Mossberg Maverick 88

About the Mossberg Maverick 88

The Mossberg Maverick 88 is a budget-friendly pump-action shotgun manufactured by Maverick Arms, a corporate affiliate of O.F. Mossberg & Sons, at their plant in Eagle Pass, Texas. Introduced in 1989, the Maverick 88 is approximately 90% identical to the venerable Mossberg 500, sharing the same rugged action with dual extractors, twin action bars, steel-to-steel lockup, and anti-jam elevator. Key cost-saving differences include a crossbolt safety (versus the Mossberg 500's tang safety), a single-piece forearm assembly, no pre-drilled receiver for scope mounts, and the use of parts manufactured in Mexico. Available in 12 and 20 gauge with a 3-inch chamber, the Maverick 88 accepts both 2-3/4-inch and 3-inch shells and is fully compatible with Mossberg 500 barrels and most Mossberg 500 accessories (within gauge and capacity). Offered in All-Purpose, Security, Cruiser, Slug, and Combo configurations, the Maverick 88 has earned a reputation as one of the best value pump-action shotguns on the market, equally suited for home defense, hunting, and recreational shooting.

The Maverick 88 was born out of economic necessity. In 1989, facing intense foreign competition and rising labor costs, Mossberg established the Maverick Arms subsidiary in Eagle Pass, Texas, near the Mexican border, to produce an affordable alternative to the Mossberg 500. By using Mexican-sourced components and a simplified design, Mossberg was able to offer the same proven pump-action platform at a fraction of the cost, making reliable home defense and hunting shotguns accessible to a much wider market.

Mossberg Maverick 88 specifications

The Maverick 88's crossbolt safety is positioned at the trigger guard, unlike the Mossberg 500's ambidextrous top-tang safety. The forearm assembly is the only major component not interchangeable with the Mossberg 500; all other accessories, including barrels, stocks, and Accu-Choke tubes, are cross-compatible within gauge and capacity. The Eagle Pass, Texas manufacturing facility opened in February 1989, with some components sourced from Mexico to reduce production costs. The trigger pull is notably heavy at approximately 8 pounds (36 N). Despite its budget price point (MSRP around $250-290), the Maverick 88 delivers the same core reliability as the Mossberg 500 platform, making it one of the most recommended first shotguns for new shooters.