There’s always room in the gun cabinet for a pump-action shotgun. While it’s often a moderated .410, a dependable 12-bore workhorse is equally valuable, whether for vermin control or general use.
What is the Mossberg Maverick 88?
The Mossberg Maverick 88 is distributed in the UK by Viking Arms Ltd and is a great-value, well-priced pump-action shotgun. You might wonder why Mossberg would produce an 88 model when they’re so well known for the 500 series. The answer is that the Maverick 88 shares much of the same operating mechanism but is more affordable, as some components are manufactured outside the USA.
Standard features of this model include:
- Dual extractors
- Steel-to-steel lock-up
- Twin action bars
- A cross-bolt safety
- An anti-jam elevator
- Moulded black plastic stock
A particularly useful point is that the Maverick 88 is compatible with Model 500 stocks, barrels, and Accu-Choke tubes. It retails for just £475.
What are the Barrel, Action, and Stock Features?
The barrel on the test model measures 28” long, is chambered for up to 3” shells, and has been proofed for steel shot. The exterior finish is very good for this price point, with dark, even bluing throughout. I also like the wider-than-usual 10mm rib, which features a serrated top, a large white muzzle bead, and a mid-barrel brass bead to help with eye alignment. The barrel is secured by a simple and robust twist cap.
The action is formed from a single billet of aluminium, hard black anodised to resist wear. The top is serrated but is not drilled and tapped for a scope mount like a 500-series pump. The bolt features substantial twin extractor claws and locks up metal to metal. The action cycles well, helped by strong, straight action bars connected to the fore-end which prevent binding.
The Maverick is fitted with an all-plastic stock that feels a little hollow but is to be expected at this price. It includes a very squishy black rubber recoil pad that helps dampen heavier loads. There is no real cast, making it quite ambidextrous. The old-style barrel-shaped fore-end looks good and provides excellent grip thanks to 17 raised bands.
How Do the Controls Differ from a Standard Mossberg?
It’s the trigger group that differs the most from the 500-series, as the traditional Mossberg tang-mounted safety has now been changed to a cross-bolt design positioned at the front of the trigger guard, like many other pump or semi-auto shotguns. It’s a little small and made of plastic, but it works fine.
The trigger itself was on the heavy side at 6lbs 14oz but is unlikely to be noticed on a pump-action.
How Does the Maverick 88 Perform on the Pattern Board?
The Mossberg Maverick seemed ideal for testing larger shot loads with its ½ Accu-Choke.
First, I used Gamebore’s AAA Buffalo load. On the board, the pattern fell slightly low, so I would simply raise my aim in the field. We recorded a total of 47 large AAA pellets within the 30” circle at 30 yards, with 15 strikes in the inner zone and 22 in the outer. This demonstrated decent coverage for a running fox.
Next up was Hull’s Steel Game cartridge, using the 32g No.4 shot load. On ½ choke, the maximum recommended restriction for steel, we had a total of 217 pellets strike the board, which is very impressive. The inner 15” circle received 111 strikes, with 106 in the remaining 30”. This is why I really like and recommend Hull’s Steel Game load; it produces a tight and effective pattern.
The Verdict: Is the Maverick 88 a Good Value Shotgun?
If you need a dependable, knockabout yet reliable 12-bore pump-action that will shrug off the worst of the British weather and shoot really good patterns, then the Maverick 88 has to be worth a look. The test gun shot reliably and patterned remarkably well. The handling was a bit front-heavy, but I liked the rounded, ribbed fore-end, and would certainly consider fitting a sound moderator to this gun, as it would make a superb go-anywhere, all-weather vermin tool.
Technical Specification
- Name: Mossberg Maverick 88 pump-action shotgun
- Calibre: 12-bore
- Barrel Length: 28”
- Overall Length: 47.75”
- Weight: 7lbs
- Length of Pull: 14.5”
- Capacity: 2+1
- Price: £475
- Contact: Viking Arms – www.vikingarms.co.uk
