[woodwalker]

I have wanted a tactical entry 12 gauge shotgun for a long time. You know the one I am talking about. 18-inch barrel, double pistol-grips, and top folding stock.

I found a black Mossberg Maverick for $178 at walmart. Sure, its got a barrel close to a yard long, but according to Wikipedia, the Maverick is but a cheaper made Mossberg 500. The things that I want on it all are advertised as fitting Mossberg 500s. Only one item in the catalog says that it will not fit a Maverick.

Is this a good buy? I plan to discuss this with my dad tomorrow, as he has a good deal of experience with guns (buying, selling, shooting, AND modifying), but your input is greatly appreciated.

[flyfisher76544]

Well a bud of mine bought one and used it for hunting mainly. Never gave him any problems over about a period of 4 years. Hunted ducks, doves and deer with it. As for being used for a tactical reason, i honestly dont know. I do know that Mossberg sells a tact 12 gauge so you might wanna take a look at their website. Compare what you are gonna spend on parts to what you could get right out of the box.

[wfosborn]

Hi Woodwalker,

I have a 590 that I've packed around for quite a while as a bear gun, great dependable shotgun. If I were going to get a new one though I'd go with Benelli. After getting to use some of them I'm really impressed with the design, appears to be a lot more solid than the good old Mossberg. Good if you want to shoot really hot, heavy rounds. They have some nice tactical parts as well. Might be worth a look at for you if you can afford one.

--W

[woodwalker]

Thanks, guys. I am going to look at a military-style Mossberg 500 at a store saturday with my dad, as he knows more about these things than I do. It has really come down to the 500 is better than the Maverick as far as customization goes, as the Maverick is harder to get barrels, etc. for. I believe I have more than enough money for the 500, so it would probably be best to get the best I can.