Mossberg also markets a less expensive shotgun under the Maverick Arms name: the Mossberg Maverick 88, in blued finish, with synthetic stocks. Maverick and Mossberg shotguns share some similar parts,[6][7]  but Maverick shotguns differ in some ways, such as lacking sling swivel studs and having cross-bolt safeties instead of tang safeties. The factory warranty on Maverick shotguns are limited to one year. Maverick Arms models are assembled in Texas, rather than in Mossberg's main facility in Connecticut.

A unique item offered by Mossberg for the Model 500 is a line launcher kit. It uses special blank cartridge to propel a shaft with an optional floating head and a light rope attached to it; a canister hung below the barrel to hold the line spool. A test of the Mossberg 500 with line launcher by the BoatUS Foundation showed an average range of over 330 feet (100 m) with the floating head. Distances of 700 feet (210 m) are claimed for the non-floating long distance head.

By the way, the Mossberg 500 series pump shotguns, (in all the various permutations),  is the only enclosed hammer shotgun, (to my knowledge), with a safety stop on the hammer!  

Here is how to check the hammer safety stop:  If you keep your shotgun is in cruiser ready, you are already aware of this. With the shotgun hammer down and chamber empty, ease the slide back just a little, (as if for a chamber check), then push the slide completely forward. If at this point you pull the trigger, the hammer will slip off the safety stop and go forward just bumping the firing pin.

The purpose to the 500 hammer safety stop is to prevent the gun from firing should the full cock notch fail to catch the sear.  This function is the same as the hammer safety stop on a series 80 Colt autoloading pistol.

I would personally not bet my life on a Maverick 88.  As of about two years ago I was working in a sporting goods store and they were still shipping with only one action arm, and as I recall, there are significant differences in the action from a 500, not just the location of the safety.  Because of the price, we did sell lots of the 88's but also had many brought back.  Problems with the safety, magazine stop, etc...  Far more than any other shotgun the store sold.  And it is worth noting that many, if not most of the guys that I did sell the 88 to were simply looking for a cheap gun to put in the trunk or closet.  Aside from the members here that are speaking for them, I doubt many see hard use.

I'd rather save up a few more bucks and get a 500 or a 590.