Mossberg Maverick 88 Review for Hunters and Sport Shooters. Modifications, Pros and Cons, Price.
The Mossberg Maverick 88 has long been a favorite among shotgun enthusiasts, and after extensive field testing, I can confidently say it’s one of the most reliable and versatile pump-action shotguns in its price range. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a sport shooter, or someone looking for a dependable home-defense firearm, the Maverick 88 deserves serious consideration.
🔧 Overview and Build Quality Mossberg Maverick 88
Manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons, the Maverick 88 is often referred to as the budget sibling of the Mossberg 500. While some components are produced outside the U.S. (primarily in Mexico), final assembly takes place in Eagle Pass, Texas, ensuring quality control remains high.
• Action Type: Pump-action
• Receiver: Aluminum alloy, anodized black
• Stock: Black synthetic (standard), with optional camo finishes
• Safety: Cross-bolt safety located in front of the trigger guard
• Weight: ~6.5 to 7 lbs depending on model
• Finish: Blued steel barrel and receiver
Despite its affordability, the Maverick 88 features dual extractors, twin action bars, and a steel-to-steel lockup, all of which contribute to its smooth cycling and durability.
Available Models and Modifications
The Maverick 88 comes in several configurations tailored to different shooting needs:
• All-Purpose: 12 or 20 gauge, 26–28” barrel, ideal for hunting and sport shooting
• Security: 18.5–20” barrel, designed for home defense
• Slug: 24” rifled barrel with adjustable sights, optimized for slug shooting
• Top-Folding Stock: Tactical variant with pistol grip and folding stock
• Combo: Includes both field and security barrels for versatility
• Youth/Bantam: Shorter length of pull and barrel for younger or smaller shooters
Most models are compatible with Mossberg 500 barrels, stocks, and Accu-Choke tubes, allowing for extensive customization. Popular upgrades include:
• Fiber optic sights
• Tactical stocks and pistol grips
• Side saddles and shell holders
• Picatinny rails for optics
• Extended magazine tubes (with gunsmithing)
📐 Specifications and Calibers Mossberg Maverick 88
• Gauge Options: 12 and 20 gauge
• Chamber: 2¾” and 3” shells
• Barrel Lengths: 18.5”, 20”, 22”, 24”, 26”, 28”
• Magazine Capacity: 5+1 or 7+1 (depending on barrel length and shell size)
• Choke System: Fixed cylinder bore or interchangeable Accu-Choke tubes
The Maverick 88 is proofed for steel shot, making it suitable for waterfowl hunting.
🎯 Effective Range and Hunting Applications
With the right ammunition and choke, the Maverick 88 performs admirably across various hunting scenarios:
• Bird Hunting: With a modified or full choke, effective up to 40 yards
• Waterfowl: Steel shot loads with extended chokes, 30–45 yards
• Deer Hunting: Slug models with rifled barrels are accurate up to 75–100 yards
• Small Game: Cylinder or improved cylinder choke, 20–30 yards
Its versatility makes it a solid choice for upland game, turkey, ducks, and even predator control.
💬 User Reviews: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
• Affordability: Often priced between $225–$275, making it one of the best-value shotguns on the market
• Reliability: Proven pump-action design with minimal malfunctions
• Customizability: Compatible with Mossberg 500 parts and accessories
• Durability: Handles harsh weather and rough use well
• Ease of Use: Simple controls and intuitive operation
❌ Cons
• Finish Quality: Basic bluing is prone to surface rust if not maintained
• No Drilled Receiver: Cannot mount optics without modification
• Plastic Trigger Guard: Feels less premium than aluminum alternatives
• Limited Magazine Extensions: Requires barrel and tube matching for upgrades
💵 Price and Value
As of 2025, the Maverick 88 retails for:
• New: ~$250–$275 depending on model and retailer
• Used: ~$140–$180, with some models as low as $90 in fair condition
Given its performance and reliability, the Maverick 88 offers exceptional value for hunters and sport shooters alike.
🏹 Why Hunters and Shooters Choose the Maverick 88
• Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for new shooters due to its simplicity and low recoil
• Multi-Purpose: Suitable for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense
• Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain
• Wide Availability: Parts and accessories are abundant and affordable
📚 Notable Facts About the Mossberg Maverick 88
• Launched in 1988, the Maverick 88 was designed as a cost-effective alternative to the Mossberg 500 during an economic downturn.
• It’s assembled in Eagle Pass, Texas, using components manufactured in Mexico, which helps keep costs low without sacrificing reliability.
• The Maverick 88 shares 80–90% of its components with the Mossberg 500, making it highly customizable.
• It features dual action bars, steel-to-steel lockup, and an anti-jam elevator, all of which contribute to its smooth cycling.
• The trigger group is not interchangeable with the Mossberg 500, but barrels, stocks, and magazine tubes are.
• It’s one of the top-selling pump-action shotguns in the U.S., with over 400,000 units sold annually.
• The Maverick 88 is often referred to as the “working man’s shotgun” due to its ruggedness and affordability.
• It’s compatible with Accu-Choke tubes on hunting models, allowing for versatile shot patterns.
• The shotgun is “all-weather ready”, with synthetic furniture and corrosion-resistant finishes.
• It’s widely used by law enforcement, private security, and civilian shooters for defense, sport, and hunting.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The Mossberg Maverick 88 may not have the polish of high-end shotguns, but it delivers where it counts: reliability, versatility, and affordability. For hunters seeking a dependable field gun or sport shooters looking for a rugged pump-action, the Maverick 88 is a smart investment.
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