Mossberg Maverick 88 - Review After 8 Years

[@gmctech]

I love my Mav88's... I own three as the price is so stupid cheap I just decided to buy whole platforms instead of different barrels. I work in the Canadian Arctic and where I'm located there are polar bear, grizzly and wolves. I carry my 18.5" pistol grip everywhere and it's never any further than 12" away from me when I'm out on the tundra working. My life depends on dependability under all weather conditions and throughout a wide temperature range and it has never let me down. In all my years I've only had to use my trusty friend once for self defense against a bear and I'm not afraid to admit it but I kissed my Maverick 88 after it dispatched a bear with ease that had closed an alarming amount of ground on me while heading back to my work truck. I know that each of my Mav88's easily have over 1k of shells through them and I can't remember any of them ever skipping a beat. This thing will sling projectiles out with confidence in a snow storm at -50 degrees C or in a torrential rain storm at +30 degrees C. If theirs one word the sums up my feelings towards the Maverick 88 it would be CONFIDENCE!!!! As for the sluggishness it's a bit rough but I polished my bolt/carrier and cycled the shit out of it and use graphite powder on the action and mines smooth as silk right down to -50 degree C.

[@MikeJones-oe3do]

So obviously you haven't had the cold weather issue that the maker of the video was talking about.

[@gmctech]

Definitely not. Polish it and use dry lubricants such as graphite powder and it will not have the cold sluggish action cycling issue.

[@MikeJones-oe3do]

What lube do you suggest ?

[@gmctech]

For anti corrosion I use g96 and/or fluid film. As for the dry graphite powder I just buy the cheapest I can find from eBay (usually comes from China but it's A1 quality).

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

Fluid Film is great for corrosion protection! My guns love it. I learned it's not a winter lube quite quickly, however. Assumed as much, but gotta experiment sometimes.

[@popacap21]

Every law biding citizen should own one. A 12 guage is the best firearm you can own.. its so versatile. I love mine, if I ever have a son he will get it at some point.

[@keydobutkrak]

TNOutdoorsGuy Every able bodied male over the age of 20 should be issued one of these. Appropriate use of tax revenue

[@wayneedward7391]

@@keydobutkrak agreed as well a .22 rifle

[@minerblue9641]

When you get really old and sensitive to recoil, drop down to a 20 guage. That should do the trick.

[@maxmacgillivray4845]

Did you have your son yet?

[@markreagan2956]

@@minerblue9641 Lol 20 gauges and 12 gauges have close to identical recoil.

[@hubblemindman]

I have the 20 inch security model 88 and have put thousands of rounds through it. .. gun is unbelievable super reliable and holds up incredibly well! I got mine in America for $240 and have never regretted it!

[@toosickilx3476]

Nice i just got 1 for 257$ shipped. Was thinking i over paid but atleast i found one

[@DrJonez]

10 years later and I just got one for $240. Hope mine holds up like yours has!

[@tomstrait2998]

I bought my moss berg maverick 88 about 2 years ago. When I watched your video I noticed a problem that you had with the stiffness with charging the next shell when it's used in cold weather. I also had the same problem with mine. You asked for anybody to give you advice on that issue. I'm not a gunsmith by any means but I did my research and completely fixed the "sticky" issue. This is what I did. I went and bought a cheep set of small precision files from harbor freight tools. Next I took the shotgun apart. Once it was disassembled I took all of the metal parts that are functioning pieces and I filed down all of the sharp edges because these parts are not forged the are machine pressed and not finished completely. So give all of those edges a slight filing to knock off the rough edges and then reassemble. When I put mine back together I used a stuff called REM OIL, which is the only lubricant I use now. Trust me this procedure does work and I would love to hear your feedback after you try this. 

[@nicholaswillcox]

Got mine recently for $180 at Academy recently - love this gun.

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

I'm glad everyone likes their so much. I bought my 18.5" a few months ago. After 250 rounds the action has smoothed out quite a bit. I wouldn't dare get an 870 after all the issues I've seen. I was actually looking at handguns at Academy, the shotgun caught the corner of my eye. When he pulled it down I was blown away it was only $189. I'm not a shotgun guy so never realized they were that cheap. I bought it on the spot.its been flawless. I've been buying S&B 00 Buckshot at MidwayUSA for $69.99/250 case. For full load 9 pellet buckshot you can't beat $.28 a round. That's lower than most rifle ammo and around the same price as handgun ammo. I actually ended up getting a Tristar C100 (CZ75 compact clone) Glock 19, Marlin 60, and Shield 9mm at Academy. Around where I like (greater Dallas area) Academy has lower prices than any local gun store. I'm looking at a CZ P07 or CZ p10C and will most likely buy it from there as well.

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

Actually I like the Maverick 88 so well I'll probably end up getting a Mossberg 500 as well just to have something similar but a little nicer. The quality of the Maverick has really turned me onto Mossberg in general. I actually was surprised by the quality of my Marlin 60 as well. I bought my first one for $119 about 10 years ago. I've put thousands of rounds through it and it just keeps going. The new ones are $159 so not too bad all things considered. It's kind of surprising I have the most fun with cheap guns

[@stevenbentley3491]

In Alabama,,,you can get a 88 for 179.99. So I bought five

[@biggiecheese7610]

Steven Bentley in Texas they run 100 dollars lol

[@KenyaSG]

@@biggiecheese7610 just paid $300 cad plus $30 shipping.

[@biggiecheese7610]

Nathaniel Feldman I would love to move to Canada I hate all America’s bullshit it’s secretly corrupt

[@doomcrewoutdoors1613]

Roll tide

[@maptinkler]

Just bought one 179.88 at Simmons in Bessemer... War Eagle!

[@peted2770]

Best firearm purchase I've ever made. You get way more than you pay for with this shotgun.

[@pikeknifeandforge4632]

what type of cougar are we talking about

[@bradleymorgan8223]

Your mom

[@artsshorts]

The kind that don’t quit

[@dsimental6]

The one on "Red Dead Redemption"😂

[@406bullrider5]

The fun kind

[@markramkhelawan1580]

One with 2 legs

[@lamppost1972]

this was the first shotgun I bought. Got it on sale for $189 and it has been great. I don't do a lot with shot guns so it's prefect for me.

[@Joselbasurto]

I'm a proud owner of a Maverick 88 shotgun for both hunting and home defense. For under $200 American dollars, it's the best budget shotgun you can depend on. Works flawlessly with birdshot, buckshot and even slug loads in all weather conditions. I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

[@ChrisMcEvoy]

i bought a Mossberg Maverick 88 in 20 Gauge and I'm loving it

[@rodneyunderwood3426]

Chris McEvoy loving my 20gauge version as well

[@corvuscool7075]

I just paid $159.00 plus TAX for my 20 gauge at Miserable Dick's Sports--they were trying to unload (pun intended) all their ammo too at deep discount.

[@3313-c2j]

good idea I should get a Maverick 88 20 gauge, always wanted a 20 gauge so does my lady.lol

[@Elkins82ify]

Love my Maverick 88!! As far as the action goes it's pretty smooth. I maintain it regularly and use Hoppes 9 only when I'm lubricating all the moving parts so maybe that helps with keeping everything moving without being sluggish but I've never had any issues with performance. Can't beat the price for this shotgun!! Mossberg knows what's up!

[@usarmyfl1]

If you get a new magazine action tube (25-30 bucks) you can then use any forearm you want that is compatible with the 500.

[@outdoorspassion4523]

Thanks I did not know this

[@jameskelly8294]

Can u get extended mag tubes?

[@usarmyfl1]

@@jameskelly8294 I am not sure.

[@TheMendoz5]

What size action tube did you use?

[@usarmyfl1]

@@TheMendoz5 It's been so long I have no idea. But if you search you should be able to find it.

[@markgreiner2644]

you're done being sluggish in cold weather is due to the far end. On the Maverick 88 before it is plastic with pen on Action Arms. on a 500 or a 590 there is a steel tube going down the center. Because you don't have that steel tube the plastic forend is shrinking slightly in the cold and binding up a little bit. That's why it's acting that way in the cold.

[@squidy4082]

How do you fix it ?

[@palerider7171]

You may already be aware of this, but if you using grease or heavy oil you need to clean it out and use a light oil during cold weather. That can be part of your sluggishness issue.

[@theguy12322]

William Phillips ok

[@travisb8201]

Just found ONE of these on the shelves in the current Coronavirus world we live in at my local big 5 for $269.99. The 20 inch variant. I jumped on it. Managed to find some 00 buck also. Yeah boy!

[@thein-tele-gent5654]

Rod, your videos are without a doubt some the best on the web! I would really love to see a video on your thoughts on the difference between "tube" style and "ring" style red-dot sights and the applications for each. I'm tempted to throw one on my 500 if just to play around but don't have money to waste on buying a couple of each, annnd you're a wealth of knowledge. Anything you've got on this would be really great!

[@Edux9903]

I had been thinking to buy a firearm for a long time, now I've decided to buy the Maverick 88 as my first weapon. I love the price and they seem to be of good quality. I think this will be an awesome shotgun for me to practice on. Thank you for your video, I found it helpful in making my decision.

[@ehunnicu]

This was an interesting video.. I've had an 88 for 4-5 years I have two setups for it. Tactical with a pistol grip and collapsible butt-stock, 18-inch barrel. All Mossberg 500 upgrades.. While it functions flawlessly, that setup is mostly for show. We've been hit with some real stupid new gun laws that cause our State Sheriff's Association to sue the State for enacting unenforceable laws. As part of calling attention to that effort, we have open carry groups in community parades to show out support for the Sheriffs. The tactical appearance of mine is matched with a friend's Mossberg 500 Trap shooting gun with the explanation that they are the same, one just looks "meaner" that the other. It originally came with a regular butt-stock and a 28-inch barrel, and that how it travels to the range for local competition events. As you mentioned, for the $139 I paid for it, it has been well worth the price..

[@lilbz187]

I love this channel , your help got me off the couch and to go write my pal .thanks man cheers from Canada

[@civiladvantage]

That's great!!!

[@ctraf22]

I've gone plinking with it in winter while it was sleeting and I never had any problems with the action. I used high brass Remington birdshot and it worked fine. It isn't as smooth as my Mossberg 500 though but the 88 is far from broken on.

[@Dfm253]

Just bought one Friday for $220 as I live near Seattle. It’s my first firearm but I took it to the range and put 50 rounds of 00buckshot down range with reasonable accuracy. Quickly firing 8 rounds will kinda kick your shoulder’s ass but the gun did fantastically, I tore the targets apart.

[@x.Foxtail.x]

Got mine for $220 out the door with some other stuff too, and absolutely I love it. The factory fore end is pinned to the action tube, but you most certainly can change the fore end, you just have to get a 7 5/8" action tube and that opens up your options (I have Magpul furniture on mine.) Older Mossberg's did this as well. After you install that, all 500 parts are compatible except for the Flex series stuff. Some of the parts are made in Mexico to keep the cost low, and I don't really mind that. The trigger group isn't interchangeable because of the safety I believe, but a 500 has a polymer group anyway. Also, the magazine tube (at least on mine) is brazed. So if you want to remove it, you'll need to heat it up to break it loose. If it's important to you, you can take it to your local gunsmith to drill the holes in the receiver for mounting rails. I did find the action a little sluggish too, and I live in the humid south, but that isn't a big deal; I just lube it up and that solves the problem. I have mine setup with a collapsible stock and pistol grip, so the location of the safety pretty nice. As you mentioned, the downside to that is the action lever is now blocked, but I did find a company called Shoten Armory (www.shotenarmory.com/products-and-pricing.php) who makes extended slide releases for the 500, and I'm fairly certain they are compatible with the 88. Also, Brownells offers the High Capacity shotgun kit that comes with an 8 round mag tube and a 20" barrel (with or without sights). The only problem is that it's never in stock. The also offer an over/under break-open field model, and a security model that already comes with the 20" barrel (though that one in particular is hard to find.) At the end of the day, it's a Mossberg 500. I've had mine for about 4-5 years and it's wonderful; never had a problem with it. I highly, highly recommend this shotgun, especially for the price. If anyone has a question let me know

[@ahadhossain39]

My dad has a Maverick 88 shotgun using for 20 years, still doing great, no miss fires, nothing jamed, nothing coroded,, it's even smooth and it can also be fired with 3 inch slugs without any struggle.. Really it's a good gun..

[@_Delta_P_]

I put an aimtech full rail system on mine with a AR style stock and vertical foregrip. Insane fast target acquisition.

[@joe-el1rg]

I've had my 88 for over a year now and its a really nice shotgun haven't had any problems with it. You are right about it being sluggish in cold weather and if you do use the cheaper rounds in it they sometimes jam. Its a great gun for the price and will work fine for home defense which is why I got it.

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

You have to disassemble it and clean it and then lube it. That's why you're having problems with it.

[@jojojeep1]

$179 in the us.

[@dannyluong8394]

WWhere did you buy it for that price

[@jojojeep1]

wallmart

[@ingram357]

danny luong Dick`s has them at that price also

[@chrisjensen9709]

jojojeep1 179.00 at Academy

[@alexandersoricelli3891]

@Urban Boys just got one there for 140.00, nice gun for the price for sure

[@thein-tele-gent5654]

I was looking for my first shotgun last summer, and my grandfather-in-law offered to sell (for $100) his Mav 88 he had purchased in about 88 or 89. Because it had some light rust on the barrel, and because I was a fool, I passed and bought a new Moss 500 for four times the price. My father-in-law ended up with the 88 which is dramatically smoother cycling than my new 500, and that was before they added the second support arm on to the foregrip! That being said I do Love my 500, and after watching this video stuck in out in the -30C garage overnight to check the effect it would have on the action. Nothing. I really was impressed on how little (read:none at all) effect the cold had on the operation of the gun in some truly cold temperatures. I keep my Mossy well maintained and use nothing but a light application of Hopps oil. I spent a lot of evenings last summer at my local trap-shooting club and while my 500 was the cheapest gun on the range by at least $1500 (to upwards of 3-4k) it out-performed every single one of them. Deciding between an 500 (or 88) and 870? They're both great, but the final straw came after noticing a trend and doing a youtube search for : Remington 870 jam, and then another for Mossberg 500 jam. Try it and see how many hits you get for each!

[@jesseredie]

Picked mine up for $189.99 USD from a local retail chain. I love it. Bought 100 rounds of Winchester universal 2-3/4 shot shells an it runs perfect. Also oiled it heavily when I first bought it. Great videos!!

[@wizardgaming8698]

Yes you are correct about the cold weather makin it sluggish I took my to kings cove Alaska when I went got down to -15 degrees it did show some resistance but still functioned fine not sure if it was me just being cold because I was sluggish as well lol but I could tell the gun was hurting too but overall great shot gun here in Oklahoma they go for like 179.00 before tax at academy but I have killed several brown bear with it and a few dear

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

Try cleaning it and then re-lubing it with G96 which is a mil-spec oil made for ultra-low temps. That should help it run easier in the cold.

[@michaellawson6298]

Why would you leave a shotgun outside of your tent. overnight?

[@troybingham6426]

Agreed. Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of bringing it for predator defence?

[@sandorpolgar9894]

I have a Mossberg 500, left it in the truck in february for about 5 hours. When I took it out and went to load it it was a lot of resistance chambering the first round thru. after about 20 min indoors, in the warm house it loosened up. I also thought it was weird being the only shotgun passed mil specs. I wasn't too impressed with that fact. Also try not to drop it too much. The lifter can come out the side hole and could jam your gun. All and all I love shooting it. It's a good shotgun just know the issues so you don't get in those situations when your life could be depending on it.

[@garymcadams1]

I have owned a Maverick 88 for about 5 years that stays leaned against my headboard next to my bed loaded with #2 shot for home security. I am very happy with this gun for it's intended purpose. I bought it from a friend who got it home from the gun store and realized he couldn't put a Red Dot on it. Sold it to me for $125 cash never shot.

[@tommygun6028]

I have same shotgun for over 15 years , I don't put any oil on the bluing....lol no rust yet. Also I got very nice pump action on my. As Always Great old Show 😎👍🤝

[@2000greenz24]

I've had some issues with the walmart "value packs" (hard ejects) in not just my maverick but also my break action and semi-auto so its not necessarily related to this gun only but probably more the quality of the ammo. This is the first gun I bought and have never had one misfire, definitely worth the money!

[@XtremeChiliPepper]

Just ordered one today! $259 special order from local FFL, included 18.5" barrel, tax, shipping, FFL fees. Standard retail (Walmart $206, Dick's $216) comes with the 28" barrel. I'm using for home def, so wanted the 18.5". If you do buy standard retail, you can get the 18.5" between $75 - $100. Thanks for the review! I pick mine up next week, then target shooting that weekend!

[@jaynuya2140]

Yes I own 2. And in cold weather it do feels sluggish, but oiling them or brake lube makes them run like a CHAMPION

[@MrCharlie1960]

I bought one yesterday in a pawn shop for 100.oo. Black Phosphate finish. Used hard. But still solid. Brought it home and disassembled it and cleaned the grunge out of it and lubed it with Mpro7. Slick as glass. She goes BOOM.

[@roosevelt1933]

i have had one for about 2 years with well over 2000 rds thru it. The only sluggishness i have had is with the winchester birdshot like he has. All other ammo federal, remington, fiochi etc runs great. Mine has been tough, reliable, and durable. Easy to take down and clean. All around great gun for low $ and have had no problems with it. Go get one you be glad you did.

[@Fudmottin]

I don't know about Mossberg quality compared with other brands. Back in the 1990s, I bought a used 500A. I forget exactly what the price was, but not far from what you can get an 88 for these days. I shot it a bunch and then got tired of it. So I let it sit in my closet for at least 15 years. I took it out and it had rust on it! Also the slide action was rough. Apparently my shotgun was made in May of 1970 (according to Mossberg based on the serial number). I have no idea how much use it got before I got it. Anyway, I gave it a quick test with 3" BBB 78 steel pellet shells. It cycled and fired them fine. But, like I said, the slide action was rough. And it's got rust all over it and on the inside too. I've recently regained an interest in shotguns and I'm cleaning it up. The wood furniture is nice, but I think I would like it in a darker stain. It's only got a five shot tube which I'm stuck with because it is on there. I hope the spring is still good. Mossberg also only used one action bar back in those days because some company (Remington?) had a patent on using two. I think I'll use some CLP on it to see if that helps any.

[@springer-qb4dv]

Yes you are right. pump action on my mav 88 is kind of stiff. I also have mossberg 500 and it's much smoother. I was wondering about the same thing. Here is a post from mossberg owner's forum which suggests a fix: "I just worked on smoothing out the action on mine this past weekend actually. Mine is fairly new, and if I had to guess it has around 50 rounds through it. The action wasn't real rough for a $200 12 ga, but I was hoping to try and make it as smooth as say a $500 gun. What I did was I broke it down and used Break Free's Powder Blast to clean and degrease. Then I inspected all of the action pieces and where they make contact w the receiver. Since I have been shooting it the finish has started to come off, so the areas I needed to look at were easy to find. I sprayed a little rem oil and I sanded down burs and rough spots left behind during machining w fine sandpaper. The bolt had a little pitting so I sanded them flush. I think the biggest improvement was made by smoothing the sides of the shell elevator. You have to be careful when sanding on your weapon though, and pay close attention to not change the geometry of the surfaces. The top and bottom of the slide stop for instance doesn't have 90* edges. Remember the action bars are aluminum so be gentle and go slow. After I was done sanding I cleaned it again w the powder blast and then I lubed it w rem oil and set everything aside to dry. The last thing I did was kinda experimental but I do believe it worked. I sprayed a fairly liberal amount of 3 n 1 RVcare on the inside of the slide where it rides on the mag tube. This product is used to lube and protect slide outs on campers, and it says safe for plastic, etc and it allegedly still lubes after it dries. After everything was clean and dry I reassembled and the end result was pretty nice. I haven't fired it yet but I cycled several shells through and its smoother than a new Rem 870.

[@peacefulwarrior4078]

Lol I dont move too well in cold weather either !😫😄

[@machinerydr]

Have one as well. Bought mine as the tactical version with the pistol grip as an optional attachment and purchased the Mossberg Branded 20" barrel separately. Have also had the identical Jamming issue with the Aluminum base Wal-Mart shells. Since I have purchased at least 6 cases of this ammo and don't want any more hassles I took a brake cylinder hone to the throat of the chamber and slightly rounder the sharp outer edge of the chamber where it seems to grab the shell above the ejector lip.

[@AK74Man87]

I had one, worked fine for me. You can use Mossberg 500 forends, you have to get the whole 500 slide assembly with a nut and it worked fine for me.

[@ecomotive6158]

I got my PAL/RPAL almost a year ago and bought the long barrel version of the Maverick 88 at that time. Since then I've bought pistols and rifles as well and shoot mostly IDPA but nothing beats a good ol' shotgun. Shotguns are the most fun and versatile firearms out there. Unfortunately here in NL you're not allowed to take a non-restricted firearm out into the bush unless it's open season on game animals and even then the caliber of firearm has to match the animal that you have a game licence for. For example, if it's open season on Snowshoe Hare and you have a license for Snowshoe Hare but you're caught anywhere outside a shooting range with an SKS, you get charged for poaching Moose even if you're just sighting in or plinking at a gravel pit. The only firearms you'd be okay to have with a Hare license would be a .22LR or .22WMR rifle or a shotgun loaded with lead shot. You can't even legally use .17 HMR here. Even if you did have a shotgun and you were in possession of slugs then you'd automatically be charged with poaching Moose. The same thing works in reverse; if you only had a Moose license but went out to a gravel pit to plink away with your Ruger 10/22 you'd be automatically charged with poaching Hare. The .17 HMR is not legal to take any game whatsoever so if you're using it outside a shooting range under any circumstances then you're charged with a wildlife offense. So for about half the year you basicly have to treat your non-restricteds the same as your restricteds and use them only at a shooting range. You even have to transport them locked in a case. Every time I go to the range for an IDPA match I can't resist packing up the Maverick and dropping some steel. Sometimes we even use shotguns during a course of fire and the Maverick is the one I always depend on.

[@danwalsh2151]

You can use a mossberg 500 forend if you get an action tube assembly. The forend on that 88 is a single piece, you need the action tube assembly to exchane various forends. Some Mavericks come with the action tube assembly already, my 180$ field model with a 28 inch barrel did at least 10 years ago..

[@mynameislegion7144]

The factory length of pull (14") is a little on the long side for most people. A 12" LOP is more comfortable, and brings the pump closer, which can give the impression of a slicker action. There's aftermarket buttstocks (Magpul, Hogue) or other ways to shorten the factory one and make the gun more manageable and enjoyable.

[@kornklone]

Just bought mine today, the security with the flush 20" barrell. Taking it to the range tomorrow with bird, buck and slugs. cant wait!

[@stevendeatley4878]

I just picked up one of these from gunbroker ,I bought the frame for 50.88 and I bought a model 500 barrel 18.5 inch barrel for 52.00 seemed like a killer deal so I snagged it.going to put it together in the morning and try it out.I also bought a Mossberg 835 for 135 dollars and put a Blackhawk stock set on it .and it is a serious shotgun with the 3.5 inch shells a 3.5 inch 00 buckshot shell has 18 pellets in each shell .like shooting a double barrel with each shot.

[@eqlzr2]

+1 on the value and reliability aspect on the Mossberg 500 series shotguns. I've had one now for more than 15 years and, like you, have given it lots of shooting and rough treatment. Never balked or acted up in any way. But, for me now, I'm opting to carry around a simple Rossi 12 gauge single-shot and some normal power 00 buck rounds. The chances of me actually having to use it for protection are acceptably (to me) slight, and even less likely that I'll need to shoot a whole bunch of rounds rapidly. The Rossi is feather-light compared to the Mossberg fully loaded up with reloads. I'll keep the Mossberg for home defense, and carry the Rossi around in the bush.

[@RikkiBobby]

In NY, I hunt with my mossberg 500 and it feels sluggish too when it’s cold outside. I remember taking one shot at a buck and watched it fall over 30 yds away and I tried to open the chamber. It felt very sluggish like the oil was gunked up. The shell was fine with no marks and it cycled over fine just the initial pull back was not the best

[@crablouie]

yes it is a little sluggish in cold weather so I spray it with a little wd40 seems to operate better after that some oils seem to get a little sticky in the cold all and all a good gun for the buck

[@sgtjarhead99]

Picked up my 20" M88 at Dick's Sporting Goods here in MA for $165 (it was on sale) about 3 years ago. Wasn't sure I wanted this gun as I had my heart set on a Remington 870, but at that price I couldn't resist. Especially since I intended it for home defense and it was going to spend the majority of it's life sitting the closet waiting to be deployed (hopefully never). Completely agree that for the money, this is a great value.

[@patchesohoulihan9191]

I got my M88 7+1 Security Model a few years ago on sale for $250 out the door. Excellent shotgun! I put an ATI Talon Tactical Pistol Grip Stock on it and I keep it loaded n' ready for home defense. Highly recommended

[@kmontano1234]

in cold weather i use a combo of diesel and oil and it holds up for lube in extreme cold. Learned this from the Soviets in WW2. Not saying I was in WW2 but the I read that the Soviets used this mixture in there subguns and rifles in ww2 in Stalingrad. And it does work for me.

[@gmctech]

Ever try graphite powder? That's what I use in the Canadian Arctic and it works flawlessly for this Canuck. :)

[@B1az1ngSuN]

one of the coolest comments ever

[@BreadApologist]

I own one, got it for 180.00 at a pawn shop, came with pistol grip only so I got the ATI folding stock thing on it......god its worlds better now......but as for the action being sluggish, ive noticed a bit of it, that's compared to when ive fired other shotguns like my dads Remington which (idk the exact model) but a higher end shotgun. However it still performs admirably and its my home defense weapon, hangs above my bed night n day (unless I leave the place n lock it in the safe) but I feel confident trusting my life to it.

[@stanleymaestas5441]

slugish action/ use lubrication towards rear slide area closest to handle on inside slide bars

[@minerblue9641]

Don't ever spill a coke-a-cola or a beer into the action and let it dry. Oil won't help, remove it with a rag and water.

[@unclemax3711]

the forearm difference is the 88 has the action bars molded into the forearm and pinned whereas the 500 has a tube for the action bars that the forearm attaches to with a spanner nut as do some other makes of shotguns. this is only a problem in some folk's heads. i've had both and haven't had the problems many speak of. my maverick has been in rain, sand, dust, dirt, leaves, etc. and still works fine. if i scratch it up it doesn't make me want to cry as scratching up my browning would. working gun at a working man's price

[@johnross1991]

I have a 20 ga Maverick I use for informal trap shooting. I use exclusively the Walmart 100 rd. value pack that you can pick up for $21.97. I've never had any issues with that ammo and have fired over 1000 rounds in the past two years. Nice little shotgun for the price. I found mine at a pawn shop for $100.

[@WastelandSeven]

Something that might be a solution to your bluing issue and your hesitating action. Boot black. A gunny told a friend of mine that it will not only prevent rust, but, if you put it on the bearing surfaces and work the action a few hundred times. Boot polish is a mild abrasive. So it will polish out the rough spots in the casting. Then you just clean it out when you're through.

[@bigjuan87]

quite literally the best deal on a shotgun this past black friday dicks sporting good had this bad boy on sale for 159.98 😱 after tax and dros fees i spent like 207 bucks i believe and it came with the security barrel as well great shotgun

[@nicksalvatore4977]

The action of my maverick 88 always feels slugish when I'm hunting in the rain, everytime it get's kinda really vet.

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

Having you disassembled it and lubed it properly?

[@jordanenriquezbitchnigga9117]

Over here the 88 cost $188.00

[@redneckfulltime]

I have had the stiff action in cold weather myself. i found that some gentle polishing of the action bars and inside the channels they run in will help a lot. in the cold the alloy receiver shrinks and grips the action bars and the bolt carrier. and polish the back of the chamber with the finest paper you can get. even fine lapping compound on a wood stick would probably work good.

[@JN-se7ks]

I have 5 pump shotguns, 3 Maverick 88's, 1 Mossberg 500, 1 Remington 870. Why do I have 5, several reasons: One is if the SHTF and I decide to arm some neighbors who, God forbid, have no weapons; I can train someone in a very short time how to use a pump shotgun. I realize it is not the perfect solution but it will enable them to defend themselves at a negligible cost to me. Number two I like a shotgun's versatility with the various ammo available. Yes, I have semi automatic rifles but I still love my shotguns! Maverick 88 is a winner.

[@mickeeand1969]

Cold weather lube....5w-20 motor oil. Warm weather lube....5w-20 motor oil. Here's a hint....you guessed it....5w-20 motor oil. Just a light coat on all metal to metal contact. Have mine since 2009. Still runs great.

[@BryanDavidSnuffer]

Just bought one! Very happy!

[@CrAnSwIcK]

I had similar "sluggish action" issues with my 88 in the cold, I was using hopes9 gun oil...after wiping, spraying it down with brake cleaner, I gave it a good coat of G96, and also lubed the mag tube (on the outside) and haven't had any issues yet...mine also doesn't like the cheap Winchester target loads...It's got to be the ammo, I have a friend with an 870, and another with a PA-08, and they both jammed up with the same ammo.

[@chrisramirez4691]

Just picked one up today for $159... @ ACADEMY

[@peterjg001]

I live in Montreal, so it gets really cold. In -20 degree C temp the action definetely is sluggish. Same thing happens to my buddy's browning bps. So just put oil on the mag tub where the pump rides along and problem solved. Worked on both of our guns.

[@Joshmango86]

i just brought mine home from the gun dealer. the gun it tight but thats expected from a new gun. so far i like it. i think the trigger group should have metal. but i cant wait for the range tomorrow

[@45Blackjack]

$200 for the combo(both security models 18.5 & 20" were going for $189). combo comes with 18.5" and 28"(all-purpose barrel). at time of this comment, the 28" all-purpose barrel is going for $100+ on ebay and $207 on Mossberg. I bought combo with thought of selling the 28"(still have it tucked away in safe). On the forearm, i'v seen the same on some cheaper 500s. On mossbergs website if you look for "parts by model" 88, you will see forearms without action bars, so they will work on the 88, you just have to add an action assembly. I bought from mossberg for $30(they list now for $34). My 88 now sports the Hogue overmolded kit in OD. 😎

[@peteyleewheatstraw6093]

I just bought this same exact gun and Winchester ammo is awful to use in it. Mine gets stuck when I use Winchester. No more cheap Winchester for me! I use Remington and Monarch ammo I have no problems!! So you are right about Winchester ammo.

[@growyourfood3190]

Mine would spit shells when cycling ammo - usually at critical times when firing at ducks, such that one of the three shells would often just fly out of the breach and into the water. It will not do this if you pump slowly - but who on earth pumps slowly when there's ducks in the air.

[@wellwhoaskedyouanyway8647]

Haven't had a single problem out of my Mav88 through over 75+ My 500 Mariner made it threw 3!!! rounds and ejector problem! I've had this sluggish action on the 500 and it's spring2020

[@bangsdagong]

hi, i bought one of these new in 1991 for $130 bucks and it's been great!! i have hunted duck, pheasant, and rabbit. never had a problem with the action getting sluggish in cold weather. i would guess the sluggishness you are feeling is from the oil you are using...it might not be able to handle the temperatures you are operating it in.nice video!

[@SBrandon562]

The Maverick 88 is DEFINITELY worth the price. The only complaint I have with mine is during the break in period I had a few shells get stuck in the chamber, BUT I was using cheap range shells to break it in so I'm sure that had something to do with it. sadly, I've never shot anything BUT range shells through it so I can't comment on that. But I'm sure it'll handle anything I run through it, It's a VERY solid shotgun for the price. I'd buy another one if I needed another shotgun.

[@jessesimmons9238]

I'm waiting for the day when mossberg makes a revolver. Mossberg needs to spread its product line.

[@jamessanders2164]

I got a little newer version of this I guess. Mine was $188. came with a 28'' Barrel and he holds 5+1 But I love it. I put about 120 rounds through it and not one problem. I was shooting skeet and having competition with it and he held up really well.

[@tom77685]

I have a Maverick 88 no problem with it being sluggish but I find frog lube really helps it runs smoother I feel. It's my first gun I owned

[@fistofthenorthstar9010]

i bought a used 88 it was all gumed up .in cold it barely cycled .i cleand it and put froglube on it it runs like a dream . Thanks tom77685

[@RelaxedEZ223]

Don't use oil in cold weather. Try using a graphite powder. That might help with the sluggish resistance.

[@Tex89r]

I have a maverick 88 for 4 yrs now, and it's a great shotgun... will plan on getting another mav88 to convert to a magpul tactical patrol shotgun with riot barrel...

[@scottlear9162]

Try oiling the slide rails to get rid of that slide resistance. I own a model 500A with walnut stocks for which I have multiple barrels (found it for $200 at a gun show lightly used!). I have taken it hunting, it has defended my family from an intruder, and it has gone camping. The only time I have ever experienced what I call drag in the slide was because the slide rails needed to be oiled. Otherwise, I appreciate the review as I grew up with Mossberg shotguns (every hunter in my family owns one or more), and I own one plus a Mossberg model A100 30-06 bolt action rifle (stainless steel barrel/receiver, chrome bolt, and synthetic stocks). Just thought I would put that out there since even I didn't realize that Mossberg makes more than just great shotguns. With the rifle I have achieved 1 1/4 inch 5 shot groups at 500 yards (three shots went through the same hole), and I have hunted and killed deer and wild hogs with it. Someday I'll make a video about the Mossberg firearms I own...

[@FuZe.]

I'm going to be getting this one soon, glad it's so cheap and has good reviews!

[@trumpjump123]

Go for it, it is a great firearm. I've had mine for a few months now

[@FuZe.]

@@trumpjump123 Got it a few days ago, for 250 bucks out the door this thing is great! Nothing like a 12 gauge!

[@ohmygoditsyomamma]

If you don't want to drill and tap you can buy the ati heat shield it has sights or a rail on the top

[@francisgarner1751]

Sir I see your video is old I'm just seeing it . I have the maverick 88 pistol grip 181/2 inch barrel sence 7pounds brought it in 1995 never had a problem. Maby the oil you had on it just keep on shooting. Brother 👍🏿🎯👍🏿

[@wudup3x677]

I've had nothing but problems cycling the action it would even get stuck

[@garyr.thomas687]

Mossburg Makes to me the best & cheapest pumps on the market I mean Remington 870's are nice but I like the feel and ruggedness of Mossburg's shotguns! I have a 1980's Mossburg 500 ATP a police shotgun! It will shot any 12 gauge ammo you put in it!! I'm looking to get the maverick Deer & Field combo for hunting I love my 500 ATP but 7+1 ammo captivity and wanna just have it for home defence and use the Maverick for hunting! So I say if your in the market for a budget friendly shot gun that will last try out a Mossberg Mav88 or 500 amazing guns!! P.S. If your a Remington, Winchester or etc fan just my opinion my dad loves his Winchester 1300 & SXP but Mossburg just to me feels more my right in my hands.

[@shiftyjesusfish]

Re: Issue with it cycling slowly; it may be some issue with metal on metal contact ( or plastic on metal, not sure what the slide rail is made out of, maybe some internal polishing will fix it right up). That or the other issue I could imagine it being is the type of lubrication your using on the heavy use parts (rather the grease on the heavy use parts you use on shotguns) could be getting thicker doe to the cold.....I know from experience shooting air guns and paintball (co2 and HPA) in cold weather, and despite the loss of pressure from the cold, I have noticed that some of the different types of lubrication react really differently to the extreme temps (and it can get mighty cold in the winter here as you know)

[@redpillrosary5455]

After handling an 870, when I used the maverick, before I fired it, I thought it was a toy or an air gun, I was very pleased with its performance. I really love my Maverick but I know the Remington is more than likely more durable and better suited for a clumsy City slicken Yankee like me who can't get a lot of practice time. If I was well versed at guns I probably would have gotten two Mavericks because I heard only one was for defense with a higher magazine and the other could have different barrel lengths but was a shorter unreplaceable magazine with both and I may be wrong but if I was right and I knew more of what I was doing to begin with, I probably would have gotten two Mavericks instead of a Remington but I love that Remington too. The Remington just feels like it will stand the test of time with just maybe WD-40 Edit * unfortunately a city slickin Yankee😿

[@redpillrosary5455]

My Remington is heavier than the Maverick with the Remington empty and the Maverick fully loaded

[@acklan3]

If you look on the used market you can find them fairly cheap. I have bought 6 used Maverick 88 from $100 to $125 each. Excellent weapon. As I post this Academy Sports has them for $189

[@ingram357]

got my Mav 88 two years ago for $179 at Dicks Sporting Goods, just can`t beat that,today the reg price is $219, bt jst before hunting season they go back to 179

[@techytech1]

got mine at Wally world for 165.00 Black Friday deal..

[@ingram357]

techytech1 can`t beat that with a bat

[@christopherjohnson4592]

You can get a saddle mount for any optic you want put on it, I have a red dot on one of mine got turkey hunting and 4 power scope on another for deer

[@yannickhidiroglou8930]

I have an 88 and have noticed the same sluggish feeling in cold weather.

[@kevinbreese5739]

Great review and I am glad to hear it's a good gun, because I gotta be honest....I inherited one and it felt almost like a cheap toy compared to even less expensive H&R Pardner pump.

[@thecandyman9308]

yeah the action bugged me at first too but apparently Mossie's are designed w/ more play which is why the military uses them- the extra tolerance allows them to eat a lot of dust & grime and still work

[@BigJake328]

Got a security and a field model love 'em

[@14bonanza]

The only issue I have with my 88, is the inability to use Cabela's Royal Buck ammunition. About 33% of them will jam, and not eject after being loaded into the chamber. Whether you fire the round or not. Mossberg said they know of the issue, but that the Rio brand, which makes the Royal Buck, is the only ammo they know of that has this problem. It is the only ammo to jam in my 88. All others work well. Picked up a second one today for $179 US.

[@kolbie473]

Where did you purchase that sling?

[@silasjones8262]

I had a Remington 870 that jammed using Winchester 7 1/2 shot low base aluminum rounds.