Mossberg 88 Shotguns

In baseball, they call it a utility infielder, meaning a guy that can play shortstop, first, second or third base whenever they’re needed. You can think of the Mossberg 88 Shotgun in the same way. It is a truly utility shotgun able to fill a multitude or roles and fill them at a low price. Hunting, target shooting, home defense and training are all effective uses for the Mossberg 88.

A question many shooters are asked is what is the one gun they could own that would cover all possible uses. That’s an impossible question to answer, but the Mossberg 88 comes close. The 88 is an all-purpose shotgun with barrel lengths from 18 to 28-inches, multiple stock options and available with either five or seven shot magazines. They are compatible stocks designed for the world’s most popular shotgun, the Mossberg 500 and come in four unique models all centered on the same quality Mossberg features.

Perhaps the greatest feature of the Mossberg 88 is its compatibility with Mossberg’s venerable flagship, the Mossberg 500. Barrels, accessory stocks and Accu-choke tubes are all interchangeable from the 500 to the 88 as long as the gauge is the same. The Mossberg 88 is available in both 20 and 12-gauge and is equipped with a cross-bolt safety.

Mossberg is a leader in pump-action shotguns and the 88 carries all the refinements that put them at the top of the list. Dual extractors, twin action bars, an anti-jam elevator and steel-to-steel lockup are all standard features. They come in either 5+1 or 7+1 magazines, delivering ample rounds for any situation, and can be plugged to comply with upland game and waterfowl magazine requirements.

While Mossberg manufactures many other models, they offer this one as an all-purpose shotgun. All-purpose means it’s a great gun for home defense, for deer hunting, upland game or waterfowl. With its inexpensive price, it’s a great choice for a youth or novice hunter.

Mossberg offers four unique models of the 88, each with a different focus. This creates the utility of the standard of the Mossberg 88.

Maverick Cruiser. The Cruiser is a security shotgun designed for self and home defense. Features include:

• Fixed pistol grip
• Seven round magazine
• 30 to 32 inch length
• 18 or 20 inch barrel
• Cylinder bore choke
• Chambered for three-inch shells

Maverick All-Purpose. An all-around utility shotgun at an introductory level price with many excellent features. Features include:

• 26- or 28-inch barrel
• Ventilated rib
• 46.5 to 48.5 overall length
• 12 or 20-gauge
• Five round magazine
• Modified choke
• Chambered for three inch shells

Maverick Slug. With a fully rifle bore choke the Maverick Slug is designed for deer hunting. Features include:

• 24-inch barrel
• Five round magazine
• 43.5-inch overall length
• Adjustable rifle sights
• 12 gauge only
• Chambered for three-inch slugs

Maverick/Field Combo. This combo represents the ultimate in utility shotguns with two barrels that allow you to adapt one shotgun to just about every shooting scenario. Features include:

• 20 or 28 inch-barrel
• 28-inch barrel has a ventilated rib
• 20-inch barrel is a standard smooth
• Five round magazine
• 12-gauge only
• Cylinder bore or Modified Tube bore
• 39.5 or 47.75-inch length