Originally published September 2018. Updated May 2026.
The Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 12-gauge pump-action shotgun is an affordable example of a basic tactical pump-action shotgun — and it’s made in the USA to boot. This review covers real range testing with multiple loads and a straight look at what this gun does and doesn’t do well.
Every person who intends to guard home and hearth ought to have a minimum of three guns — a handgun, a rifle, and a shotgun — for defensive purposes. The 12-gauge pump shotgun in particular is incredibly versatile and has a fearsome reputation. Even though the AR-15 has stolen some of its thunder, the pump shotgun is still more than capable of bringing the noise when called upon.
With the wide variety of pump-action 12-gauge shotguns on the market, those with a tight budget should look no further than the Mossberg Maverick 88.
What Is the Mossberg Maverick 88 Security?
Fed from a standard under-barrel tubular magazine, the Maverick 88 Security tested here has a total capacity of 5+1 (six rounds). The 18.5-inch smoothbore barrel is cylinder-bored, so it handles all 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge rounds with aplomb.
The Maverick 88 is finished in a deep blue. There is no rib or railing to clutter or complicate things. Mossberg also offers “dark earth” stocks for those who want an alternative to the standard black synthetic fixed configuration.
The forend pump is ribbed for solid gripping in the traditional fighting shotgun style. The polymer furniture keeps things lightweight and durable without adding unnecessary bulk.
According to Mossberg, Maverick 88 pump-action models are generally compatible with Mossberg 500 barrels and stocks of the same gauge and magazine tube length, and with Accu-Choke tubes on compatible field barrels. Confirm specific part compatibility before buying.
What Are the Sights Like on the Maverick 88?
The sights consist of a simple brass bead up front. If you are unfamiliar with brass-bead sighting systems, they are the simplest and quickest shotgun sights to use. They also don’t catch on anything, which is a practical advantage in a defensive firearm.
There is no rear sight, no dot, no optics. When you shoulder the gun and look across the top of the receiver, you should see that bright brass bead on top of the receiver at the end of the barrel. That’s all there is to it.
The brass bead is reasonably visible in many lighting conditions, though it isn’t a dedicated tritium or fiber-optic low-light sight. For a home-defense shotgun at typical indoor distances, that simplicity is a feature, not a con.
How Does the Maverick 88 Handle and Point?
At roughly 6.25 to 7 pounds, depending on configuration, the Maverick 88 is a good size for a pump shotgun, since the manual operation of the action does nothing to mitigate recoil. Less weight equals less fun while shooting. The shotgun shoulders and points naturally and swings onto the target easily.
The forend grip is ribbed for a confident purchase, and the ergonomics of the overall platform are straightforward and intuitive.
The trigger guard houses the cross-bolt safety at the front and the slide release button at the rear, keeping everything within easy reach.
How Does the Maverick 88 Safety Differ?
The Maverick, while still ultimately a product of Mossberg, does not use the well-known Mossberg ambidextrous safety. Instead, a cross-bolt safety is located at the front of the trigger guard.
How Easy Is the Maverick 88 to Assemble?
I went to a friend’s backyard range to test the Maverick 88 and put it together for the first time right out of the box. After fitting the barrel to the receiver and sliding the barrel ring over the magazine tube, I tightened the magazine tube nut and we were ready to shoot. No additional lubrication was necessary. The process was straightforward and required no special tools or prior knowledge of the gun.
Ammo Testing: What Loads Did We Run Through the Maverick 88?
While the Maverick can shoot 3-inch shells, I felt no reason to fire any. Against human targets, 2.75-inch 12-gauge shells are all you need, and there is no reason to beat yourself up unnecessarily with 3-inch Magnum loads.
The first load we tried was Remington’s HD Ultimate Home Defense BB shot load, which is one of several Remington home-defense loads no longer in production. The BB shot payload weighed 1.75 ounces and traveled at 1,250 feet per second. I forgot what a kick the Remington HD load had. We switched to lighter-recoiling loads after four rounds made the point clearly enough.
I had two of my favorite shotgun loads along: Remington 8 Pellet Reduced (Managed) Recoil 00 Buckshot — the tightest-patterning 12-gauge buckshot round I have ever fired — and Remington’s Managed Recoil 1-Ounce Rifled Slugs. Both loads run at 1,200 feet per second, with recoil comparable to a standard trap and skeet target load.
I fired four of the 8 Pellet Managed Recoil Buckshot rounds in succession, and the difference in recoil was readily apparent. All pellets landed dead-center in the silhouette target.
The Maverick 88 cycled smoothly with all three loads and ran with total reliability, which is what I’ve come to expect from a Mossberg-related product.
Range Performance: What Happened When a First-Time Shooter Tried It?
My shooting buddy had not fired a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun before. I loaded a single Home Defense load, followed by three rounds of the Remington 8 Pellet Managed Recoil to see if he noticed the difference.
After an “ow” from the first load, he said the remaining slug rounds were pleasant to shoot by comparison.
What Is the Best Point of Aim When Using a Shotgun Defensively?
Here is a tip about using a shotgun against a dangerous human target: aim right in the middle of the person. I describe this as a “belt buckle” point of aim.
I have trained a lot of police officers and police cadets over the years in the proper use and application of shotguns. Most users, unless they are very well-trained, end up letting a shotgun’s recoil carry the round high into the shoulder of a silhouette target.
Aiming at the belt buckle means barrel rise due to recoil results in a center-of-chest hit. Even if the shot remains under control, the belt buckle area is an effective hit.
In the stress of a critical situation, you will likely see the threat as a big, indistinct blob in front of you. All you can hope to do in a rapidly evolving situation is get a hit somewhere in the center of that blob. There are plenty of vital areas in the human body there, especially with a direct hit from a 12-gauge shotgun with eight to nine pellets of 00 buckshot.
Is the Mossberg Maverick 88 a Good Value in 2026?
The MSRP of the Maverick 88 Security has risen since this article was first published in 2018. As of early 2026, the Maverick 88 Security typically sells in the mid-$200s to low-$300s new, with around $300 being a common street price.
A combo package with an additional 28-inch field barrel has also been available at some retailers, often at a very competitive price compared with buying separate security and field guns.
For a home security gun that is American-made, reliable, and easy to operate, the Maverick 88 Security remains one of the best values in the category.
More info at: www.mossberg.com
Mossberg Maverick 88 Security FAQs
What is the difference between the Maverick 88 and the Maverick 88 Security?
The Maverick 88 Security is configured specifically for defensive use. It features an 18.5-inch cylinder-bored barrel, a 5-round tubular magazine (5+1 total), and a black synthetic fixed stock — all oriented toward home defense rather than hunting or sporting use.
The standard Maverick 88 is available in longer barrel configurations better suited for field use. Both share the same core action and cross-bolt safety.
How much is a used Maverick 88 Security worth?
As of early 2026, a used Maverick 88 Security commonly sells in the $160 to $250 range depending on condition and local demand.
Is the Maverick 88 Security reliable?
Based on hands-on range testing with three different load types, including full-power BB shot, Remington 8 Pellet Managed Recoil 00 Buckshot, and Managed Recoil Rifled Slugs, the Maverick 88 cycled smoothly and ran with total reliability.
Why is the Maverick 88 so cheap?
The Maverick 88 is built to a tighter cost structure than the Mossberg 500, using a cross-bolt safety instead of the pricier ambidextrous top-tang safety and keeping the overall design simple and no-frills. You are not paying for anything unnecessary. There is no rail, no ramp sight, no extra finish work. What you get is a reliable, American-made pump shotgun that has been in service for nearly four decades.
