Maverick 88 as first shotgun

[ducktoller]

Was looking at the Maverick 88 as a first shotgun, I can afford up to 600 for a shotgun but cheaper is better. Anyone have any experience with this gun that can weigh in? Would it be better to get a better gun used? Shotgun will mostly be used for waterfowling or upland.

[The Dawg]

Good gun but there is better for that budget.

Remington 870 would be my choice. I have owned 2 and still have one.

[heyblast]

Check past posts, lots of options on choice of shotguns. My BPS I bought used for 450 and have been happy with it. Just another choice to look at in your price range.

[Sundance1972]

3 friends have a couple 1000 rounds through 88's with no issues and I have a cheap 870 Rem Express with about the same amount, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either one. Both are well under your budget and would leave a fair bit left over for ammo.
Would also keep an eye out here and CGN for a used 870 (Express, Wingmaster, etc) or an Ithica. Can sometimes be found for about the same price as a new Maverick, and are very dependable.

[Sundance1972]

Forgot to mention to stay away for the 870 Super Mags, AKA "Jammomatics"

[arrow assassin]

i'd recommend the 88 to anyone interested, its never let me down

[Bobfl]

I have owned a maverick 88 - 3 1/2 for 6 yrs. many boxes of shell. good gun for under $300. I would buy another one

[russm]

I've had mine 2 years cleaned it once no jams unless its shooting cheap Winchester shells (same with my remington), I believe I paid 295 for it new with a 28 inch and 18 inch barrel, I use it for my cheap beating around shotgun that I don't worry about looking ugly.

[Singleshotneeded]

I'd go to the gun shop and try the Mossberg and the 870 Express and Wingmaster, and see which feels better. I have an 870
and it's fired thousands of shells since the late 80s with not a single failure...everything from old Canuck standard loads, Imperial
magnum loads, through modern Federal and Remington ammo...so I can vouch for the 870. The Yankee army tested the Mossberg
and bought a lot of them for their military, and a lot of other folks say good things about them as well. It comes down to feel.
Another possibility, if you're waterfowling with it, is to consider the Weatherby semi auto made in Turkey. I have one in 20 gauge
and it's been perfect through several boxes of shells so far. The price for one in synthetic is only about $500.