Maverick 88: 6 or 8 shot?

[SOAB]

Ok, so I should preface this with a little information.

I own two maverick 88 shotguns currently(6 shot security with an 18.5 inch barrel, and a field gun with a 28 inch barrel). I am dead set on getting another maverick 88 for a range toy. I have run into the issue of which security model I should buy though.

There are 2 security models available:

The shotgun with a 5+1 capacity, a barrel length of 18.5, and an OAL of 39.5 inches.

or

The shotgun with a 7+1 capacity, barrel length of 20 inches, and an OAL of 41 inches.

I can't seem to make a definite decision between the two models, and I figured I'd ask the opinion of everyone here, Is the extra 2 rounds really worth the extra length and weight?

If I decide to start experimenting with new stocks, would the 2 extra shells affect my decision in that field; weight and handling wise?

Would it be detrimental to practice/play with a shotgun that has a different magazine capacity then what my HD gun uses?

Any answers or additional concerns are welcome.

 

[danez71]

Ok, so I should preface this with a little information.

I own two maverick 88 shotguns currently(6 shot security with an 18.5 inch barrel, and a field gun with a 28 inch barrel). I am dead set on getting another maverick 88 for a range toy. I have run into the issue of which security model I should buy though.

There are 2 security models available:

The shotgun with a 5+1 capacity, a barrel length of 18.5, and an OAL of 39.5 inches.

or

The shotgun with a 7+1 capacity, barrel length of 20 inches, and an OAL of 41 inches.

I can't seem to make a definite decision between the two models, and I figured I'd ask the opinion of everyone here, Is the extra 2 rounds really worth the extra length and weight?

If I decide to start experimenting with new stocks, would the 2 extra shells affect my decision in that field weight and handling wise?

Would it be detrimental to practice/play with a shotgun that has a different magazine capacity then what my HD gun uses?

Any answers or additional concerns are welcome.

I'm confused.

Aren't the 2 that I made bold the same?

 

[1KPerDay]

Get the longer one. Or get a 590 the same length and get 8+1. I love mine.

 

[SOAB]

You are correct.

The security model I currently own, is the HD gun that I sit in the corner. Normally I don't like to abuse the guns I use for HD, but If I purchase a Range toy, there's no telling how badly it will get used and abused.

I'm just not sure If I should buy another 18.5 inch security model for a range toy, or if it would be fun/better to invest in the 7+1 model instead. So yes, you are correct, there is a chance I could end up with two of the same gun.

 

[danez71]

You are correct.

The security model I currently own, is the HD gun that I sit in the corner. Normally I don't like to abuse the guns I use for HD, but If I purchase a Range toy, there's no telling how badly it will get used and abused.

I'm just not sure If I should buy another 18.5 inch security model for a range toy, or if it would be fun/better to invest in the 7+1 model instead. So yes, you are correct, there is a chance I could end up with two of the same gun.

I see....

Well, there's something to be said for redundancy. And.... there's something to be said for something a little different, too.


Someone with more knowledge than me might know if the 5 shot or the 7 shot is more limiting as far as buying extra barrels down the road. That may influence you as well.



I have the same 88 5 shot with 18.5".

I bought a 20" barrel that came with 3 chokes for around $150 if I remember right. They are somewhat hard to find without knowing the Mossberg# for it. Mossberg no longer sells/lists them. Just the Mossberg barrels are usually really close to the price of a whole new 88.

If you want, I'll dig up the info for you if youre interested.



Having said all that.... I like and wanted the 18.5"barrel so that what I bought for my 1st pump. I generally prefer shorter barrels on all my long guns.


My bother in law has been inviting me to go quail hunting. While I have little shot gun experience, I know that an OC security barrel isn't what is suggested so I bought the 20" vent rib with chokes.


Playing with it around the house..... I don't notice a big difference with the 20" barrel on it.


Based on that, I think if you don't want to buy the 20" barrel with chokes (as I did) for your 5 shot 18.5", I think I'd suggest the 7 shot 20" barrel.

 

[SOAB]

Actually, that's about how I ended up buying my 28 inch maverick 88.

I was interested in getting a barrel for my HD gun, so I could use it for hunting/clay shooting with friends. I originally wanted a 20 inch barrel from Mossberg, and after digging around I found that a new barrel ran about 180 dollars... A maverick 88 from a big box store was 188 plus tax, so I ended up going that route and purchasing a 28 inch field gun. Although I thank you for the offer, and I'll keep that in mind if I do decide to so the 20 inch barrel route some day.

so that's +2 for the 7+1.
keep'em coming, and thanks for the answers so far.

 

[Schwing]

I don't know but what you are dealing with anything more than personal preference here. If it is going to be a rang toy, I personally would lean toward the 7+1 with a longer barrel. My reasoning is that I have never really been able to feel the difference the extra 2 or 3 shells make and I like shooting clays a lot better than stopping to load shells.

 

[SOAB]

A lot of it is personal opinion, but I have been worried about going with the 7+1. As I read more about them people always lean towards shorter guns with the 5+1 magazine for various reasons.

One of those reasons was that the added weight would not be balanced very well, especially in such a light gun .

The other two questions were just things I had worried about along the way.

Since this is a range toy, I'll try stocks and whatever few accessories I decide to get on it first before it goes on my other two guns. It concerns me that something may feel fine/not on the 7+1 that would be different on the 5+1.

Same with the loading related question. I am concerned that if I were to shoot a 7+1 often, if it would negatively affect my skills as a whole since my HD is a lighter 5+1(also worried I might not top off the magazine as often, not so much an issue with a 7+1, but could be for my 5+1).

I could be over thinking both questions, since this is just a range toy.

Hopefully this helps expand on my previous questions a bit.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Well, considering that I've yet to hear of a report of 5 shots of 12 gauge not being able to get the job done in a home defense scenario, and the fact that I like the slightly shorter (but noticeable) 18.5" barrels, and the lighter weight and balance of 4-5 shot magazine tubes, and my choice is clear. In fact I use a Remington 870P for home defense and it has a 4+1 magazine tube, just like what many police departments use. It will get the job done and if you want more ammunition, a shell carrier or side saddle is an easy thing to add.

 

[FL-NC]

If its just going to be a range toy I'd get whatever is cheapest.

 

[SOAB]

After doing a lot more research I think, given I can find them at the same price, I'll go for the 7+1. If I can get one cheaper than the other, I'll go with that instead.

I'll post my results once I find the best bang for my buck.

 

[bannockburn]

I'm more like danez71 in that I started out with a Maverick 88 with the 18.5" barrel and later added a 20" ventilated rib barrel with choke tubes to give the gun a little more versatility. Mainly I keep it in the home defense configuration because that's what I wanted it for primarily.

I would say getting the 7+1 model would make for a more interesting range toy and if you like the way it's set-up, you might even find yourself using it for home defense as well.

 

[SOAB]

Well it was decided for me today, I walked into a sporting goods store this morning and walked out with a NIB maverick 88 six shot security model for 185$ OTD. I just couldn't pass up a deal like that.

I'll post my opinions on this range toy and what might be in its future, once I get it to the range and test it.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Well it was decided for me today, I walked into a sporting goods store this morning and walked out with a NIB maverick 88 six shot security model for 185$ OTD. I just couldn't pass up a deal like that.

I'll post my opinions on this range toy and what might be in its future, once I get it to the range and test it.

Awesome! I'm not much of a fan of the extended magazines. Here is my 870P with stock 4+1 mag:



Balances like a butterfly on a the end of a flower, not like a pig on the end of a shovel.

 

[bannockburn]

SOAB

That's a great price on your Maverick! Bud's has them for $234 so you most definitely did alright!

 

[SOAB]

Well, I made it out to the range over the weekend.

All in all the new maverick did well. I put 230 rounds through it on Sunday. I only had some issues with cheap buckshot I had been using, but everything else ran smoothly.

I'll try to have the full write up once I'm freed up from work.

Also... I tried the ati top folder for fun, but unless you have a specific purpose, it really is not needed(I tried it specifically for the stock, I don't need a pg shotgun, but I thought in terms of space management).

 

[Panzerschwein]

Can you describe the issues you were having with the buckshot?

 

[danez71]

.... and which buckshot?

I appreciate you coming back to this thread. I have an 88 too but I sounds like you shoot yours more

 

[Browning]

Unless you're drowning or on fire more ammo on you or in the gun is never a bad thing, so I'd get the one that carries two more rds.

 

[SOAB]

I had two distinct issues with buckshot.

The first being that with Winchester value pack 2 3/4 00 buck, I was having failures to feed and hard feeds. Upon inspection of the ammo, they were crimped incorrectly and that ended in failure to feed since the bulging crimps were "catching" on the chamber on the way in. I was just using up the rest of what I had anyhow, as I have consistently seen this issue in the value pack ammo from Winchester(YMMV).

The second is a trend that I've begun to notice in the Suprema buckshot. Three or so out of 100 rounds had issues ejecting. It tends to only happen when the gun has significantly heated up(30 to 50 consecutive rounds). At that point I've had failures to eject. I figure It is the Suprema brass fire forming and "latching" on to the chamber. If I let the gun cool down, the shell ejects like it should(sorry no mortar drills for me). I'm going to look into this more thoroughly, but I haven't had it while firing long strings of other ammo like; Rio, federal value pack ammo, and some Remington 00 buck.

I also plan on doing a comprehensive review on the maverick series guns once I have at least 500 rounds of ammo through each of my three specimens.

 

[SOAB]

*update*

I just made it passed the 400 round mark (mostly full power buckshot) with my new Maverick. So far everything is holding up great.

The issue with the Suprema buckshot had to do with very very soft brass. I found that when the gun warmed up, the brass would somewhat latch to the barrel, and my extractors were pulling right through the brass itself

Needless to say, I have not had any issues at all with any other brands(other than winchester) I've run through the gun. I have decided that one important test I need to do with new ammo, is to make sure I can fire the gun in quick succession for around 40 rounds with no serious issue.

I have installed a Tacstar side saddle on the gun, and will be soon adding an OEM maverick stock in Multicam flavor. I figure I'll post pics once I have that installed.

if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Good job! Sounds like Suprema might be one to avoid for duty use.

 

[SOAB]

Yes sir, or one to test fully before you make a decision. I'll be updating my review of Suprema soon with pictures and a similar recommendation.

 

[horsey300]

I love my 590a1, it has been both practical and fun, I wouldn't enjoy hours of packing it, but I don't hunt upland birds with 8+1 either, when I stumble on packs of 5+ raccoons, it has been a blessing, it is balanced nicely enough that my trap shooting is not much of a challenge. You already have the 5rd, why not get the higher cap, then if you decide you like it better in your home than at the range, just swap them out.******** see you made your pick and for the price can't complain but nothing wrong with adding another(high cap) to the arsenal, good excuse to expand lol

 

[Panzerschwein]

I had a 590A1 20" 9-shot model.

When fully loaded with shells and with that heavy-walled barrel, the thing handled like a dead pig on the end of a shovel.

If I were going 9-shot, I'd get a standard wall barrel model, no doubt. In fact I'd get that plus a 6-shot model because I think that's enough ammo and it points and handles much better FOR ME.

JMHO.

YMMV.