Should I buy a Maverick 88?

capp325

capp325

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I don't really "need" it, but want to buy one simply because I don't presently own any shotguns at all. Since the Maverick is only $200, it's pretty tempting, but I don't want to waste money on a complete piece of junk. So is the Maverick a decent, reliable shotgun or is it more of a "you get what you pay for" gun?

P.S. I know some will suggest buying a Remington but I've had back luck with 870. I had a Marine Magnum that had to be returned because it would not feed/eject reliably. I exchanged it for another MM and that gun suffered from the same problem.
 
I bought my Maverick from Canadian Tire back in 1994. It has the most hunting kills of all of my guns. I dropped it in water during duck hunting and it still worked fine. I never had a FTF or feed problems with it. Rain, snow hot cold it worked. I would describe it as an AK of shotguns, not refined by functional.
 
Cheap, functional, reliable ... shot tons of geese and ptarmigan with mine ... best bang for the buck my friend ... ;)

Otokiak ... :cool:
Rankin Inlet, NU
CANADA
 
Yep

What speck said.

And Otak.

Mine came with the 30 inch full choke for $225 at Crappy tire in MOOSE JAW back in 93.

I've shot a pile of critters with it, and still do. Never a problem.

The AK of shotguns, in my humblest of opinions.

I was shooting her today actually, blasting clays with some friends. I will shoot her tomorrow, blasting bunnies with some more buddies.

She has a warm spot in my heart and my gun case and that won't change any time soon.

Good shooting.:D
 
Ok, This is great insight. I do have one question, however.... can you get replacement barrel for these? IE: I'm after a general purpose 12 ga. for use as not just a clay buster/bird gun, but I want something that can be converted into a defense gun with a quick change of barrels. Ideally, I'd have a 26" bbl for clays and birds, and soemthing as shot as 16" for defensive/3gun. I like doing things on the low budget. But the nice thing is, I'm open to getting a used 870, or a Nork (if they're reliable.) I just prefer a brand new inexpesive shotgun, that's mine and mine alone.
 
Yes they sell an 18.5 inch improved cylinder barrel that I also bought long time ago. My shottie originally came with a 30 inch full barrel. There also exists a 28 inch modified ventilated rib barrel too. I think SIR sells the barrels.
 
Yep it uses the same barrels as the mossberg 500. There quite a few different barrels for it.

If you buy from sirmailorder they have the security model with the 18, 1/2 inch barrel for $204, a 28" VR Accu-Choke Blued replacement barrel for $158.

:D
 
Thanks for the responses, everyone. I have a couple more questions. First, where are these made? I heard both Texas and Mexico. Also, can anyone comment on the newer, dual action bar (Mossberg 500-style) model? Lastly, although you guys seem to like your Mavericks, there’s got to be downsides to the cheap price, right? Rough action, poor finish – anything negative at all?
 
I have one. It has worked flawlessly except for one malfunction. The wooden dowel that is used as a magazine plug somehow chipped, and the little piece of wood jammed in such a manner that you could not load a shell into the magazine.

I have the newer model. I really think it is a good deal, and would buy another. I think I will get a short barrel and a rifled slug barrel for it.
 
Mine was made in Texas, I guess before all this globalization and outsourcing crap. Rough action?? only the safety. The button is hard. The pump was ok, eventually got smoother by use. Poor finish? I wouldnt say so maybe Medium, the blueing is ok, the stocks are synthetic. It's a no frills functional shottie that has been serving me loyaly since 1994 with no problems at all. Oh yeah that wood dowel, as 1899 said, is very cheaply made lol
 
I've got one as well. I dropped it out of my treestand. Gave it a quick dis-assembly and a once over right under my treestand. Put it back together and shot a buck that afternoon. It's tough, reliable and cheap. Probably the best bang for the buck out there. There are tons of accessories out there at reasonable prices as well. All barrels and accessories for the Mossberg 500 are compatible with the Mav 88. Get one, you will not regret it! -Jason
 
They are made in Texas, contracted out by Mossberg.

A few months back I bought an 88 'security model' with the 18.5" barrel. $200.00. I passed on the pistol grip and stuck with the full stock.

Later I bought a new, but used 28" barrel for it, for use upland, and at the local trap range, and I am a very happy camper with it...so far no problems after about a 1000 rnds through her. Very easy to clean also. :D
 
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