Maverick 88

What Is the Maverick 88 and How Does It Compare to the Mossberg 500?

The Maverick 88 shares its core action with the legendary Mossberg 500 — the same receiver design, the same dual-action bars, and the same tang-mounted safety that Mossberg has used for decades. The key differences come down to cost-cutting measures that keep the Maverick 88’s price significantly lower: the Maverick 88 uses a single-piece trigger group (not user-removable like the Mossberg 500), a crossbolt safety instead of the Mossberg tang safety, and fewer finish options. For shooters who want a reliable pump shotgun without paying for features they don’t need, the Maverick 88 delivers essentially the same function at a lower cost. Mossberg 500 parts including barrels, stocks, and forends are largely compatible, giving Maverick 88 owners a wide aftermarket ecosystem.

Maverick 88 Configurations: Home Defense vs. Field Models

The Maverick 88 is available in two primary configurations. The home defense model ships with an 18.5-inch cylinder-bore barrel and a standard pistol grip or full stock — short enough for indoor maneuverability and legal in all 50 states without any NFA paperwork. Field and all-purpose models come in longer barrel lengths (26 or 28 inches) suited for waterfowl, upland birds, and turkey hunting. Some configurations ship with two barrels, letting you swap between a shorter defensive barrel and a longer field barrel depending on the application. All standard models are 12 gauge with a 3-inch chamber, accepting both 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells.

Is the Maverick 88 Reliable Enough for Home Defense?

The Maverick 88 has earned a strong reputation for reliability in independent testing and real-world use. It cycles a wide range of 12-gauge loads without issue — from light target loads to heavy defensive buckshot — and its simple design means there are fewer components to fail. The crossbolt safety is straightforward to operate under stress, and the 5+1 or 7+1 capacity (depending on barrel configuration) gives you adequate rounds for a defensive situation. While the Maverick 88 lacks some of the finish quality and modularity of higher-end shotguns, its mechanical reliability and Mossberg-derived action make it a credible choice for home defense, particularly for shooters building their first defensive shotgun setup.

Maverick 88 Specifications and Capacity

The standard Maverick 88 home defense model measures 38.5 inches overall with an 18.5-inch barrel and weighs approximately 5.5 pounds unloaded. Magazine capacity is 5+1 with a 2¾-inch shells. The 8-shot model, which ships with a longer barrel and extended magazine tube, holds 7+1. The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics mounting, and the standard stock is a synthetic material resistant to weather and field use. All models use a 3-inch chamber, feed from a tubular magazine, and cycle via the dual-action-bar system inherited from the Mossberg platform.

Maverick 88 vs. Other Budget Shotguns: How Does It Stack Up?

The Maverick 88’s closest competitors in the budget pump segment are the Stevens 320, the Mossberg Maverick 88 Security, and the H&R Pardner Pump. Against the Stevens 320, the Maverick 88 wins on aftermarket support and brand lineage. Against the Pardner Pump, the Maverick 88 offers a more modern action and broader configuration availability. The Mossberg 500 sits above the Maverick 88 in the same family — the upgrade makes sense if you want the top-tang safety, removable trigger group, or specific tactical configurations that only the 500 offers. For buyers focused on value and reliability without customization, the Maverick 88 is typically the right choice.

Aftermarket Upgrades for the Maverick 88

Because the Maverick 88 shares a receiver and barrel pattern with the Mossberg 500, it benefits from one of the largest shotgun aftermarket ecosystems available. Mossberg 500 barrels fit the Maverick 88 directly, opening up additional barrel lengths, choke configurations, and ribbed field barrels. Stocks and forends from Magpul, Hogue, and Fab Defense designed for the Mossberg 500 are compatible. A heat shield, side saddle shell carrier, or extended magazine tube can all be added with off-the-shelf parts. One meaningful limitation: the Maverick 88’s non-removable trigger group means trigger upgrade options are more limited than on the Mossberg 500.

Frequently Asked Questions: Maverick 88

Is the Maverick 88 the same as the Mossberg 500?
They share the same basic action and many components, but the Maverick 88 has a different trigger group design, a crossbolt safety instead of the Mossberg tang safety, and is made in Texas rather than Connecticut. Mossberg 500 barrels are compatible with the Maverick 88.

What gauge is the Maverick 88?
The Maverick 88 is chambered in 12 gauge with a 3-inch chamber, accepting 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells. It is not available in 20 gauge.

How many rounds does the Maverick 88 hold?
The standard 18.5-inch model holds 5+1. The 8-shot model with a longer barrel and extended tube holds 7+1.

Can I use Mossberg 500 parts on the Maverick 88?
Barrels, stocks, and forends designed for the Mossberg 500 are generally compatible with the Maverick 88. The trigger group is not interchangeable.

Is the Maverick 88 good for home defense?
Yes. The 18.5-inch model is a widely recommended entry-level home defense shotgun. Its reliable action, manageable size, and 12-gauge stopping power make it a practical choice for home defense use.

Does the Maverick 88 have a choke?
The standard 18.5-inch home defense barrel is cylinder bore with no choke. Longer field barrels on the Maverick 88 typically include a fixed modified choke or accept Mossberg Accu-Chokes.

Browse Maverick 88 Shotguns
Shop all Maverick Arms shotguns at Impact Guns — we ship to FFL dealers nationwide.

See Also
• 12 Gauge Shotguns
• Mossberg Shotguns
• Pump-Action Shotguns
• Home Defense Guns