[TxGun]

It is 95% a 500. The safety arrangement is different and the forearm arrangement is different (or used to be...action bars integral with the forearm). Other than those differences, it is a 500 and uses the same parts. Think of the 88 as the basic, no frills, few options version of the 500 with the changes noted above. Both the Mossberg 500 and the Maverick 88 are now assembled in Eagle Pass, Texas with a mixture of parts...some U.S. made, some made in Torreon, Mexico. The 88 is a good gun...just like the 500 is a good gun.