I finally purchased the Mossberg 12 gauge Maverick 88 Security with 18.5" barrel. The quality of this gun is excellent. I just picked it up from TJ Sporting Arms (Thanks Tony once again!) on Friday. I'll go to the Range to test it out sometime this week and update the post to let everyone know how it turned out. I also just ordered the pistol grip kit which I would like to get some practice with at the range because it would fit around the tight corners of my indoor space a bit easier. I am aware that the kick is going to be harder, but I purchased the gun for HD/close quarter encounters and its good to have another option to practice with. This is my first shotgun and even though I haven't shot it yet, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside while its sitting next to me...It feels like an ultimate protector!

I'm sure your enjoy it Blaze

Good gun, excellent choice for HD. Saw the photo on the other thread and it's sharp.

Thanks! I just took the pics down, but I will take better pics and post them in this thread and the other thread when my pistol grip gets here in a couple of days....Quality of the original pics wasn't too great.

Enjoy it

Here are a few upgrades to the Mossberg 88 since I purchased it...

Mossberg 500 Heat Shield

Mossberg carbon fiber Pistol Grip

 

I finally went to the range yesterday and fired it for the first time. I used Winchester Military grade 00 Buckshot in 2 3/4" as well as the Law Enforcement Premium Federal 00 Buckshot in 2 3/4". I shot about 20 rounds in all. The Winchester 00 Buck had about a 6 inch spread at 7 yards while the Federal had only a 3 inch spread at the same distance. This was my first time shooting a shotgun so I didn't know that different brands would produce such different results. The gun never FTF or FTE in any way under any ammo. After the first shooting and its first "real" cleaning, the slide and pump action is much smoother and crispier than before. Even the shiny striker assembly is even shinier than when I first bought it and took the pics. My wrist is OK after shooting with the pistol grip only. The area between my thumb and index finger is a little tender this morning, but that's about it. It wasn't as bad as some make it out to be. I also got to shoot my friends Stag Arms AR-15 and P226 DAK along with my M&P40c. The whole day was the most fun I had since I started shooting.

 

I also found a new Range that is only about 30 mins from my house with excellent pricing on everything. It's called Delaware Valley Sports Center (http://www.delawarevalleysportscenter.com/index2.html). It's across the bridge in Philly and their ammo prices are very good. They will let you shoot your own ammo if you want to. Its $15 per person (no session time limit). Memberships are only $130 per year and $100 for renewals. You can holster the whole time you are on the property. They have a 10 lane 25 yard range and you can shoot anything you want (Rifles, Shotguns, Pistols). It was a Saturday (busiest day) and everyone was able to shoot as soon as they arrived with no wait time. It was a very good experience with a very nice owner and staff. The range is in the next room over, so you don't get the feeling that someone is constantly watching your every move. They have lots of in-stock supplies such as cleaning items, holsters, scopes, magazines (almost all types), and more. They have a good stock of guns for sale and guns for rent also. Overall I am very impressed with the place and I plan on getting a membership when I go back. If anyone is in the area and they would like to go shooting in South Jersey, let me know and I will be happy to meet up!