Maverick 88

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Looking to get into 3 gun matches. I currently own a Winchester 1300 with a 26" barrel. It seems like it is cheaper to buy a new gun with a 20" barrel than it is to buy a shorter barrel for my Winchester. Most reviews on the Maverick 88 have been good. My concern is its durability. Any info would help.
 
I have had one for a couple years...takes a beating (literally - last fall I used the butt end to hammer down some tent spikes into really hard ground) but steady and reliable. The fore grip rattles a bit but so far, it's taken a lot of abuse and still holds it's own...especially for the price. I would buy it again...no regrets
 
The 88 is entry level.
It comes with a composite(easily broken) trigger guard, and the safety is mounted on the trigger guard.

The Mossberg 500 series is a giant leap forward in reliability. (Same basic action of the 88) but with a tang safety, and a metal trigger guard.
 
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Sounds like a good gun!! The Mossberg 500 is definitely a better gun but if I am going to spend that much, then I would just buy a short barrel for my Winchester. I just want something that I can beat up at matches and not have it fall apart in my hands!!
 
The only "plastic" Mossberg trigger guard I have seen broken was one somebody pried a trigger lock off of. The common injury to this part is breaking off the forward tabs when forcing the trigger group into the receiver. This is purely bubba error and not a fault of the gun. The 88 is a tough SOB and will work well for you.

Darryl
 
The only "plastic" Mossberg trigger guard I have seen broken was one somebody pried a trigger lock off of. The common injury to this part is breaking off the forward tabs when forcing the trigger group into the receiver. This is purely bubba error and not a fault of the gun. The 88 is a tough SOB and will work well for you.

Darryl

Agree 100 %! Mine does not have a plastic trigger guard, and when in bear country, I don't leave home without it! :eek:)
 
If I can't find an 88 I'm going to trade my Winchester 1300 for a defender model. I only found one place that sells the Maverick and they are on back order. Patience is hard when you want a new toy!!
 
mine works like a charm. Not quite as smooth as my 500 but I got 9 rabbits with my 88 three nights ago........................so it works just like it says it does. And I do NOT baby the gun in any way. I literally throw it in the truck, boat, and anywhere else I like. I love having a couple of guns that aren't nice. It is like hunting with a tomboy. You don't have to worry if she gets a scratch.
 
I got lucky with mine, I found it at a gun shop it was used and set up as a defender, I only paid $150.00 for it. Fits me perfectly and if I were to put a different barrel on it, I am quite sure it would make a great waterfowl shotgun as well.
 
mine works like a charm. Not quite as smooth as my 500 but I got 9 rabbits with my 88 three nights ago........................so it works just like it says it does. And I do NOT baby the gun in any way. I literally throw it in the truck, boat, and anywhere else I like. I love having a couple of guns that aren't nice. It is like hunting with a tomboy. You don't have to worry if she gets a scratch.
Hahahaha!! Good to know!
 
I think only the 590 currently has the all metal trigger group. The 88's are reliable and tough. Flying high over at ### has been torture testing one for a couple years. Apparently it's been tossed out of moving vehicles, fired a core sample, rapid fired until the barrel changed colour, sank in a bog, etc...all without missing a beat for some 5000+ rounds. With the exception of the follower spring needing replacement, warrantied by Mossberg....
 
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