20 gauge shotgun, either Mossberg 500 or Maverick 88 for skeet and trap

Question

I want to shoot skeet and/or trap. I need a 20 gauge shotgun because I have a back injury and when I tried it with a 12 gauge it caused some pain.

Looking at the Mossberg website, they only mention a 12 gauge skeet choke. Nothing for 20 gauge. What choke would be the closest substitute; improved cylinder, modified or full? Are the chokes interchangeable between these two? I'd save $50 with the Maverick. Seems the Maverick holds 5 1 and the Mossberg holds only 4 1. Are there any other major difference for a newbie between the two? Is there another choke from another maker more suitable? Is there any other sub $300 20 gauge pump shot guns you'd recommend over these two? Maybe NEF Pardner pump? Thanks.

Answer 1

Both the Mav 88 and the Mossy 500 hold 5+1.  They're functionally identical except for the location of the safety.  The Mav 88 comes standard with black synthetic stock and forearm, though....while the Mossy has some really decent wood.  If you're ok with shooting a black synthetic pump then the Mav 88 is fine....but I'd suggest the Mossy with the wood.  It just looks better.

You *could* buy a Mav 88 and then buy some Mossy wood and forearm tube and switch it out, but it'll cost you more than the savings you just had on the Mav 88.

Both the Mossy and the Mav 88 use the most common choke tubes on the market.  Both are identical.  Both use the same barrels for that matter.  If you found a store that *didn't* stock Mossy tubes, you'd probably be in a foreign country.

Answer 2

This will fit a Mossberg or Maverick. They have a 20 gauge skeet choke. They are not made by Mossberg, but they are fine.

http://www.choketube.com/wbmw.html

Both hold 6 shots. Keep in mind the 20 gauge will still have 2/3's the kick of the 12 gauge. Could be a medical problem to speak to your doctor with before taking up this sport. Could be a matter of technique and getting used to shooting shotguns.

Answer 3

Use cylinder or improved cylinder for skeet, and modified or improved modified for trap.* Yes they are changeable.*

Answer 4

Either one is fine, as they are both built by Mossburg. And yes the chokes interchange. NEF has always built good quality inexpensive guns with few frills. Another option would be the Stoeger line, My wife uses one for trap and loves it.