I can’t decide on my next go to shotgun. I know I want either 18 or 20" pump with a stock. I don’t want to spend a ton because it’s going to get beat up in and out of my truck and UTV. Of course it has to be reliable… period. So many good options available, and so many pros and cons either way you go. Help a brother out will ya?
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First thing that came to mind for me was the Maverick 88. It’s been around forever and they still make it. So it must be decent although I’ve never handled one myself.
I know it’s cheap compared to the Rem 870 and Moss 500.
If you toss it around and beat it up it’s no big loss.
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So actually i just checked PSA and they do sell it. It’s 229.00 and although I didnt read the reviews it does have 21 reviews at 4 ¼ stars
Maybe not the winner, but certainly in the race for what you’re looking for.
EDIT: or the folder is 299.00
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Yes you are spot on with the 88. I happened to put my hands on one the other day. No 870 or 500 for sure as far as just feel in the hand, but the money is right.
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Mossberg Shockwave for the win. A little more than what you’re looking to spend, but well worth the extra coin.
I’d personally avoid anything with a buttstock for use in a truck or UTV. That extra length is going to be problematic.
Valid point on the stock for most people, but I need it due to physical reasons.
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I was leaning heavy towards the Maverick 88 20" at $260 but I think I’ve found a deal I can’t pass on. Mossberg 590 tactical ( used excellent condition ) demo model with 6 month warranty $390 . Talk me out of buying 2!
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Talk you out of buying 2 guns?
You’re in the wrong place for that 
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I don’t want no pistol grip handle on any shoulder fired weapon. A rifle/shotgun is not a pistol, and a pistol is not a rifle. You ain’t gonna hit jack if you don’t aim it. Shotgun pellets do not spread out like you would think from the movies. If you shop around the Mossberg Maverick 88 comes with a both hunting length (28") and 18.5" barrels for around $249.
I bought the H&R Pardner pump (18.5") for $148 at Walmart in '19. Rem 870 parts interchangeable except barrel, but folks say there’s an adapter to make 870 barrels work.
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Yea I had a Mossberg pistol grip that I got rid of about a year ago. It got to the point where I just wasn’t comfortable shooting it anymore. The Mossberg 590 that I mentioned above is just a reliable beast and a good deal from the prices I’ve seen.
That’d be a good one. I bought a 590A1 awhile back and it’s been outstanding.
Agree with both of you. Pistol grip shotguns suck. Fortunately, the Mossberg Shockwave does not have a pistol grip.
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I might have come off as a jerk. But I said ’ I don’t want pistol grip…’ - That doesn’t mean others may want, like and be proficient at hip shots:+1:
. I try to sit on my hands usually, but sometimes I wade in and if I catch flak over comments, I accept it and press on. I could have sworn the shockwave was pistol grip. They call it a birdshead grip. I guess they also have a rifle stock version too. I’ve only seen the short grip version at gun shops… My wife’s mother (84 years old) has a sawed off double barrel with cut down stock (pistol grip). She named it shorty.
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All good buddy. I’ve only seen the shockwave with the bird’s head grip also.
Still can’t decide on the 88 20" or 590.
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I didn’t mention earlier due to the emphasis on budget, but the Shockwave can be adapted to accommodate an AR pistol brace (so can the Remington TAC-14 for this fact*) yielding an easily managed compact solution for HD and/or vehicle use. Mesa Tactical offers robust hardware for such purposes:
Of course assembling the “best” rig for this application would blow the OP’s budget, but since this thread appears to be evolving I’ll just roll with it. 
*It should further be noted, I mentioned the Shockwave over the TAC-14 due to its higher capacity and ability to shoot 1-3/4" Minishells.
Just FYI: modifying a Pistol Grip Firearm like the 14”-barrel Shockwave, by installing a Stock could have Legal Repercussions……
Not at all. At least, I didn’t think so. It’s all good.
It is indeed the birds head and that makes a world of difference with transfer of energy and perceived recoil. The other benefit of the Shockwave is it’s configurable to shoot Minishells. This is especially good for small children or folks with disabilities. For example:
I often find people who push back heavy whenever I mention the Shockwave are those who’ve never seen or fired one firsthand. Folks assume the Shockwave is something it’s not. Pistol grip shotguns from years ago were an abysmal failure. Unfortunately, that alone seems to heavily bias and turn folks away from anything new that resembles the older models.
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The same could be said for just about anything these days, no? From ATF rulings that change with the blowing wind to how one is registered to vote. The list goes on and on and on. 
Good thing -legally speaking- the Shockwave is not a shotgun.
But enough with BS talk. I obviously like the new birds head style firearms. Others may not. I don’t want to come off as some belligerent fanboy when I am in fact nothing more than a satisfied customer making a suggestion.
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Correct - it is classified as a “Pistol Grip Firearm”. Modification by addition of a Stock will make it a “Short-Barrel Shotgun” - thenceforth under the purview of the NFA. Illegal without registration, “Permission” from your Federal and local Government(s), and payment of a “Tax”.
Ten-Years in Prison and $250k taken from you for a simple modification is usually Life-Ruining for most of us Commoners.