Mossberg Maverick 88: A Popular Budget-Priced Shotgun

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.