With the recent release of the much-anticipated Top Gun Movie “Maverick”, there has been an influx of queries for affordable pump-action shotguns.
In light of this, we are putting under the lens the economical Maven 88 shotgun by Mossberg with a motive to provide an objective review of its performance.
Overview of Mossberg’s Maverick 88
The Mossberg Maverick 88 is possibly the most cost-effective shotgun I’ve had the experience of using. With a retail price of just $253, I managed to secure mine for an even better deal from Reed Sports.
Quick Specs & Ergonomics
The Maverick 88, a 12-gauge shotgun with a pump action and a 3″ chamber, offers a barrel length of 28″, and weighs in at 7lbs. Its length of pull is 14 1/4″, and it comes with one extra full choke. However, the trigger’s pull weight averages at a hefty 8lbs 0.9oz, affecting its overall handling.
Despite its competitive price point, the design isn’t as user-friendly as we’d hoped. The slide position is considerably forward, which might not suit everyone’s arm length. Additionally, the slide itself is a bit shaky and slippery. The gun tends to be more weighted towards the front, which is common in pump actions, but the Maven 88 takes it a step further. Though the slide release is conveniently positioned, the safety feature seems rather insignificant and cheap.
On the brighter side, the recoil pad wasn’t bad and the shotgun features a brass mid-bead and an ivory bead at the front. Overall, this shotgun has a generic build with a cheap polymer finish and sharp loading port edges.
Breakdown & Quality of Build
Disassembling the pump was more challenging than expected for such a basic shotgun. Alarmingly easy removal of trigger pins was another area of concern. Furthermore, a detailed look at the inner components revealed that extensive usage might wear them out quickly. With the barrel detached, the remaining gun structure was almost weightless.
Recoil & Reliability
As expected, the downside with pump-action shotguns is the recoil, with the economical versions like Maverick 88 intensifying the issue. However, it was surprising to note that despite the hefty weight and pump-action mechanism, the recoil was manageable. But the overall sliding mechanism was tough to operate, hindering consistent cycling of back-to-back shots.
Speed Shooting
During our test, we were able to shoot 3 hand-thrown clays within 1.54 seconds. Relatively, this isn’t a bad output, considering the price point and build quality of the shotgun.
Comparing Maverick 88 to Market Counterparts
Maverick 88 deserves a spotlight for its unbeatable affordability. But, price shouldn’t be your only priority while shopping for a shotgun. While Maverick 88 offers you tangible savings, keep in mind that its counterparts might offer better build quality, ergonomics, and long-term reliability.
The Target Audience of Maverick 88 Shotgun
If you’re seeking a cost-effective shotgun and don’t mind compromising on some comfort and reliability, then Maverick 88 could serve your purpose. Nonetheless, we wouldn’t recommend this model if you’re planning to buy a cheap first gun for a beginner, especially a child due to safety concerns.
Mossberg Maverick 88: Main Takeaways
| Key Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Affordability | The Mossberg Maverick 88 is one of the most affordable shotguns in the market with an MSRP of $253, providing value for budget-conscious buyers. |
| Specifications | The shotgun features a 12-gauge pump action, a 3″ chamber, and a 28″ barrel. It has a weight of 7 lb and a length of pull of 14 1/4″. It also comes with one extra full choke. |
| Trigger | The average pull weight is high at 8lbs 0.9oz. The trigger is not smooth and is heavy, which can affect rapid-fire shooting. |
| Ergonomics | The slide is positioned relatively forward, which might be inconvenient for people with shorter arms. The slide is also slightly shaky and slippery. It has a front-heavy balance, which is common in pump actions. |
| Build Quality | The Maverick 88 is built using cheap polymer with a generic design. It does not have any fancy features and the loading port edges are sharp. |
| Recoil | As with most pump-action shotguns, especially the cheaper ones, recoil is significant. The slide operation is tough and does not allow consistent cycling for back-to-back shots. |
| Performance | Despite its limitations, the Maverick 88 has a decent shooting speed, able to fire at 3 hand-thrown clays within 1.61 seconds. |
| Target Audience | The Maverick 88 suits those looking for a budget shotgun and can tolerate some comfort and reliability compromises. But it is not recommended for beginners, particularly children due to its not-so-great user-friendly design and safety concerns. |
Conclusion
In essence, the Maverick 88 is an entry-level shotgun, offering practical functionality for its price. Although it arguably has its flaws, its affordable price tag may serve as an attraction for certain gun enthusiasts. If you’re contemplating investing in a low-cost shotgun such as the Maverick 88, it might be beneficial to weigh this review against your personal requirements before making a final decision.
The Mossberg Maverick 88 is an economical choice among shotguns, offering practical features that align well with its pricing. Despite not being feature-rich or offering the best ergonomics, it manages to hold ground thanks to its balance of affordability and basic functionality.
For a budget-conscious shooter or someone who is not overly concerned with superior comfort and advanced features, the Maverick 88 would serve the purpose. Its 12-gauge pump action and decent shooting speed are noteworthy advantages within its price bracket.
However, the Maverick 88 falls short in some crucial areas like trigger pull weight, slide operation, and recoil management. These factors might be significant hiccups for new shooters or those looking for a leisurely shooting experience.
In the end, choosing a shotgun like the Maverick 88 is a case of measuring your specific requirements, priorities, and budget constraints. Having a thorough understanding of what the Maverick 88 brings to the table can help potential buyers make an informed decision.