My first 12g was a Maverick 88 defense model with 18.5" barrel. Bought it used but I don't think it had ever been shot. When I got into Sport Clays I picked up a used 26" barrel. Used it as my only 12g for several years till I found a deal too good to pass up on a 500 with nice wood, I think 28" barrel. The Maverick is now exclusively my home defense shotgun unless a group of friends go with me to shoot clays and I need a loaner, then I put the long barrel back on. Shot a lot of clays and squirrels with the 88.
The 500 is a better quality gun but the 88 does what it is supposed to do and I have recommended it to several friends. If it is a toss up, pick the safety you like better or what you can afford. Most all 500 accessories are interchangeable with the 88.