No they are not cheaply made, they are just more generic in model. They were first developed for the military. Basic design and function. The only difference between a 500 and an 88 is that the 500 standardly comes with the ACCU choke system and the 88 does not. Also the handle (forestock) of the 88 is a general use grip, while the 500 is a little bit shorter. Other than that, Theres not much difference. You can even enterchange most of the parts with one another.

If you are thinking of purchasing one of the two, I'd go with the 500. It has everthing on it that you would eventually want on the 88.

BM

...Rocky Mountain High...