MLH
Member
Anybody know anything about these? Seem lightweight but at that price ($209) I might have a look. BTW 12 g pump holding 8 shots.
Maverick 88 by Mossberg
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Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
It's a sibling to the Mossberg 500. Single action bar, different safety made in Mexico. Decent shotgun, decent price.
Mr. McCracken has it...Maverick Arms is entirely 'owned & operated' by O.F. Mossberg & Sons.
I have a now 15 year old Maverick 88, never an issue of any kind. Not as A.P. { Aesthetically Pleasing } as say a Classic 870 Wingmaster, but will get the job done in trained hands.
I have a now 15 year old Maverick 88, never an issue of any kind. Not as A.P. { Aesthetically Pleasing } as say a Classic 870 Wingmaster, but will get the job done in trained hands.
Gabby Hayes
Member
I've had a Maverick 88 for about a dozen years now. Works fine. Good inexpensive truck gun that won't mind a few dings and scratches, or getting a bit wet in the field. I believe the current models have dual action bars.
Maverick=Mexican Mossberg.
Only difference is the safety on the Maverick is a crossbolt type located on the front of the trigger guard and the Mossberg is a top tang mounted sliding thumb tab type.
All other parts, including barrels of the same guage interchange or can be adapted to fit.
I still prefer to own these 'mexmoss' guns over any and all Chinese made guns.
Only difference is the safety on the Maverick is a crossbolt type located on the front of the trigger guard and the Mossberg is a top tang mounted sliding thumb tab type.
All other parts, including barrels of the same guage interchange or can be adapted to fit.
I still prefer to own these 'mexmoss' guns over any and all Chinese made guns.
How many people here are REALLY LEANING on their 88's? I mean really shootin' the hell out of 'em. I'm not entirely against them but I've never been encouraged to purchase one when I've held it. It feels like it may come apart at any moment. 
Is there any way to tighten up those ominous rattles and such?
The price is compelling but not enough to overcome my aforementioned hesitation. I'm all for having a less expensive "beat up" gun but IF they are poorly/loosely constructed, they would not be ideal to treat roughly would they?
Anyone care to comment. I'm open to input and ready to be educated if I'm wrong. I guess I'm asking you to sell me on the idea (if you care to). Thanks in advance.
Is there any way to tighten up those ominous rattles and such?The price is compelling but not enough to overcome my aforementioned hesitation. I'm all for having a less expensive "beat up" gun but IF they are poorly/loosely constructed, they would not be ideal to treat roughly would they?
Anyone care to comment. I'm open to input and ready to be educated if I'm wrong. I guess I'm asking you to sell me on the idea (if you care to). Thanks in advance.
"OK, I'll Play", says Foggy, picking up the Maverick gauntlet . . . 
As tightly constructed and finished as an 870? In 1 word, no. Tough and reasonably well made? Yes. Goes BOOM! every time? OH, YEAH!
I put between 300 and 500 rounds a year downrange with my Maverick, a lot more than that during the first few years. It isn't any "looser" than it was new, but is smoother, with getting well broken in. I have put just as much, and in some seasons, more game on the table than my brothers with their 870 & 1100 Remmys. I have shot just about every 12-Ga load available, from the lightest "rodent flatulence" target/skeet/trap loads through slugs and 3-Inch Mag #4 Buckshot. (although those 3" buck loads are a pretty good thumper on both ends.)
It may well be the "Mexican Mossberg", but I'll take it over any of the Chicom knockoffs any day, all day long, 365/366 a year. Shooting buddy bought some Chicom gun (an auto, don't know which one). After 5 rounds, the handle broke off the bolt...no way to hand-open the action, short of poking a long rod down the muzzle. Took it back to the shop, got another one of same brand...this one worked 4 rounds, then the bolt would only open halfway. Shotty #3, barrel peeled like a banana on Round 1. He was using good quality Federal ammo, not the "value-pack" stuff, 1-1/8 oz of #7-1/2.
He took that one back, bought a Maverick 88, and hasn't looked back in the 2 years since he made the swap. And he shoots about 4-5K rounds a year.
My only beef with the Maverick is getting the mag tube off, but how often do you need to do that? I took mine off after it got dunked in the drink on a duck hunt.
I expect that when I am no longer able to use the Maverick, it will get passed down to my oldest son...but I'm hoping that is a good 20+ years away.
As tightly constructed and finished as an 870? In 1 word, no. Tough and reasonably well made? Yes. Goes BOOM! every time? OH, YEAH!
I put between 300 and 500 rounds a year downrange with my Maverick, a lot more than that during the first few years. It isn't any "looser" than it was new, but is smoother, with getting well broken in. I have put just as much, and in some seasons, more game on the table than my brothers with their 870 & 1100 Remmys. I have shot just about every 12-Ga load available, from the lightest "rodent flatulence" target/skeet/trap loads through slugs and 3-Inch Mag #4 Buckshot. (although those 3" buck loads are a pretty good thumper on both ends.)
It may well be the "Mexican Mossberg", but I'll take it over any of the Chicom knockoffs any day, all day long, 365/366 a year. Shooting buddy bought some Chicom gun (an auto, don't know which one). After 5 rounds, the handle broke off the bolt...no way to hand-open the action, short of poking a long rod down the muzzle. Took it back to the shop, got another one of same brand...this one worked 4 rounds, then the bolt would only open halfway. Shotty #3, barrel peeled like a banana on Round 1. He was using good quality Federal ammo, not the "value-pack" stuff, 1-1/8 oz of #7-1/2.
He took that one back, bought a Maverick 88, and hasn't looked back in the 2 years since he made the swap. And he shoots about 4-5K rounds a year.
My only beef with the Maverick is getting the mag tube off, but how often do you need to do that? I took mine off after it got dunked in the drink on a duck hunt.
I expect that when I am no longer able to use the Maverick, it will get passed down to my oldest son...but I'm hoping that is a good 20+ years away.
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MLH
Member
Thanks guys
I wouldn't shoot one that much so it should last me a lifetime. Its for home defence mostly and the occasional critter. I guess I'll have to pcik one up.
I wouldn't shoot one that much so it should last me a lifetime. Its for home defence mostly and the occasional critter. I guess I'll have to pcik one up.
TrybalRage
Member
My local Wally World has them w/ a 28" barrel for $160 or so.
Maverick 88 pistol grips
Can anyone tell me which pistol grip to buy? I like the Butler Creek one. Also can any one tell me where I can get a fore grip (pistol) That is for the Maverick. This gun will be used strictly for home defense and nothing more. I have shortened the barrel to the shortest legal limit for clearance around corners and for nothing else. I really need a pistol grip on the front since my arm was messed as a kid and didnt heal straight. It is hard for me to actually grip the fore end and chuck shells like I would want to. Any help in this manner would be greatly appreciated. Replies can be sent to [email protected]. Thanks, Tony.
Can anyone tell me which pistol grip to buy? I like the Butler Creek one. Also can any one tell me where I can get a fore grip (pistol) That is for the Maverick. This gun will be used strictly for home defense and nothing more. I have shortened the barrel to the shortest legal limit for clearance around corners and for nothing else. I really need a pistol grip on the front since my arm was messed as a kid and didnt heal straight. It is hard for me to actually grip the fore end and chuck shells like I would want to. Any help in this manner would be greatly appreciated. Replies can be sent to [email protected]. Thanks, Tony.
Fumbler
Member
Looks like the current run of them have double action bars (at least the ones I saw in Walmart yesterday do).
Ever held a Mossberg 500, 590, or 835? All of them do it.
The rattle is not a sign of poor construction, Mossberg simply allows more play between the bolt and bolt carrier than Rem does.
New_geezer
Member
That looseness and rattle allows the Mossberg/Maverick to absorb a lot of grit and grim and keep functioning even after a dip in the drink.
On the HD side, one salesman told me you can hear a Mossberg being cycled thru a steel door. Good for scaring the badguys away and maybe ensuring you don't have to actually use it.
On the HD side, one salesman told me you can hear a Mossberg being cycled thru a steel door. Good for scaring the badguys away and maybe ensuring you don't have to actually use it.
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