Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms for hunting and home defense. The Mossberg Maverick 88 Slug Pump Shotgun is a reliable, no-nonsense 12-gauge shotgun built for slug accuracy. Its fixed cylinder bore and rifle sights make it a practical choice for deer season in Kansas. Available now for $499.00.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Mossberg Maverick 88 Slug Pump Shotgun?
| Product Type | Pump-Action Shotgun |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel receiver, blued barrel, synthetic stock and forend |
| Manufacturing | Maverick Arms (O.F. Mossberg & Sons subsidiary) |
| Finish | Matte Blued |
| Hardness/Quality | Standard production firearm, durable for field use |
| Compatibility | Mossberg 500 barrels/stocks (with minor modifications) |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to use out of the box, requires standard cleaning and maintenance |
| Weight | Approximately 7 lbs (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | Overall Length: ~38.5 inches (18.5″ barrel) |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | 31014 |
What are the key features of the Mossberg Maverick 88 Slug Pump Shotgun?
The Mossberg Maverick 88 Slug Pump Shotgun is a workhorse, designed with a specific purpose in mind: putting slugs on target. This isn’t a fancy clays gun; it’s built for hunting and utility. The 18.5-inch barrel is fixed with a cylinder bore, which is ideal for slug accuracy at typical hunting ranges. You’ll find adjustable rifle sights on this model, which is a significant advantage over a standard bead sight when you’re trying to group slugs. The synthetic stock and forend are practical for Kansas weather – rain, snow, or shine, they’ll hold up without needing special care. The cross-bolt safety is located on the trigger guard, a familiar placement for many shotgun users. It takes 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells, giving you flexibility in ammunition choice for various game or defense scenarios. This mossberg maverick 88 slug pump shotgun 12 gauge is a straightforward tool, and sometimes, straightforward is exactly what you need.
Who should consider the Mossberg Maverick 88 Slug Pump Shotgun?
This shotgun is a solid choice for specific applications, and it’s important to understand where it shines.
- Buy it if:
- You’re a deer hunter in states where only shotguns or straight-walled cartridges are allowed for deer. The rifle sights and cylinder bore are set up for slugs.
- You need a reliable, no-frills home defense shotgun. The 12 gauge chambering and pump action are proven.
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly utility shotgun that can handle abuse and still function.
- You appreciate the simplicity and robust design of the Mossberg Maverick 88 platform.
- You want a shotgun that accepts Mossberg 500 barrels and stocks, offering some customization options down the line.
- Skip it if:
- You primarily shoot trap or skeet. The fixed cylinder bore and rifle sights aren’t suited for wingshooting (see our Over/Under Shotguns for clays).
- You need a shotgun for long-range slug hunting (beyond 100 yards) that demands maximum precision. You’ll want a fully rifled barrel for that (see our Rifles for precision hunting).
- You prefer a semi-automatic action for faster follow-up shots or reduced recoil.
- You expect a premium finish and features found on higher-end shotguns. This is a utilitarian tool.
What are the pros and cons of the Mossberg Maverick 88 Slug Pump Shotgun?
Having handled many of these, I can tell you what to expect.
- ✅ Reliable Action: The Maverick 88 action is known for its durability and consistent cycling, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
- ✅ Dedicated Slug Setup: The fixed cylinder bore and adjustable rifle sights are specifically chosen for optimal slug performance, not an afterthought.
- ✅ Affordable Price Point: This mossberg maverick 88 slug pump shotgun is one of the most cost-effective options for a dedicated slug gun or home defense shotgun.
- ✅ Parts Compatibility: Significant interchangeability with Mossberg 500 parts, including barrels and stocks, opens up customization possibilities.
- ✅ Simple Maintenance: Disassembly and cleaning are straightforward, making it easy to keep in working order.
- ✅ Versatile Ammunition: Handles both 2 3/4″ and 3″ 12 gauge shells.
- ❌ Cross-Bolt Safety Location: Some shooters prefer the tang-mounted safety of the Mossberg 500 for ambidextrous operation.
- ❌ Basic Finish: The matte blued finish is functional but lacks the aesthetic refinement of more expensive firearms.
- ❌ Fixed Cylinder Choke: While good for slugs, it limits its effectiveness for birdshot at longer ranges compared to guns with interchangeable chokes (see our Pump Action Shotguns with choke tubes).
How does the Mossberg Maverick 88 Slug Pump Shotgun compare to other options?
| Feature | Mossberg Maverick 88 Slug Pump Shotgun | Cheap Import Pump Shotgun (e.g., specific Turkish brands) | Remington 870 Express Tactical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel receiver, blued barrel, synthetic stock | Mixed alloys, lower-grade steel, synthetic/wood | Steel receiver, blued/parkerized barrel, synthetic stock |
| Quality | Good, utilitarian, reliable. Known for durability. | Variable, often inconsistent. Can have fit/finish issues. | Good, robust, long-standing reputation. |
| Compatibility | High with Mossberg 500 parts. | Limited, proprietary parts. | High with Remington 870 parts. |
| Shipping | Ships from Wichita, KS (Kansas Gunshop) | Varies by vendor. | Varies by vendor. |
| Lifespan/Durability | Very good, known to last for decades with proper care. | Often shorter, components may wear faster. | Excellent, often considered a lifetime firearm. |
| Price | ~$499.00 | ~$250-350 | ~$600-750+ |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mossberg Maverick 88 Slug Pump Shotgun
Can you use slugs in a Mossberg Maverick 88?
Absolutely. This specific model, the mossberg maverick 88 slug pump shotgun, is designed for slug use. The fixed cylinder bore and adjustable rifle sights are optimized for firing slugs accurately. Most Maverick 88 models with a cylinder bore or improved cylinder choke can handle slugs, but this one is purpose-built for it.
Is the Mossberg Maverick 88 a good shotgun?
Yes, the Mossberg Maverick 88 is widely considered a good, reliable, and economical shotgun. For its price point, it offers excellent value, robust construction, and consistent performance. Many owners attest to its durability and suitability for hunting, home defense, and general utility. The mossberg maverick 88 slug pump shotgun review often highlights its straightforward design and dependability.
Can a Mossberg 88 shoot slugs?
Yes, a Mossberg 88 can shoot slugs. All Mossberg Maverick 88 shotguns with a cylinder bore or improved cylinder choke are safe to fire slugs. This particular mossberg maverick 88 slug pump shotgun 12 gauge is specifically configured with rifle sights and a cylinder bore to maximize slug accuracy.
Is the Maverick 88 a good shotgun?
From my experience processing transfers and seeing these come through, the Maverick 88 is a very good shotgun, especially considering its cost. It’s a no-frills, reliable tool that simply works. It’s a popular choice for new shooters, budget-conscious hunters, and anyone needing a dependable home defense firearm. It’s hard to beat the value for a 12 gauge pump action shotgun.
What is the effective range of the Mossberg Maverick 88 with slugs?
With its cylinder bore and rifle sights, the Mossberg Maverick 88 Slug Pump Shotgun can be effective out to 75-100 yards with modern sabot or rifled slugs, depending on the shooter and ammunition. Beyond that, accuracy typically declines significantly due to the smoothbore barrel.
What kind of ammunition should I use with this shotgun?
For hunting deer or similar game, you should use 12 gauge rifled slugs or sabot slugs. For home defense, buckshot (00 buck or #4 buck) is a common choice. It handles both 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells, so ensure you match the shell length to your needs.
Where can I buy shotguns online?
You can buy shotguns online, including the Mossberg Maverick 88 Slug Pump Shotgun, right here at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We facilitate FFL transfers to your local dealer in compliance with all federal and state laws.
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
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