I am gonna get another Maveriick 88 security 18.5 inch barrel, I have saved enough for even a 590 but I decided on another 88 and more ammo. I went to my local store and saw a few 88's that however leave me with a few question as all 4 were new but different and with a few same flaws. Two had the swivel stud molded in the stock and two had the hole drilled in the stock for a metal stud if a person wanted to put one in. Also the stocks did not sit exactly even on the receiver as the stocks were either farther over to one side or raised up above the receiver. I would have to loosen any of them and straighten that as they were not very good at the stock receiver fit. Everything else including working them was good and smooth. My question is are the 88's made with different stocks?, is the molded swivel stud durable?, and is the bad fit normal at times? My last 88 I bought, the stock came loose after shooting slugs and I retightened it and it has not loosened up since. For those that may ask, they did have a 590 tactical and it was as I could see perfect in fit, finish, and function. thanks
Questions on Maverick 88's
- Thread starter old fart
- Start date
Blue Brick
Member
88's are made in Mexico and assembled in Texas. The forearm is a one piece unit with metal arms attached. 500/590 have a metal forearm tube under the forearm.
Go to another gun shop. This does seem right. Try Walmart for example.
Go to another gun shop. This does seem right. Try Walmart for example.
Blue Brick
Member
Mine is newish with the molded eye hole in the stock.
Scooter22
Member
I got my 88 18" Security back in 2020 and my son got the 20" and both have metal studs. Cap is threaded for the front stud you can get from Midway, ect. We thought that was kinda cheap to have the rear stud but not the front. We love the shotguns but they should include it and up the price 5-10 bucks.
The stock fix takes @ 2 minutes...remove buttpad, loosen stock bolt and realign stock with receiver, tighten stock bolt, reinstall buttpad. Or spend an extra $250+ and get the 590 with the stock already aligned.
But that seems like a lot of money to avoid 2 minutes of work.
Thought I would update. I got a call this morning from my local shop, an 88 they had ordered came in. They said it was 18.5 inch barrel and had perfect stock to receiver fit. I went and they brought the box out and I pushed the plastic back and yep perfect stock to receiver fit. I asked how much and said $200 out the door since I do most my trading there. I said hand me the paperwork and I came home, had some yard work to do and finally done so I decided to clean my new gun and put it away till I could shoot it. I opened the box all the way and dang it was a 20" barrel 7 shot mag tube, it did however have swivel studs on the stock and magazine cap. I can't go back today as they close early on Saturday and won't be open till Monday. But now comes a new question, how does the 20" barrel compare to the 18.5? What would y'all do if this happened to you? Never owned a 20" or a long tube either, gun will be used for home defense and deer hunting and deer regs says I can have up to 10 rounds in mag so the mag tube isn't a problem on that. Thanks for any help.
Personally I would not complain about that extra 1 1/2" inches since they gave you a deal at $200. Most places want $240 before taxes and transfer fees (if any). Yes the barrel is longer than you wanted but you also get a 7 round magazine versus a 6 round magazine. I have used both 18.5" and 20" barrels and never noticed a difference between the two.
In the end it is your choice to make on whether to return it since it is not what you wanted.
In the end it is your choice to make on whether to return it since it is not what you wanted.
DustyGmt
Member
Personally, I would take it as a blessing and personally would opt for the one you ended up with and consider it a free upgrade. You could always spend like $40 or so for a Hogue short stock or $100 on a magpul stock and make up for the about 1 ½" difference out of the stock if you really wanted to.
I would be pleased to have a 7+1 mossberg, I have a 5+1 500 and a 6+1 590 and a couple 7+1 870's. For defensive shotguns I have an 18", 20" and a 21". Based on a lil practice around the home, there really hasn't been much if any discernible difference to me in maneuverability or handling because we are talking about one or two inches. I'd consider myself to have been given an upgrade in your instance. Ymmv.
BTW, I got my 590 for $250 but if I see a Maverick 88 I'd be hard pressed not to buy it in any configuration, heck of a gun for $200.
I would be pleased to have a 7+1 mossberg, I have a 5+1 500 and a 6+1 590 and a couple 7+1 870's. For defensive shotguns I have an 18", 20" and a 21". Based on a lil practice around the home, there really hasn't been much if any discernible difference to me in maneuverability or handling because we are talking about one or two inches. I'd consider myself to have been given an upgrade in your instance. Ymmv.
BTW, I got my 590 for $250 but if I see a Maverick 88 I'd be hard pressed not to buy it in any configuration, heck of a gun for $200.
JCooperfan1911
member
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2020
- Messages
- 2,709
The 18.5” barrels handle significantly better in close quarters vs the ungainly 20” models. You want compact, handy, and quick into action for home work. The 5 round tube is plenty and the gun will handle and point better/quicker and be less fatiguing to use than swinging the hefty 7 round tube around.
Did you let the shop know specifically you wanted an 18.5” barreled 5 shot model? If so, you absolutely need to get the gun you requested.
Have you ever shot a 7+1 20" Maverick 88 before (JCooper)?
I know it's a matter of perspective, but I would hardly call it ungainly or hefty. I would say it's surprisingly light, featherweight even.
IMHO sweating over 1.5" of barrel is overthinking it.
I know it's a matter of perspective, but I would hardly call it ungainly or hefty. I would say it's surprisingly light, featherweight even.
IMHO sweating over 1.5" of barrel is overthinking it.
A 20" barrel vs a 18.5" is nothing to sweat about. And if an extra 1.5 inches is a problem then you need to train more with the 20 inch barrel. Now using a 28 or 30 inch barrel for HD/SD would be a problem but the 20" is not.
I fully understand if the OP had his heart set on the 18.5" barrel and does not want the 20" barrel. That is why I stated in an earlier post that it was his choice that he needs to make.
And $200 for the shotgun is a good deal since most places list the Maverick 88 for $240. That doesn't include taxes, shipping or any transfer fees.
I fully understand if the OP had his heart set on the 18.5" barrel and does not want the 20" barrel. That is why I stated in an earlier post that it was his choice that he needs to make.
And $200 for the shotgun is a good deal since most places list the Maverick 88 for $240. That doesn't include taxes, shipping or any transfer fees.
Scooter22
Member
Well I have to say there is a bit of handling difference between the 2 when full loaded. The tube on the 20" goes right to the muzzle so the 2 extra shells are out there. It is more nose heavy than my 18 1/2" where the tube ends a couple inches before the muzzle. You have to handle them loaded side by side. Not as noticeable empty. But I got mine for HD next to my bed. I put a 12 1/2" Hogue over mold butt on it also. Nice and short. Only thing to watch with a short butt stock is your thumb/knuckle can hit your nose on recoil if you get down on the stock. Not a problem for me at inside the house distance. Pretty much heads up or hip shots I've practiced with it. You did get a great deal. Good luck.
I have decided to take it back tomorrow, I have another 18.5 and just want the same in case I decide to add barrels or when small game hunting I have plenty of mag plugs for the 5+1. The gun is nice but I just like the look of the 18.5. thanks
JCooperfan1911
member
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2020
- Messages
- 2,709
Excellent decision. Maybe next time the gun shop will pay a little more attention.
Again, the shorter 18.5” barrel is simply more maneuverable indoors. Shotguns are already long weapons, why go with 20” when 18.5” is the legal limit? And 5+1 of 12 gauge buckshot will do what you need it to.
I went and got my 18.5 Maverick 88 security today, came in after just two days. Everything is great on it but I noticed something on it as I also did the 20" barrel. At the end of the barrel on both, it was rough to where a Q-tip would snag, blued good but rough on the one I took back and this one. The date on the box was the same for both, 4-28-23 so on that day the cutter must have been dull. Can't see looking at it as it looks smooth but a Q -tip will snag on it. It's on the inside edge of the barrel. Gonna shoot it tomorrow and that should smooth it out.
I thought I would let everyone know, the 20" I took back and the 18.5" both had steel swivel studs in the stock and on the end cap. Glad to see Mossberg adding these.
I have both, the 20" and 18.5". The 18.5" came with a 28" barrel as well. Both guns handle and shoot just fine.
I have to disagree with the comment above about the 20" model being noticeably heavier and harder to move around, etc. I can't really tell a difference when firing either one. It is likely subjective. I'm sure the 20" model weighs a bit more due to the longer barrel and increased capacity. I just didn't feel like it was noticeable. That's just me though.
I have to disagree with the comment above about the 20" model being noticeably heavier and harder to move around, etc. I can't really tell a difference when firing either one. It is likely subjective. I'm sure the 20" model weighs a bit more due to the longer barrel and increased capacity. I just didn't feel like it was noticeable. That's just me though.
Blue Brick
Member
Looking at my 88, I forgot about the best Mossberg vs Maverick feature....the top of the 88s receiver is smooth with no holes.
Blue Brick
Member
Not my pic.
