What is difference from the new Mossbergs 500 from the old ones, pre 2009?

No real diffs. Sometimes they change the design of the wood, most times not. Shotguns aren't like cars where they change every year. If it sells, it gets produced until it stops selling. The current 500A is pretty much identical to the 500A from 1980 except the forearm slide tube is an inch shorter. Well, that does bring up one point....Mossberg has produced some 500 synthetic models recently with one piece Maverick forearms instead of the standard steel slide action tube forearm. If you ever plan to change the forearm on your gun, be SURE to get one of the models with the old steel tube. If you get a Mav-type one piece, you'll have to buy a new forearm slide action tube before you can add an aftermarket forearm to your gun. That's ONLY on some synthetics, though. If yours is wood, yours is good. All the woods, by design, have steel tubes. Other than that, all aftermarket parts fit. All barrels and mag tubes as well.

I wasnt aware there were any differences..... There are subtle differences between the Maverick 88 shotgun (Mossberg economy line) and the Mossberg 500's.....

Just asking, no offense intended...but you consider a gun manufactured in, say 2008 old? Just asking...

I'm thinking you may be happier in the long run with a Remington 870. There are more after market parts and they are just as reliable if not more so than the 500.

Both are good guns. Myself, personally, have owned a 500. It was alright. No complaints. But nothing to write home about either.

To me, the 870 is the best pump on the market.