I like the Maverick also, but in my parts I haven't seen one below $234, and the local hardware store, last I looked had the Security Model for $275. With that said, I think it's a great shotgun. It's just an economized version of the 500, made in the same production facility in Texas as are current production 500s. Modern production seems to be about identical to the 500. Mossberg claims that are made in the U.S.A., while some gun forumites repeatedly argue that it is the "Mexican Mossberg". Again, a little research would seem to indicate that if current production Mavericks are using some Mexican parts, then most likely so are current 500 models.
Having both multiple 500s and a Maverick, I notice no difference at all in the quality. The only meaningful difference IMO is the placement of the safety.