I've owned a Mossberg before and I won't do it again.
Hate to say it, but I have had a similar experience.
Like many brands, Mossberg makes two lines, even within the same model series, like two different 500's, two different versions of 835's, etc.
Much like Remington 870's....which vary widely from the 870 Express at Bass Pro or Wal Mart to the 870 Wingmaster royal blue or the Marine 870, or the true Police 870's... you get what you pay for.
Upper end Mossbergs can be great guns. But the mart mart guns have ruined their reputation.
Savage went broke dealing with Wal Mart in the 80's and early 90's; finally pulled their head out, and now market stevens and Axis for those markets. True Savage guns are very good guns.
Do you really think you are buying a Zeiss for $299 at Bass Pro? Or an improved Tasco with a Zeiss label?
Or the $1100 John Deere mowers at Home Depot/Lowes? (Made by Murray or MTD).