Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Mossberg Maverick 88 12 Gauge All-Purpose Pump Shotgun is a reliable and versatile pump-action shotgun. Its dual-action bars provide smooth cycling. 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 12 Gauge All-Purpose Pump Shotgun?
| Product Type | Pump-Action Shotgun |
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ (Accepts 2-3/4″ and 3″ shells) |
| Capacity | 6+1 (2-3/4″ shells) |
| Barrel Length | 28 inches |
| Barrel Finish | Blued |
| Stock Material | Synthetic |
| Stock Finish | Black |
| Sights | Bead Front |
| Choke | Modified (Accu-Choke Compatible) |
| Overall Length | 47.75 inches |
| Weight | 7 lbs |
| Safety | Cross-Bolt |
| Manufacturing | USA (Maverick Arms, a division of Mossberg) |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | 31010 |
What are the key features of the Mossberg Maverick 88 12 Gauge All-Purpose Pump Shotgun?
The Mossberg Maverick 88 12 Gauge All-Purpose Pump Shotgun is a workhorse, designed for reliability and straightforward operation. It shares many core components with the Mossberg 500 series, ensuring parts commonality and proven design. The dual-action bars are a significant feature, contributing to its smooth and consistent cycling, which is crucial for quick follow-up shots whether you’re hunting upland birds or dealing with a defensive situation. The cross-bolt safety is conveniently located on the trigger guard, making it accessible for both right and left-handed shooters. The 28-inch barrel provides a good balance for swing and sight radius, and the modified Accu-Choke allows for some versatility in shot patterns, which is useful for different hunting scenarios or target shooting. The synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, a practical choice for a shotgun that’s likely to see use in various environments. This mossberg maverick 88 12 gauge all-purpose pump-action shotgun comes ready to go, requiring minimal setup out of the box.
Who should consider the Mossberg Maverick 88 12 Gauge All-Purpose Pump Shotgun?
Buy it if:
- You need a dependable, budget-friendly shotgun for hunting, sport shooting, or home defense.
- You appreciate the proven reliability of Mossberg’s pump-action design.
- You’re looking for a shotgun that can handle various ammunition types, from birdshot to slugs.
- You prefer a simple, no-frills firearm that focuses on function.
- You are a new shotgun owner seeking a manageable and forgiving platform to learn on.
- You want a mossberg maverick 88 12 gauge all purpose pump action shotgun that is easy to maintain and has readily available parts.
Skip it if:
- You require a shotgun with a tang-mounted safety (see our Mossberg 500 series for alternatives).
- You need a shotgun with advanced tactical features or modularity out of the box (consider our AR-style shotguns).
- You are looking for a high-end, competition-grade shotgun with premium finishes and features (explore our semi-automatic shotguns).
What are the pros and cons of the Mossberg Maverick 88 12 Gauge All-Purpose Pump Shotgun?
Pros:
- ✅ Exceptional Value: Offers a lot of shotgun for the money, making it accessible to many shooters.
- ✅ Proven Reliability: Based on the Mossberg 500 platform, known for its robust and consistent performance.
- ✅ Versatile: Suitable for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense applications.
- ✅ User-Friendly: Simple operation and easy to field strip and clean.
- ✅ Durable Construction: Synthetic stock and blued finish stand up to regular use and various weather conditions.
- ✅ Dual-Action Bars: Contributes to smooth and jam-free cycling.
Cons:
- ❌ Basic Finish: The blued finish and synthetic stock are functional but lack the aesthetic appeal of higher-end shotguns.
- ❌ Limited Factory Customization: While aftermarket parts exist, it’s not as modular as some more expensive options out of the box.
- ❌ Cross-Bolt Safety Location: Some users prefer a tang-mounted safety, which is not present on the Maverick 88.
How does the Mossberg Maverick 88 compare to other pump shotguns?
| Feature | Mossberg Maverick 88 (This Product) | Cheap Import Pump Shotgun (e.g., specific budget brands) | Remington 870 Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel receiver, blued steel barrel, synthetic stock | Mixed materials, often lower-grade steel, plastic stock | Steel receiver, blued steel barrel, synthetic or wood stock |
| Quality | Good, solid, reliable workhorse | Variable, often inconsistent, prone to issues | Very good, time-tested design, durable |
| Compatibility | Many Mossberg 500 parts (barrels, stocks) | Limited to no aftermarket support | Extensive aftermarket support, many parts interchangeable |
| Shipping | Same-day from Wichita, KS (FFL required) | Varies by retailer (FFL required) | Varies by retailer (FFL required) |
| Lifespan/Durability | Long lifespan with proper maintenance, very durable | Shorter lifespan, components may wear faster | Very long lifespan, highly durable |
| Price | ~$499.00 | ~$200-300 | ~$600-800+ |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mossberg Maverick 88 12 Gauge All-Purpose Pump Shotgun
Is the Mossberg Maverick 88 a good shotgun?
Yes, the Mossberg Maverick 88 is widely regarded as a good shotgun, especially considering its price point. It’s a reliable, no-frills pump-action firearm that performs consistently for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. Its design is based on the proven Mossberg 500, ensuring durability and functional performance.
What is the capacity of the Mossberg Maverick 88 12 gauge all-purpose pump-action shotgun?
The standard capacity for this Mossberg Maverick 88 12 gauge all-purpose pump-action shotgun with a 28-inch barrel is 6+1 rounds when using 2-3/4 inch shells. It can also accept 3-inch shells, though this may slightly reduce the total capacity.
Can I use Mossberg 500 parts on a Maverick 88?
Many parts for the Mossberg 500 are compatible with the Maverick 88. Most notably, barrels are interchangeable. Stocks can also often be swapped, though the forend assembly is typically different due to the Maverick 88’s integrated action slide bars.
Is the Mossberg Maverick 88 suitable for hunting?
Absolutely. The Mossberg Maverick 88 12 gauge all-purpose pump shotgun is an excellent choice for various hunting applications. With its 28-inch barrel and modified choke, it’s well-suited for dove, quail, pheasant, and other small game. With the appropriate ammunition, it can also be used for deer hunting.
What kind of ammunition can the Mossberg Maverick 88 handle?
The Mossberg Maverick 88 12 Gauge All-Purpose Pump Shotgun is chambered for 3-inch shells, meaning it can safely fire both 2-3/4 inch and 3-inch 12 gauge ammunition. This includes a wide range of loads like birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, offering versatility for different shooting needs.
Does the Maverick 88 come with interchangeable chokes?
This particular model of the Mossberg Maverick 88 12 gauge all purpose pump action shotgun comes with a modified Accu-Choke tube installed. The barrel is threaded to accept other Mossberg Accu-Choke tubes, allowing you to change your shot pattern for different purposes.
Where can I buy a shotgun online?
You can buy shotguns online from licensed FFL dealers like Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We facilitate online purchases with transfer to your local FFL dealer, adhering to all federal and state regulations.
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
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