aren't reliable in the hands of a novice. A PCC or AR is a lot easier to run under stress as well as being lower recoiling.
sirbassist83@reddit
the 88 has ALWAYS been a budget offering thats related to the 500, but they are not the same thing.
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
Ok so I received some misinformation then
jfl561407@reddit
I’ve got an 870 Express from around 2011-12 or so, so solidly in the Freedom Group timeframe. I’ve had zero issues/complaints. It’s not flashy, but it works. I think I got it on a BF sale at Gander Mountain for $300. Maybe less.
guynamedgoliath@reddit
The maverick 88, 500, 500 are sort of a family of shotguns. Some parts are interchange across models like barrels and stocks. All come in a variety of barrel and mag lengths, generally:
Maverick 88- budget line. Polymer trigger guard and cross bolt safety forward of the trigger. No pre-drilled screw for optics mounts, generally no swapable choke. Current forend is a cheaper single piece without the action tube. Functional the same gun as the 500 minus the trigger and safey and can take most 500 parts. Even the action tube can be added to the 88 to take 500 forends. Will usually be a pretty plain Jane bead sight barrel. If you're gonna stick a shotty in the corner for HD, this is "good enough".
500- Polymer trigger guard with tang safety. Uses and action tube. Should have the optics mounts holes and certain models should have the swappable chokes. Largest range factory options to include hunting, tactical, and generic shotgun models. Most practical choice for cost and add-ons like lights and optics.
590- metal trigger guard with tang safety. Different magazine and barrel connection. Factory options are all "tactical" models. More combat oriented features are great, if thats what your looking for.
I own a 88 and 500, and handled 590s. My recommendion is the 500. Best parts compatability and decent price. My unit in the army also had 500s and the polymer trigger guard was never an issue. The 590 "features just add weight and price. I'd only go with the 590 if it was my "primary" gun.
Proof_Bathroom_3902@reddit
Mossberg made a lot of store brand guns including the Western Field 550, the New Haven 600, the Revelation 310, the Sears Slug Model, Coast to Cost 660.
The Maverick 88 is the former budget model Mossberg, the only difference anymore is the 88 has a cross bolt safety located on the trigger guard and the 500/590 has a tang safety up on the top of the receiver like an old break action shotgun would have had.
They are simple to work on. It's common to see people break the plastic tang safety button especially on the store brand models with the thin checkered safety button. They make metal ones both factory and aftermarket.
Back in the day the Maverick had a cheaper fore end with the action bars pinned right to the plastic handguard versus the 500/590 having an action slide tube with the arms and the fore end slid on the tube with a nut to hold it on. Today though the cheaper fore end is used on all of the plastic stock Mossbergs anymore. The Maverick 88 and the 500 take the same barrels and all other parts except the trigger/safety parts.
The 590 the only real change from a 500 is the magazine tube is open ended like a Remington 870, you can put an extension on it. The 590 uses all the same parts of a 500 except the barrel and magazine tube.
They make a 590-A1 model which is the military spec version with a metal trigger guard instead of plastic. I have seen a few plastic trigger guards break but it's not super common and it's usually abuse.
Mossberg makes two different mag tube lengths for the 88/500, the standard models 5-shell or the Security model 7-shell. However the barrel has to be for the same configuration because the 88/500 barrel has a lug with a thumb screw that secures the barrel to the end of the mag tube. The lug is welded on to match the length of the tube. If you want a Security mag tube you need the matching barrel.
I've never had or seen a 88/500 break the lug, but I have seen the ring style used on Remington 870s and Mossberg 590s break the ring.
Mossberg uses an aluminum receiver which is not an issue because all the receiver does is hold the parts to work the gun. The actual lockup is in the barrel and the bolt like most modern pump shotguns. I've only ever seen one Mossberg receiver wear out, and i shot it so much the slide bars wore through the receiver, this was decades of punishment.
Remington receivers are mostly steel. The thing about them is the ejector breaks and they are riveted in place, so it's a bit more work to repair. Mossberg the ejector is held in with a screw.
DeFiClark@reddit
590= premium gun with more metal bits and better build, tang safety 500 = more plastic bits, tang safety, middle market 88 = budget gun, cross bolt safety
sirbassist83@reddit
the primary difference between the 500 and 590 is the magazine tube design. the 590A1 specifically is the one thats got more metal bits
Willie_B_Hardagain@reddit
I have a couple mav88s and I beat the fuck out of them, run them hard. Impossible to find a better shotgun for that money, and yes that includes blowing all of the turkish shotguns away at that price point.
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
Appreciate it! I just went and paid for the maverick today, gotta wait until next Wednesday to pick it up though
Excellent_Mall8819@reddit
88 security, check your local pawn shops, paid $200 for this one
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
The one I checked out at academy was the base version chambered in 20 gauge (which is what I'm looking for) and they had it for $260 before tax
1Crusty_Old_Man@reddit
That's way too much. Don't buy guns from clothing stores.
The decent price for a 88 is around $220.
lundah@reddit
The Security version has a longer magazine tube. Or, get the field/security combo which comes with a shorter barrel for defensive use and a longer choked barrel for hunting and trap/clays shooting.
I bought a 12 gauge all purpose model from Academy about 10 years ago, I’ve since bought security and rifled barrels for it. It’s the most versatile gun I own and still fun as hell to shoot. The 870 is a fine shotgun, but the Maverick 88 is great budget option. TFB.tv did a 500 round burndown test, it ran flawlessly.
Excellent_Mall8819@reddit
Yes , try your local pawn shops, used prices are negotiable
1Crusty_Old_Man@reddit
The problem is your dad is remembering the 870 of the last century.
Remington is DEAD. The 870's built by RemArms SUCK. The last 10 years or so of 870's built by Remington SUCK.
Don't buy guns at clothing stores. Buy a Maverick, but use gun dot deals to find the best price. Then find a local FFL with a decent transfer fee. I pay $20.
Interesting_Sorbet22@reddit
I can jam an 870 if I cycle it too fast (feed jam due to feed angle) but it's nearly impossible for me to jam a Mossberg (500 or Maverick 88) due to a level feed angle.
UserM16@reddit
I don’t know anything about Mossberg but I have a lot of experience with the 870 Express.
I’ve had serious ejection issues. But I figured it out and fixed it. This video explains it perfectly.
https://youtu.be/mlGoxNsaieE?si=A92IuATNeCrMCq95
I know it may deter some from going with the 870 but I feel like it really shows how durable and reliable they are with a simple fix.
G12Poster@reddit
I grew up in the town where Remington started and wrote my college thesis on it. The quality of the 870s, even right before they went south was great. It was my first gun and I know every person who touched that gun in assembly.
The new plant has no history with it. Not sure about QC, but I’d never buy one that doesn’t say Ilion, NY on it
TigerJas@reddit
The 870 is an 870, the Maveric is a budget Mossberg 500.
You are comparing two different categories.
Buy a police 870, pay Maveric prices and you are done. Or compare apples to apples 870 vs 500.
LowPride85@reddit
I have both. Both are the correct answer. Maverick is my beater (bad weather) gun for hunting and it’s never failed me. I’ve absolutely abused it and it’s still my goto when needed. My 870 is far too “pretty” to be taken out in bad weather and I feel like I have to clean it as soon as it gets dirty. My maverick 88 gets lubed, bore snake and put away. For what it’s worth I’d buy the 88 if I only had to buy one.
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
Really appreciate that man! I don't want something I feel I need to keep spick and span and spotless all the time and the 88 felt and looked like it could take a beating and keep going. Plus for $260 I don't think it's a horrible price.
LowPride85@reddit
No it’s well worth it and remember almost any you can buy for a Mossberg 500 you can put on an 88. Butt stocks, barrels, heat shields. Any of that junk. I have the original smooth bore barrel that came with it and also bought an accu choke barrel for it (500 barrel) that I can use for bird hunting or whatever. I actually thought about getting a short self defense barrel for it too but never.. pulled the trigger… pun intended.
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
Really appreciate it man, good to know I can buy parts for it relatively easy if 500 parts fit it. Gonna pull the trigger and go buy it tomorrow before someone else grabs it!
Cryptic1911@reddit
JefftheBaptist@reddit
Without knowing which 870 you were going to get, I'd go with the Maverick 88 all day. Maverick 88 quality is consistent, they're relatively cheap, and they work. The big maverick complaint is that they have the crossbolt safety but so does the Remington. In comparison many of the Freedom Group 870s were utter trash and they're still more expensive. But if you can get an old wingmaster or lightly used police magnum for a good price then jump on it.
zippytwd@reddit
im a remington guy in this case mosburgs rattle when you shake them , i dont like that
DashMcGee@reddit
I'm a big fan of used guns that have been broken in. I won't weigh in on the particular model because I have no idea. As for which is best for you, I think you are missing the obvious here. Let your girlfriend choose the one she wants and convince her that she is your point person, and you will watch her six. Then hide behind her and throw a hammer at the bad guy. I am 60 years old and have never taken a round to the chest. #lifelesson #equalityforwomen # hammers
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
Well considering I was raised shooting guns and she had never held one before trying my plinking 22 I have I don't believe that's a good idea
sirbassist83@reddit
the 870 has a much smoother action. the 88 is less likely to suffer from QC issues.
i have an 870 from the freedom group era, and its been awesome. maybe i got lucky, i dunno. i had to replace the factory MIM extractor with a machined aftermarket one. volquartsen makes one you can buy through brownells for $26. after i did that its been flawless, and ive had it for over 16 years.
i also have a 590A1 and friends have had either mav 88s or 500s through the years. i prefer my 870 over everything else. the biggest complaint people have is rust, but if you live in a dry climate that wont be an issue. i dont even keep oil on mine anymore and its still fine.
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
I live in Florida so the climate is always bullshit, but the only time it will ever see the light of day is for range training so I don't imagine rust would be too big an issue.
SwaggyButNerdy@reddit
Random Florida warning… if you ever have a roof leak combined with a power outage during/after a hurricane… everything is going to rust immediately. Probably my worst gun owner day.
Emergency_Ad_5935@reddit
They’re both perfectly good shotguns. The biggest difference imo is whether you like the safety of the Remington or the safety of the Mossberg. Up to you.
I imagine there’s probably more after-market support for the Remington though, so if you’re looking to customize something off-the-shelf it might be easier to find 870-compatible components. I literally did zero research into the truth of that statement though, so I very well could be talking out my ass.
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
I honestly wasn't aware they had different safeties. I've only shot a shotgun a handful of times so I really haven't developed a preference on safety though
No-Recognition-4931@reddit
If you could find a classic 870 it would be worth the higher price IMO. But if not, the maverick is tried and true.
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
Im on a bit of a budget so depending on the price difference I would have to go with the maverick.
No-Recognition-4931@reddit
Ain’t nothing wrong with that fr.
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
That's why I was considering the maverick because I can grab it for $260 at my local academy.
John_the_Piper@reddit
If you're balling on a budget, a Maverick really isn't a bad starter gun. It won't be the best thing out there for but it'll work, and will be a great loaner/beater gun when you upgrade later.
I will say though, you can probably find an 870 for about $250 if you keep your eye out on consignment racks
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
I'll keep that in mind, thanks!
sumguyontheinternet1@reddit
Mav88 all day. If budget is a concern, the GOOD 870’s are likely out of reach. The new ones are lower quality from what I’ve read.
gunsforevery1@reddit
Remington 870
Comfortable-Story-53@reddit
They're both excellent. I prefer the safety on the 88.
Key_Juggernaut3431@reddit (OP)
That was actually the only semi complaint I was seeing in my research but that's not even something that became a deciding factor because of how small that issue is.
Porchsmoker@reddit
You’d think it’s small, but it is rather annoying.
Comfortable-Story-53@reddit
I had to replace the safety on my 590 and it was a bitch. Ended up getting rid of it. Actually, it was stolen. My geriatric father let some of his friends get into the gun safe. Oh well, it was just a thing. Right? Along with the Beretta, the Python, the Camp 45, couple of Rugers. Life happens.
ACRVasquez@reddit
Anyone else have an 870 Supermag? I love mine.
the_d0nkey@reddit
I love my 88.
AnEvilToastyBagel@reddit
Grab one of those 870 trade in police magnums. They are dirt cheap, magnum action, and the police model uses the older style metal trigger components instead of plastic. The actions are smooth and function great. Mossberg 88 is entry level and not comparable. Mossberg 590 would be more equivalent to 870.
Dragonnuttz@reddit