Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms and FFL transfers. The Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action is a reliable and versatile shotgun designed for various applications, from hunting to home defense. Its Mossy Oak camo finish offers effective concealment in the field. Available 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 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action?
| Product Type | Pump-Action Shotgun |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel Receiver, Synthetic Stock |
| Manufacturing | Mossberg (Maverick Arms) |
| Finish | Matte Black Receiver/Barrel, Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo Stock/Forend |
| Hardness/Quality | Durable, field-grade construction |
| Compatibility | Accepts 2.75″ and 3″ shells |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to use out of the box; standard field stripping for cleaning |
| Weight | Approximately 7 lbs (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | Overall Length: 44.75 inches; Barrel Length: 28 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | 31014 |
What are the key features of the Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action?
The Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action is a workhorse shotgun, designed for reliability and straightforward operation. It features a 28-inch vent rib barrel, which is a good length for both bird hunting and target shooting, providing a decent sight radius for consistent patterning. The barrel is threaded for Accu-Set choke tubes, and it comes with a modified choke installed, allowing for some versatility right out of the box. This means you can adjust your shot pattern for different types of game or shooting scenarios.
The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage pattern on the stock and forend is a practical feature for hunters, helping to break up the shotgun’s outline in various natural environments. The synthetic stock is robust and weather-resistant, which is important for a firearm that’s likely to see use in the field, enduring rain, mud, and whatever else Kansas weather throws at it. The dual extractors are a hallmark of Mossberg’s pump-action design, contributing to reliable cycling of shells, which is crucial when you need a follow-up shot. The ambidextrous tang safety is also a practical design choice, easily accessible for both right and left-handed shooters, adding to the overall user-friendliness of the firearm.
Who is the Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action for?
The Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action is a solid choice for a wide range of shooters. It’s a shotgun that delivers on its name – truly all-purpose. For new shotgun owners, it offers a reliable platform to learn the fundamentals of shooting. Hunters will appreciate the Mossy Oak camo finish and the 28-inch barrel for upland birds, waterfowl, or even deer with appropriate slugs. Home defense users will find its pump-action reliability and 12-gauge stopping power reassuring, though a shorter barrel might be preferred for tighter spaces. Farmers and ranchers often keep a shotgun like this handy for pest control or general utility. Anyone looking for a dependable, no-frills shotgun that can handle various tasks without breaking the bank will find value in the Maverick 88.
What are the pros and cons of the Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action?
Pros:
- ✅ Reliability: The Maverick 88 is known for its robust pump-action mechanism that cycles a wide range of ammunition consistently.
- ✅ Versatility: The 28-inch barrel with Accu-Set choke system makes it suitable for hunting, target shooting, and home defense.
- ✅ Affordability: Offers significant value for its price point, making it accessible for many shooters.
- ✅ Durability: Synthetic stock and forend, along with a matte black finish, stand up well to field conditions.
- ✅ Ease of Maintenance: Simple design allows for straightforward disassembly and cleaning.
- ✅ Ambidextrous Safety: Tang-mounted safety is easy to operate for both left and right-handed shooters.
Cons:
- ❌ Basic Finish: While durable, the finish is utilitarian and lacks the refinement of higher-end shotguns.
- ❌ Fixed Stock: The standard synthetic stock offers no length of pull adjustment, which might not fit all shooters perfectly. (See our shotgun accessories for recoil pads or stock modification options.)
- ❌ Trigger Feel: The trigger pull is functional but can be heavier than on more expensive models.
How does the Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action compare to other shotguns?
| Feature | Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose | Cheap Import Pump Shotgun | Remington 870 Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel/Synthetic | Mixed Alloys/Plastic | Steel/Wood or Synthetic |
| Quality | Good, utilitarian | Variable, often lower | Very Good, field-ready |
| Compatibility | Mossberg 500 barrels/chokes (some) | Proprietary | Remington 870 barrels/chokes |
| Shipping | Standard FFL transfer | Standard FFL transfer | Standard FFL transfer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Long, with proper care | Shorter, prone to wear | Very long, highly durable |
| Price | ~$499.00 | ~$150-250 | ~$600-800+ |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action
Is the Mossberg Maverick 88 a good shotgun?
Yes, the Mossberg Maverick 88 is widely considered a good shotgun, especially for its price point. It’s known for its reliability, durability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. For a Kansas hunter or someone needing a dependable utility shotgun, it’s a solid performer.
How many shells does a Mossberg Maverick 88 hold?
The standard Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 gauge pump-action model typically holds 5+1 shells (five in the magazine tube and one in the chamber) for 2.75-inch shells. If using 3-inch shells, the capacity is usually 4+1 due to the longer shell length.
Does the Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action come with chokes?
Yes, the Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action with the 28-inch vent rib barrel typically comes with an Accu-Set modified choke tube installed, allowing for some pattern adjustment for different shooting needs.
What kind of ammunition can I use in the Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action?
This Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 gauge pump-action is chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12 gauge shotgun shells. This allows for a wide variety of ammunition, including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, depending on your intended use.
Is the Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action suitable for hunting in Kansas?
Absolutely. With its 28-inch barrel and Mossy Oak camo, this Mossberg Maverick 88 all-purpose 12 gauge pump-action shotgun is well-suited for various hunting seasons in Kansas, from dove and pheasant to turkey and deer (with appropriate slug barrels or ammunition).
Can I put a different barrel on my Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action?
Yes, a significant advantage of the Mossberg Maverick 88 is its compatibility with most Mossberg 500 barrels. This allows for easy customization, such as adding a shorter barrel for home defense or a rifled slug barrel for deer hunting.
Where can I buy shotguns online?
You can buy shotguns online, including the Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action, from licensed FFL dealers like Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We facilitate the FFL transfer process to your local dealer.
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Ready to add a reliable shotgun to your collection?
The Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose 12 Gauge Pump-Action is a practical choice for anyone needing a versatile and dependable shotgun. Its proven design and durable construction make it a firearm that will serve you well for years to come, whether for hunting, sport, or defense. As a Kansas-based FFL dealer, we understand the need for reliable firearms that perform when it counts. This Mossberg Maverick 88 all-purpose 12 gauge pump-action fits that description perfectly.
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