Mossberg Maverick 88

[Burns]

Just got a 12 gauge Maverick 88, it has a 28" barrel but I want it to be used mainly for HD. Every place I found was pretty much sold out of 18.5" Mossberg 500 barrels, and those who weren't were charging about $140+. A gunsmith in my area told my wife he could cut my barrel down to 18.5" for $40 and put the sights back on it. I should have it back in a few days/next week because he's been getting a lot of calls about the same thing, does this seem like it was a good deal?


I'll admit I know nothing about shotguns, so hopefully it was the right move, we don't hunt, and if we do I figure there's always enough people trying to get rid of their 28" barrels that I could buy from.

Any recommendations for SD and practice ammo that my wife would be able to handle the recoil of?

I'll post some pictures once I get it back.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[mano3]

I own the 18.5" version - one of my first guns.

It seems to have a bit more recoil than the Mossberg 500 (the 88 is smaller and lighter) when I compared the two. Still, it's a great little shotty and has worked everytime.

[OldVet]

If you don't have a need for the longer barrel, cut it. You're better off than I am, the 20" barrel for my 1100 would be $220 and up.

[10thmtn]

Are you planning on moving through the house with it? If not, and you only plan on using it as a last line of defense when you are in your safe room, then I would just leave the barrel alone.

[GregDepot]

I paid the $135 for breecher 18.5 they had in stock.
That way you still have a bird gun if you needed it still

[zonker1986]

doubt it will be your last shotgun. I'd leave as is and save up for a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 configured the way you want.
After all the heat dies down, Joe Biden is going to be a poster boy for the shotgun industry, and they should be readily available.

[Taurahe]

If you dont need the long barrel I would have it cut down and leave it unchoked. It would be a great economic HD weapon. As far as loads go, a reduced recoil buckshot load would be perfect for eveyone. You can use cheapo shot for practice and training. Another addition I would look into would be the XS sights shotgun bead... great for in the dark HD. I am waiting on a set of combat sights for my ruger. XS Sight Systems - Sights

[Paco]

Good little shotgun. I hope you got it from WalMart, I got mine from Academy and I can't change out the foregrip and I understand the one sold at WM is removable.

As others have said, I'd leave it for now and save up for a Mossberg 500. Worst case if you find out you won't be able to save for the Moss you can cut it then. You might also check eBay, Gunbroker, etc. for a Maverick 88 18.5 barrel. Then you'd have a multipurpose shottie.

[Snub44]

...last fall, Mossberg parts dept quoted me about $85 for an 18" barrel new and shipped...might check with them...I've cut several with a Rigid pipe cutter and snapped on a fiberoptic sight...cost less than $20...

Just got a 12 gauge Maverick 88, it has a 28" barrel but I want it to be used mainly for HD. Every place I found was pretty much sold out of 18.5" Mossberg 500 barrels, and those who weren't were charging about $140+. A gunsmith in my area told my wife he could cut my barrel down to 18.5" for $40 and put the sights back on it. I should have it back in a few days/next week because he's been getting a lot of calls about the same thing, does this seem like it was a good deal?


I'll admit I know nothing about shotguns, so hopefully it was the right move, we don't hunt, and if we do I figure there's always enough people trying to get rid of their 28" barrels that I could buy from.

Any recommendations for SD and practice ammo that my wife would be able to handle the recoil of?

I'll post some pictures once I get it back.

[Burns]

Thanks for the replies. Im in a rather small apartment so the 28" barrel would really not do me any good for hd, it's getting. Cut down to 18.5.

I figured i didnt want to spend. $150 on a barrel for a $200 shotgun.

Sorry for any mistakes, typing from my phone.

[latentcarry]

Bought one for my son as his first 12ga shotgun. He's really happy and can shoot it better than I can. How I wish I had my 16 year old eyes back lol. Nice weapon and at the price everyone should own a couple.

[LiftAlot79]

Nice Shot gun I have the Rifled Barrel 18.5 inch 3'' 12ga. You put some 3'' KO"S and it's over or some Military 4 oo Buck "Chest gone!"

[latentcarry]

Nice Shot gun I have the Rifled Barrel 18.5 inch 3'' 12ga. You put some 3'' KO"S and it's over or some Military 4 oo Buck "Chest gone!"

I second that emotion