Mossberg Maverick 88: A Popular Budget-Priced Shotgun

by
posted on November 18, 2020
maverick-88.jpg

Self-defense is a top priority for firearm enthusiasts, and when a gun is utilitarian enough to perform another duty with equally dexterity, it’s a cash-saving bonus that’s hard to ignore. Mossberg’s Maverick 88 does precisely that, whether protecting the home and family or heading out opening day.

The price is right, too. There are five models available in All-Purpose family of Maverick 88s. MSRPs start at $238 and run to $266 if you want one in Mossy Oak Treestand camo. They are available in 12 and 20 gauge and all have synthetic stocks. The vent rib barrels come in either 22", 26" or 28" lengths, and the tubular magazines all have a five-shotshell capacity.

There’s also a pair of Slug versions with 24" barrels. Both are 12 gauge, and you can choose between a smoothbore or a rifled version ideal for hunting. MSRPs are $238 and $266, respectively.

The Maverick 88 Security/Field Combo combines the best of both worlds together. The 12-gauge ships with a 28" vent-rib barrel and an 18.5" cylinder-bore version ideal for home defense. It will only set you back $266.

A 20-gauge Youth-All Purpose model has a 22" vent-rib barrel and weighs only 5.25 lbs. Its length-of-pull comes in at a foot even, 2" to 2.5" shorter than other Maverick 88s.

There are also four Security models available, as well as a nimble and space-saving Security with Top-Folding Stock (again, $266). B. Gil Horman tested that 18.5" barreled firearm for American Rifleman and concluded its, “…top folding stock provides the flexibility and reliability of a solid security shotgun at a budget friendly price.”

All Maverick 88s have twin action bars, anti-jam elevator and dual extractors for the kind of reliable operation we’ve come to expect from Mossberg, even at this price point. The bargain hasn’t been overlooked by enthusiasts, either. Last year the Maverick 88 was the sixth-best-selling pump-action shotgun by retailers on GunBroker.com.  

Latest

Precision Rimfire Christensen Arms
Precision Rimfire Christensen Arms

Review: Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rimfire Rifle

The Modern Precision Rimfire from Christensen Arms builds upon time-honored blueprints and is crafted from its maker's flash-forged carbon-fiber technology to create an accurate and fun-to-shoot repeating rifle.

New For 2025: H&K MR A4 Series

Building on its existing commercial line of MR556 and MR762 rifles, HK USA now offers A4 versions of both rifles, as well as large-format pistol variants.

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 1854

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video, and this time we have a modernized American lever-action to take to the range. Meet the Smith & Wesson Model 1854.

New For 2025: Kimber 2K11

With its new 2K11, Kimber now has a dedicated design based on the 2011 concept that comes loaded with a number of added features.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 22, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.