I've got a Mossberg 500 which is very similar to the Maverick 88 although perhaps a bit more expensive. Several parts on the Maverick 88 will interchange with the Mossberg 500 (but not the trigger assembly).

I don't know what the new 88's are selling for, but I would "guesstimate" close to $300. If that gun you're looking at is in good operating condition, then I'd say that it's well worth $150. I'd say that it's very suitable for your intended usage.

 

It'll do what you want and you don't get much for less than what you are paying. You'll spend that on dinner out with the Mrs. I've spent more on a bottle of whiskey that's long gone. Go for it.

 

If you want it, buy it!
I have owned several. They are as reliable and trouble free as a firearm can be. I could not make myself tolerate the safety being forward of the trigger. Otherwise they were all perfect-not one problem.

 

While I do not own one, TFG did a really great review on it. If I had need for another pump, I would give it a try. I even saw one with a mid-bead and I think 30" barrel that I would consider as a trap gun back-up.

 

Hmmmm. A cheaper version of an already cheap shotgun. Pass. Get an 870.

 

aa less expensive version of a proven shotgun.

 

I bought the Maverick 88 Kid size 6 months ago for $209. The stock was too short for my 11-year-old G-son. I bought replacement stocks for all three of the Mossbergs I own (the 20 Ga is a Coast to Coast). The adult guns got new wood and the new Maverick got a old, shortened adult stock, about 2' longer than the plastic one it came with. Soon all will have slings.
The only thing bad about the new Maverick is that it is new and quite stiff. Most of the above are pretty worn and rattley. Seems even worse since I finally got to hunt with my M-37. The new one needs some wear.
I learned shotgun on old beater 870's in the military. I didn't care for them. I don't shoot them well. The prison where I worked had Mossbergs and I could actually hit targets with it. They told me when I worked towers, that If I stopped an escape, I'd get two weeks off. I asked if that was two weeks per round, or two weeks per inmate. I had quite a lot of ammo up there. I could have been gone for quite a while.

 

Never owned an 88, but been around quite a few. It's basically a Mossberg 500 with a different safety and trigger group. Fit and finish are lesser than the 500; the 88 is pretty much the opposite of "refined."

For what you want- a utility defensive shotgun- at that price I'd absolutely say "go for it!"

I might remember the Mavericks in my past as rattly and unrefined, but I cannot recall a single failure from any of them. A good truck gun. You won't weep if it gets banged up a bit, and if you provide basic maintenance, it can be depended upon.

As with any shotgun, I'd caution to make sure it fits you, no matter how attractive the price tag.

 

The fit and finish is the same as the 500. I have owned several of each, and currently own 4 12ga. 500s.

 

At $150 I wouldn't blink. They do rattle a little, but I've never known one to fail, even when subjected to fairly significant abuse.

 

I used an 88 for 14 years. It was my one shotgun for everything. I never had a problem with it. My brother has it now and still no problems with a gun that’s close to 20 years old. Great gun for the price. I would not hesitate to buy another.

 

Buy it! Never put shells in the sling loops because the weight will sway and disturb your aim. Disregard "rattly" complaints because it is a deliberate design feature that protects the aluminum receiver cuts from damage by the steel action slide bars. Good luck, sir.

 

I had the plastic fore end detach from the operating rod on one.

 

Jump on it. For $150, you can not go wrong on that shotgun. The mossberg design is tough and reliable. I have a 590A1 and a maverick 88. Both are 100% reliable.
I would buy that mav 88 in a heartbeat any day over any shotgun made in china or turkey.

The only difference between the mav 88 and the moss 500, is the mav 88, they moved the safety to the trigger guard, and the foregrip is one piece synthetic with the action bars connected directly to it. The moss 500 has a tang safety and a two piece foregrip ( the actual grip is removable from the action bar "tube" (for lack of a better term).
You can buy a used moss 500 foregrip and action bar assembly and swap it onto the 88 if that bothers you.

For what you are wanting, that one will be perfect for it.

 

the 88 and Mossberg 500 are pretty much the same thing. honestly for the price and it not being all that clean its higher then id want to pay since you can often times find them new for 200. its 219 at academy if you have one near. if you are looking at a home defense gun go for it. consider a youth model if you buy new. can still shoulder but a tad shorter for swinging between door ways

 

Honestly any pump for 150 is hard to beat right now. I've never owned one but I've heard they're tough as nails.

 

If it's a fun gun, why not? If your life depends on it, spend a few bucks more.

 

I picked up a new one the other day (28” model) and the fit and finish in the three I held were outstanding, at least as good as the 500’s that were sitting next to it, it’s why I bought one as a loaner for my duck hunts. I have 870’s too which are great guns but are heavier, fit and finish of the 870’s aren’t that great. I can shoot either well and both are dead nuts reliable. I think they are a great value honestly and would take one all day long over the Chinese (stevens) or Turkish pumps which are in the same price range. Not to mention the aftermarket support.

 

Just buy it. The worst that can happen is you sell it for 200 bucks.