Express. The whole idea is to not drag an expensive gun through a brier patch.

Maverick 88 is cheaper and doesn't have Remington stigma. Fit and finish isn't amazing but I haven't heard anything bad about Mossberg triggers themselves. Mossberg has plastic safeties and plastic trigger guards, though :/

If I'm not mistaken, Mossberg 500 parts are compatible with the 88. Both the safety and trigger guard are upgradeable to metal Mossberg 500 components. This gives you an inexpensive entry with an upgrade path. I'm not sure of my memory here so fact-check me with your gun shop before buying.

Great sub $200 shotgun for me

I even think the more "expensive" 870 models are very reasonably priced for everything you get...