Mossberg 500's are great guns. Have had a few of them and am about to buy another one this weekend. They are one of, if not the most reliable pump shotguns around. If you are on a budget, the Maverick 88 by Mossberg Security 8 shot model is very nice. I will vouch for the Maverick all day long. I have had a few of those as well and have never had one fail on me. Some ppl like the trigger guard safety on the 88 more than the top mounted one on the 500. All of the 500 accessories fit on the 88 except for forearms, you have to buy an adapter ring. Stocks, barrels, etc all interchange.