A $200 Shotgun SHOCKER: The Mossberg Maverick 88 Test
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- Опубликовано: 18 сен 2024
- You asked James Reeves to test the ultra-budget $200 Mossberg Maverick 88, one of the cheapest shotguns money can buy. James accepted your challenge, and, in this video, he accessorizes the Mossberg Maverick 88 and takes it to the range to subject it to a 505-round torture test of mixed 12 gauge loads. James and the crew from the St. Bernard Indoor Shooting Center in Arabi, LA subject the Maverick 88 to one round of 12 gauge every 9 seconds for 77 straight minutes. How'd it do? You'll have to watch to see.
««« GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO »»»
‣ Streamlight Polytac Flashlight: amzn.to/3WkwTrY
‣ Trigger: www.mcarbo.com...
‣ Sling: Magpul RLS, $19 (Probably better for a shotgun than the Troy) amzn.to/3FtVNyl
‣ Sling Mount - BFG HK Sling Loop: amzn.to/3hF9LSK
‣ Sling/Light Mount - GG&G Light/Sling Mount: amzn.to/3UVURID
‣ Light Mount - UTG Offset: amzn.to/3vrFWfN
‣ Good Shotgun Cards - Esstac: esstac.com/7rn...
‣ Cheap Shotgun Cards - Spanker Shotgun Cards: amzn.to/3V1qW1M
‣ Cheap Shotgun Cards - Funanasun 6 rd. Shotgun Cards (cheaper than Spankers and hold an extra round. Downside: They are not called "Spankers"): amzn.to/3MCp2B1
‣ Eye Pro - James loves Oakley M-Frames for indoor ranges: amzn.to/3YopWaR
‣ Ear Pro - Walker Razors are some of the best, dollar-for-dollar: amzn.to/3Lxo5tJ
‣ Apparel: All TFBTV apparel is sponsored by 5.11 Tactical and you can get it at www.511tactical.com
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I work at the factory that builds these guns and am a final inspector and this video makes me super proud that a pump gun from my little town with the name sake of our county is approved and loved by you James, the other week we saw troopers come and take a tour of the facility, hit up mossberg and see if they'll let you id love to meet you and have you see what goes on in our little town
Just bought one, partially due
to your comment. It’s good to know my money is going towards people like you, Americans from Small Towns in the Country with Big Hearts that take pride in what they do. Building a quality tool that’s affordable so I can defend my family, I have a 1 year old son. This will be my first shotgun…and Ill give it to my son one day. May God Bless this Great Country, we are heading into darker times. Thanks Samuel for the work you do, supporting our God Given Right to Defend Ourselves. Looking forward to my new shot gun…every dad should have at least one, haha.
I’ve been a fan of Mossberg shotguns since I first saw them when I was in the navy. We replaced our old Remington shotys with Mosbergs. It was in 96. Not sure if they were 500s or 590s but they were fun out on the range. If they are good enough for the navy then you know they will run
You should be proud of the work at your factory. My experience is similar to @TFBTV as I have the Mossberg 835 Turkey Pump and have run a lot of rounds through it - never an issue. Let me tell you, a 3.5" round can be punishing to both your shotgun and shoulder.... LOL! Mossberg makes a dang fine pump gun.
Samuel we appreciate the work you do ...thank you for helping make a wonderful product that is affordable in these crazy times...
Dios te bendiga, Samuel
This really should be a full series on budget & entry level guns.
Idea: budget guns with "gucci" accessories pls make it happen
Hop just shed a tear reading this.
Two series: budget guns that slap, and budget guns to avoid.
The new haven/ mossberg 600 AT is $140
They havent made them since 98 though so idk if youre looking for off the shelf today deals but yea
Finally, refreshing my RUclips feed at 1 am has paid off.
Lol, me too 👍
I live in central time so I always found it odd that RUclipsrs who also lived in central time would release videos at 1am in the morning.
James talking about his Excellent Elite Spanker (whilst wearing his obligatory smedium Baby Gap t-shirt and boy-shorts) is second only to him speaking of his affinity for H&K's "squeeze cocker".
Hello there....
I love when companies make guns for the “less than middle class” people.
Like myself. Makes me brand loyal.
Ruger too USA 🇺🇸 affordable reliable
No doubt 💯
You dont have to be poor to buy one of these, you just have to be cheap/budget minded
I agree !
@@timwilson7326preach my good sir 👏🏽
I was robbed a decade or so ago, lost all my nice guns, was young didn't have a ton of money, I bought a Maverick 88 to keep the house safe (weirdly in the crap place I was living they liked to rob someone several times in a row? why? I do not know you'd think the first fuckers would get all the good stuff). but I used that gun for everything for about a year, and kept it around as sort of thank you to it for being with me in the dark times> I have been shooting it on and off since then and the thing keeps chugging like a freaking tank to this day. I have taken it hunting in -20 degree Norther NY, and in the swamps of south Florida and the thing just refuses to die. Gun has a special place in my heart for sure, and while my 590 is cooler and my 930 is more fun, I wont ever get rid of this little beater.
That's what the anti gunners don't understand. Guns are more than firearms
just because of your story, I want a mave88
I feel the same way about my 88. It was my first pump gun. I love my saiga 12 to death, but between magazines and awkward reloading, I’ve preferred my little 300 dollar shotgun. I still have it. I remember the first time I took it apart I dropped one of the ramps and I cried because I couldn’t find it and I hadn’t shot the gun yet. But when I found it 30 minutes later and put it back, I put the ugly as fuck hogue pistol grip on it as a joke, but I put the real stock back on and I have had 0 problems with it. Eats ammo. Runs. Good. Needs lubed up every now and again, but that’s a reasonable request from a cheap pump action
I don't tell anyone I have a gun collection. I wouldn't tell anyone where I live while at a gun range. An acquaintance of mine died. His guns were stolen during his funeral. Another acquaintance had his entire gun safe stolen while he was out of town. I coined this phrase. There are two types of gun stores. Gun stores that have been robbed and gun stores that are going to get robbed.
I'm with you
My Maverick has run about 4k rounds in about 8 years. My son and I were caught in a blizzard on an afternoon duck hunt, my son's new 870 was about ruined by the time we got home that evening, the barrel and action had started to rust, the laminate stock swelled and the finish cracked off. The Maverik didn't have a speck of rust or damage and still doesn't, it runs like a champ. They're about bomb proof, They're American made!
Remington has dissapointed me more than once.
@@markdumas6387 it really has.
Got a 870 express model, the thing would not cycle properly, the pump would get stuck, the fit between the parts were mediocre at best
And on top of that, it started rusting from putting my hands on it. No other shotgun I’ve had does that.
Freedom group really destroyed Remington
It was ruined that quick in a blizzard. Damn it's almost as if your kid didn't know how to properly maintenance his gun. That's just crazy 1 blizzard and bam, 870 was useless. Crazy how you survived a blizzard but a shotgun couldn't. Crazy as hell
Its because freedom group the Chinese company bought them out like 15 years ago. And the quality has completely atrophied since then.
New shotguns i would get the maverick or 500, 590s any day. Sadly Remington went down hill fast after they where bought out they used to make great guns but today i would only buy a new mossberg/maverick as far as a good pump goes. An old 870 from before will take the abuse far better than the newer ones. I have an 870 wingmaster that my grandfather gave me for my 12th birthday that he bought new in 1956 it still runs great and never i have never had an issue with it. He used it every year for duck and turkey hunting so it got a lot of use thru out its life and is still being used today. New Mossberg/maverick hands down is the way to go.
"We haven't seen this kind of cost-cutting since the North Korean ballistic missile program."
IDK why, but that line made me chuckle.
You know why it's funny
Hell yhea it's funny!! This guy could be writing for the wall street journal. :)
@John Kale
I confess being a dumb ass
A sinsere ...why English in North Korean missiles?
Like a good American eating poop from asss of other countries
They obviously haven't ran a stevens 320
I bought an 88 maverick when I was 17. I am now 35, almost 36. I've hunted everything with that gun and put more shells thru it than you can imagine. Years of dove seasons, small game hunts, duck hunts to include dropping it in freezing water, using it as a paddle when the motor wouldn't run, deer drives, pheasant hunts, hog hunts in the Georgia swamps, countless turkeys, hundreds of clay pigeons and pop cans, literally THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of shells through it. And I have zero problem handing that thing down to my boy when the time comes. It's got some bruises and some scratches. The only thing I've done is clean it and took off the stock sights and replaced with a Hi-Viz bead. Goes boom every time!
Sweeeeeet love hearing reviews like this,,,, I've worked at the factory in eagle pass (home town lol worked their in 2011-2014 ) the ppl they have working their KNOW their assembly art practice and ins and outs of their craft, knowledgeable ppl,,, be safe my guy ❤❤❤
Heck yeah man! I got the riot version almost 20 years ago, added a heat shield, pistol grip w/ collapsible stock and 5 round mount, it's a beast.
I am 19 about to buy it
Bought a 18” in 2012 and a 28” in 2014 never had to buy another again. Absolute best bang for your buck. 10/10 would buy for a 3rd if needed.
You had me at peasant hunts brother
I’m loving these budget builds and breakdowns from James.
Now if we can get James to drive an 88 jeep Cherokee.
Fanny packs, spankers, short shorts and cheap shotguns whats not to love
@@fearlessleader8623 😂😂😂
Sexy, dumpster-divin’, foodstamp firearms
Say..will James run those..new..."Rem Arms 870" or something? Lol
We bought an 88 12 gauge for $155 for my son when he was shooting trap on 4H trap team.
It was an upgrade from the H&R single shot 12 gauge he used for the first year and a half. ( he was big kid at 14) he shot 1000s of rounds through the H&R. I feel that toughened his shoulder.
He shot 1000s of rounds through the 88 over the nearly three years he used it.
It had screw in chokes. He would practice with extra full Turkey choke. Then used modified for competition.
He finish 3rd overall in state championships his first year with 88.
The next year he got 4th. And his last year he was tied for first. After over 200 rounds of shoot off he ultimately missed one and got second. He was shooting against a $2000 over under browning.
After competition was over he realized he had used extra full turkey choke for entire thing.
This gun is still operating today. He is now 35 years old and still uses the gun today. Never had any issue with it yet.
88 is well worth every penny.
Damn, 200 rounds of shoot-off. That must've been tense
Yes it was. Neither one would miss. They moved them back every 25 shots until they were at farthest shooting position. Then it was continued blasting. My son missed at number 24. Thought they were gonna go again. I was just about to go buy more shells when he missed.
I bought my first shotgun from K-Mart in the 80’s. It was an H&R 12ga.crack barrel. Wish I would have kept it.
So, they come with longer barrels? And choke attachment ability
Don't know the length right off hand. Think it was 24 inch vent rib barrel. Has screw in chokes. Black plastic stock and forend.
As a friend once explained to me: "Any fool can get a great bottle of wine if the price is no object - only a knowledgeable person buys a great wine at a great price." Same thing here.
Well put. Years ago I worked at one of the only places in my city that boasted an advanced level sommelier, and being that we sold bottles of wine that cost $3k, I was pleasantly surprised when I asked how to buy/afford good wine at the store and he told me that if you learn what's what, you'll know why spending over $30 on a bottle is often a waste. Stuck with me and is the same message you had. _and that's my courageous story_
Same is true for bourbon and whiskey. I make an exception for some of the pure islays though...
@@southdubify liquor store I go to has a bottle of whiskey 5000$ . I've been tO up from the flO up off md2020 lol
@@leshemby9430 you should go chug that bottle right in front of the cashier and then yell *MAVERICK 88 M*************
This was my first gun. Still running strong after 20+ years
Through and doolie inpressed
Same. Got mine when I was 12 and is still a great gun.
Dido,I have owned my maverick for 25years now. No issues and after seeing this video,happy with my purchase.
The Mossberg brass bead watching the other accessories fail: "Pathetic..."
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Mine fell off 😂 was bent to begin with
I went and looked at one and the sight was drilled at 12:45 instead of 12. How do they fix that without replacing the whole barrel.
Front bead fell off mine 😂 only issue I've ever had with it, bought a new bead, tightened it up, good to go
Took that tiny bead off and put on an nice big elevated Skinner front bead. Best thing on my 500.
The Maverick is cheap BUT it’s reliable, hails from the 500/590 lineage, and a reputable manufacturer. It’s a pump gun, so it doesn’t have complex internals that need to be tuned or cost a lot to manufacture. It uses a mechanism that became popular almost 150 years ago.
If it had any major issues, I would have been genuinely surprised.
Not cheap, just really really fucking cost effective.
Tbh mine keeps having an issue ejecting 3" shells like its cost me a few ducks clearing it's jam. Would so want a 500 over it!!
A lot of people post on reddit about parts falling off their maverick 88. If you get a good one it's good but I don't feel like the quality control is there. I just recommend everyone who want one to really inspect it well before purchasing it.
Yep, it belongs to the same family as the Ithaca 37, Remington 31, Browning BPS, which are all fantastic guns. I love my 590A1 - it’s hilarious on the skeet field with the barrel shroud and 1907 pattern sling I put on it to make it look like a trench gun.
@@Fanuc_Operator1990 Good rule of thumb for any large purchase, especially durable good.
Never had a doubt it would pass. I'm somewhere around 2800 rounds through my 88. No problems. It's a beast that takes what you have and asks for more. Highly recommend getting one or two or three if you haven't yet.
One for each day of the week am I right
You could get 4 of these for the prices that 590A1's are selling for now. I've been considering selling my 590A1 for $800-$900 and getting a new 20" 590 with ghost rings and pocketing the rest.
@@HarryManback0 I just paid 550 for a 590 retrograde it is a sweet gun not a bad price either
@@nate8867 where?
@@nate8867 ordered it and just got the confirmation email. Thank you! 🤟🏼
I bought this for my first patrol job. So reliable I carried it for 15 years. It ran like a champ one day during some particularly rough quals in the rain and mud. We were kicking the slides open with our boots on the department owned 870s from the mud that got in them. My 88 and another guys 500 were still running smoothly. It served me well as a full time police officer, and I still have it. Bought it in the mid 90s.
Win, lose or draw. Props to Mossberg for having the balls to back up their product. Just like Steyr with the AUG and Karl's mud test
I have the Maverick 88, Mossberg 500 and 590. Aside from safety setup, which is preference, these guns are almost identical. The biggest difference between the latter 2 and the 88 is the pinned forend. This is the main reason why it's so much cheaper than the 500 or 590. The pinned forend can crack over time or in very cold weather. However, it's very cheap to replace and this forend setup makes the 88 lighter by about a pound. The heavier, more durable forend (has a steel tube underneath the corn cob) can be found on most 500s and the 590. Another difference between the 88 and the 500 & 590 is that the 88 has a lighter buttstock, the plastic walls are not as thick but it's not a big issue. A great upgrade is the 12" LOP Hogue buttstock because the 14.25 LOP that comes on the gun is pretty long for most people. Don't be deterred by the blued finish found on the Maverick 88. It's easy to fix any scratches on a blued finish if you wish. If you're worried about rust, I highly recommend getting some microcrystalline wax to protect it. I use the E.J. Wheaton brand but Renaissance Wax is the same thing. Lastly, don't be apprehensive about the low price of the 88. Mossberg has been making shotguns for a very long time, they're very efficient production-wise and sell them by the boatload. IMO, Mossberg shotguns are underpriced for what you're getting (quality and reliability). PS, as much as I want a Beretta 1301, the Maverick 88 video is the one that James should have titled "this is the best shotgun for the money".
@@shellcracker18 Not sure where you heard that from, but it's false. They all have the extractor screwed in place. The only part that's pinned on the 88 is the forend/forearm that I already mentioned. Perhaps many years ago what you said could have been the case, I don't know. But not in the past 20+ years.
@L C indeed I was mistaken 👍
I second the use of the shorter LOP stock for a HD shotgun. I have the hogue 12” LOP stock with a small sized slip-on pachmayr decelerator magnum recoil pad. That gives me just the right amount of LOP and tames the kick ever so slightly more.
Im at least the third owner on mine and its been reblued at least once. It still works pretty good, the action does start to stick when it gets hot though
@L C parts are pretty much interchangeable but when you get to the 590 they’re just a tad beefier for durability and the intended use. I love my beretta A400 xtreme but IMHO it feels very plastic for a gun that’s almost 4 the price of a mossberg 590a1. The mossberg 580a1 feels very solid but your shoulder feels after a day at the range
I love my Maverick 88, an absolute work horse! For only $200 I aint worried about messing it up, I can throw it around and get it filthy and it just keeps on chugging.
@@papimaximus95 I dare say that sounds like a collectible since it came out a year after inception lol
haha no shame in it brother
Sounds like a miami vice shootout.
I’ll say this about America… it knows how to produce a good weapon. This is my second 88 and I shoot everything through it with no issues. Thank you 🇺🇸 / 🇲🇽
💯🤙
Been telling everyone about this shotgun since I got mine in 2015, absolutely love it and never had a problem
I saw a used Maverick at a gun store for $178. I wish I bought now.
@@rascoehunter3608 that's a shame man, got mine brand new for $185, the "security" model with the 20" barrel and 7 shot tube.
@@Eulicidcfinder1 that was a month ago I think. It would be funny if it was still there. I have seen shotguns that have been there for 4 months straight.
@@Eulicidcfinder1 i got mine back in 2018 Maverick Security for the same price 5+1, 18.5" with 28" barrel for hunting
My dad an I have them too each with different barrels. We have had 1 jam on each one in the few years running them. I bought mine new for $187.
I've had a Maverick for over 10 years and never had a single failure. I've shot basically every single load you could think of (that it accepts), well over 1000 shells, slugs, buckshot, bird shot, home defense tactical loads, you name it. I love it and it is still the most solid firearm I've ever owned.
Me to. Can't complain about it at all.
Mine fails all the time. Guess some work and some don't
@@SLEEP8313 when was the last time you fully cleaned it? From the barrel down to the firing pin
@@UriRocky I have only had issues when
1: I short stroked the gun.
2: the occasional el cheapo ammo fails to extract.
3: My gun was filth from multiple outings blasting clays, etc.
4: My late 70's model mossberg 500 extractor finally crapped out on me.
120 shells through mine before i was tired of the retarded recoil compared to any other shotgun. sits in the corner never looked at. barrel probably full to the top with dust lol
"Tax: Is Theft"
thank you James, that made the entire video for me
^^^this!
Not legally, the 16th amendment makes it legal to tax citizens.
@@godshammer3122 the 16th amendment wasn’t ratified legally, plus it goes against the founding fathers intent…even so taxation is still based on coercion therefore it’s theft. No matter what laws the government passes, it can’t change morality
@@donh1572 yes, it was ratified. Why do you think it wasn't?
@@godshammer3122 maybe you should research the history…but once again it still goes against what this country was about. Plus the amendment was supposed to only tax the top one percent, a one percent tax. Now look at your paycheck. You are officially a slave
I’ve got six shotguns ranging from the Maverick 88 to the Benelli M2 tactical and I still like to pull this one out and shoot it every couple months. It’s a great shotgun, reminds me of a much simpler time when budget meant everything. Best part about this one was even though I was on a budget, it performed just as well as the Remington 870s and mossberg 500s my buddies were shooting. Never felt lesser than anyone because I had a great gun even at the price point this was in. Hats off to mossberg for making such spectacular firearms.
I’ve had my maverick for 7 years, I had no doubt it would do well with this test. It has to be one of the best ultra-low cost options for home defense on the market today.
For anyone buying/using an 88, I recommend picking up the TRUGLO Fiber-Optic Universal Shotgun Front Sight. Clips right onto the barrel indexed to the little brass bead and it gives you much better sight acquisition.
A strip of 3m redline tape under works to help prevent loss.
My 88 is 23 years old and still going strong. I've damn sure got my money's worth out of that $200 spent back in 1998.
I bet. If you look at the bolt and the rails inside of the receiver, Mossberg makes crazy good guns.
Just got one a few months ago for the same price. How is this gun inflation-proof? Dang ol’ Texan sorcery, I tell ya.
I bought a used Maverick at a pawn shop for $70, 6 years ago. Its had around 800 shells run through it and it still a champ. Hands down best shotgun I've ever owned.
This was my first gun purchase when I was 18 and I have beat it through the woods and have cleaned it a whole 2 times and never a malfunction. It's my go to shotgun 25 years later
Guess I'm Ultra poverty level...good to know
@@davidpeck3912 the way thing are going we all will be
i have another year im gonna buy this one
Clean your gun bud. Today. Just clean it. Show it some love. It will love you back. Lol
Couldn’t find one of these, but I’ve got a 1970’s Montgomery Ward Mossberg 500 I got for $300 a few months ago. Stock was cracked and I didn’t notice, but 24 hours of clamping it shut full of wood glue has it running like a top 😂
just get an aftermarket stock. that wood glue isnt gonna hold up long under full power loads, and there should be an obscene amount of after market stuff to pick from
It should run fine even if the stock is cracked, eventually it will seperate again especially if you run slugs. If you spent another $150 you could have got a brand new one
@@easbreid9879 Nah, it’s a 28-inch full-choke fudd machine. Buckshot only lol
Just get a new stock😂
@@MikoTactical you can swap barrels very easily and remove the FUDD from it. I got one one eBay cheap or a couple of bucks more get it from Mossberg.
Bought one of these on a whim in 2010. Thanks y’all. Now I can be poor AND smug.
Mossberg said, bet, run that shii,😂 I love that
During my military and college days the Maverick 88 was THE shotgun found leaning up behind the bedroom door of every person I knew.
I was fancy and flush with cash after a deployment so I had a 500 "persuader."
Great shotguns.
I got one used at a pawnshop years ago for less than $100, swapped the long barrel for an 18 1/2” and a couple other tacticool mods and have less than $200 in it. The perfect home defense tool.
I set up a 20ga 88 as a dare to make it “home defense under $250” my friends wife could use. Side saddle. Cut 26” barrel down to 19” (legally 18” minimum with 1 to spare) m4 style pistol grip & adjustable stock. With 5 more shells on the stock. Under $248.
@@georgedavis3488 how did you put the front sight back on it after you cut it?
Far from perfect, but perfect for the price!
@@tizben you can drill and tap your own or just point and shoot, it’s just a bb anyhow. It much aiming going on more pointing.
@@tizben I believe I saw a kit for just that way back before I simply opted to get an additional barrel for mine. It’s crazy just how much aftermarket stuff is out there, or was anyway before Biden sold everything. By having an extra barrel if I decide to hunt with it, I can swap them out again.
Mossberg owner for life. Aside from making a solid product, they have some of the best customer service iv'e ever experienced. 5500mk2, 590A1, 930SPX. All beasts.
Maverick 88 has so much to give for such a minimal price! Its dependable, sturdy, extremely low maintenance and super easy to take apart.
In the words of Pippin when seeing Merry buy a pint for the first time: "I'm getting one..."
I've owned a Maverick 88 for several years now. It goes bang every time no matter what shells I put in it. It just works. Hard to beat that.
Dang right! I knew the Mav 88 would perform like a champ. I love how Mossberg dared him to beat it up
Christmas- 1998... I was 15 and my dad passed me a very long, rectangular wrapped gift. Lo and behold, it was a Mossberg Mav 88 12ga... this gun has been my bird hunter, my home defender, and fun shotgun for almost 25 years. I've taken this gun with me on rivers, in mud, and a clear and open range and it's been a great companion. And when asked why he bought me the Mav88 instead of the Mossberg he has, my dad said simply- "It was cheaper and all black like you'd probably like". Well, you just can't argue with that, now can you? lol... But in all reality I love this gun- it's been with me for well over half my life and in my opinion it's the only shotgun I ever really need.
My Maverick 88 is almost 21 years old now and I couldn’t tell you how many rounds have been fired through it. It’s still going strong so yes it’s a hell of a good deal.
Mine has took a beating not like yours probably but she runs good still
Does it have any rust on it?
I work at a guns counter. Did my research, bought this bad boy instead of the more popular pumps. Modded it up, I love it. So many of my gun egotistical peers shit on me for me purchasing this, I standby my shotgun 😂.
I don’t get why people shit on other people’s guns
Think I'd like the 500 more. Like that tang safety but mossberg makes reliable stuff. Sitting on a mossberg shotgun is like sitting on someone for having a ruger. Perfectly good American made gun that will deliver on value
It blows holes like any other.Does the job❤
If it works for you then that's all that matters 👍
Reliability is what really matters, followed closely by how comfortable the gun is to you and how comfortable you are with shooting the gun. The guys who think you didn't spend enough money finding these qualities probably wear Nike
The 88 is an excellent weapon that is probably underpriced for what it is capable of. You should never feel under gunned running one of these beautiful machines.
shhh, don't make them raise the price.
I love mine
Sportsman warehouse is about to sell them for 240$ and ik really thinking about driving out there and getting one
@@killer147896325 I would. In Cali got the Mav88 Combo (18.5” and 28” barrels) for $310 in January. Would assume prices are going to continue rising
@@Wings671 I had to order mine they where al.sold out. I got the 20 inch barrel. 7 tube +1 so basically 8 rounder for about 260
Purchased a model 88 at the local farm supply, and have had zero issues. Bought the rubber plug to run short 1.75” shells and it cycles no problems. Kinda nice to have 14 shells in the tube.
This is a great video. I live in Alaska and have two Maverick 88s, a 12ga and a 20ga. The wife and I carry them on the 4wheeler, loaded with slugs, as bear guns (defense only, not hunting).
AmatuerAlaskan
~Good, I also live in grizzly country. My dad is now in his 90's (years old), about 50 years ago a grizzly stood up right in front of dad, with a Winchester model 88, in .308, he shot from his hip and broke it's back, he killed the grizzly before it killed him. Another time he was chased and had to run up a tree.
The Maverick 88 Security model has about an 18" inch barrel, what is your barrel length for bear defense.?
Yes you are right that 'slugs' are best if a person can make a direct hit with accuracy, but in my opinion in 3" inch magnum with 000 buckshot (is better than 00, also in nickle or copper coated lead shot) is the best 'if' a person can take the recoil. Sew a padded foam cushion to your jacket or vest to absorb recoil. Also Crimson Trace makes an attachable Laser Saddle for all Mossbergs and the Maverick in green or red laser.
@@royjohnson465 your old man is like The Revenant IRL 🤙🏻
@@royjohnson465 your pops was a bad a$$👍
Make sure you’re using brenneke style slugs like the Black Magics. The foster style ones are soft lead and will not work as well as you’d think. Black Magics by Brenneke are hard cast and penetrate as far as they need to for a bear.
@@royjohnson465 Slugs are better for bears, anything with a spread or pattern won't deliever the energy the same as a soild shot.
Thank you James, I'm poor, I buy one 1 year ago for home security and train every month with no issues, but this work that you share gives me more confidence , thanks !!!!!!!!!
Ive owned this exact shotgun for several years and love it. I've had zero failures/malfunctions. Now I haven't put 500 rounds through it in a couple hours but I'm glad to know I can if the occasion arises lol. Great lil shotty for the $$$.
The Maverick 88 was my first firearm purchase back in 2014. Since then I added a few things to it since there isn't much furniture you can do to it. But it's honestly one of the guns that makes it to the range almost everytime I go. I absolutely love it.
My Grandma loves his shorts. She appreciates his content. He is awesome.
The contents of the shorts, the videos, or both?
I've had my Maverick 88 for going on 25 years and it's never failed me. I've rattle can mine to prevent surface rust and I would have no problem with going out the door with only this shotgun.
I saw the title come up on my notifications and I was “YES FINALLY A VIDEO ABOUT MY FAV SHOTGUN I OWN!!!!!”
Utterly speechless that it didn’t break down. Damn shocked actually. Feeling very justified for my purchase two years ago. FDE finish. Not a single upgrade or accessory on her but the Esstac. Worth every penny. Will definitely take your recommendation on the upgraded trigger though. That is a no-brainer.
Really enjoyed having a whole "crew" of characters help you out on this task. Nice editing job.
Thanks James, the Mossberg 88 is going to be my first shotgun I think. No camo. More synthwave.
You're probably going to have to backorder it. But it'll be worth the wait.
Agreeing on the synthwave. The Mossberg 88 goest perfectly with Sunset - The Midnight.
Maverick is great. I’ve owned (and sold) a few of them over the years. Probably buy another on at some point.
If you live anywhere where there is an Academy, you should be able to find a Maverick. A few of them sitting on the shelf in my town right now.
It was my first shotgun w/28” barrel and now it has an 18” barrel w/tactical Anti-recoil stock on it. I can dish out whatever I’ve thrown at it. Including 1610 FPS slugs. I shoot my Shockwave more nowadays …anyway you can’t go wrong with the Maverick 88!!
It was my first shotgun when I was about 14. $200 at Walmart. Now nearly a decade later it still sits atop my gun rack
James, thanks for the great review. I wasn't surprised by the outcome. I've been a Maverick fan for decades. The best bang for the buck.
The Maverick is my favorite shotty. Love the way its set up and the price. I've had 4 of them over the years. Also bought a 20 ga for my wife as well, and it's quite possibly one of my favorite guns ever. They have seen me through classes, hunts, range trips, and teaching others. Never had a problem.
Own 2 maverick 88’s. They are tough as hell, no frills. They are absolutely reliable,I have recommended them to several friends for home protection. If you are shooting full house 00 buck , or slugs, be ready for some recoil. There are some reduced recoil 12 g 00 buck and slug rounds that are more than adequate for home protection if the recoil is a problem
I run a pair of Mossberg 500s. Having to shoot lefty on long guns due to my eyes I prefer the tang safety. After I put some low recoil and buckshot rounds through both sides of an old refrigerator I felt they could do the job. Reduced/Low/Tactical, whatever the name a company uses, you can run them fast in the old pump. While the magnum guys are recovering from recoil you're already lined up and shooting again. I used to be an 870 snob and sneered at the Mossberg 500 series. Later I found they just balanced and handled better for me. So now it's the Mossy for home or field. If it can be said about the Mossy, it pretty much applies to the Maverick (BTW, I'm the next county over from Maverick County). The Maverick is probably one of the best firearm deals out there. Especially when you factor in the versatility of a shotgun. Particularly when you have a variety of barrels and chokes available.
James,,then go for some bird shot for home defense,, it'll work ,,
James O: if you have not tried them yet, I would recommend the mini shells. They perform very well at moderate distances, and you can pack many more in the magazine! MAGA
12g is my ideal but maybe I should start off with a 20g since I’m new to shotguns ?
@@squidy4082 I own both 12 and 20. Both are good options.
The Maverick 88 is amazing. I've had 2 of them. The first was a lemon, but the second one was incredible. A few thousand round has gone through it and never jammed. However one common problem on these are the action arms. They are badly fitted to the forend and when they get worn it impacts the feeding reliability during pumping. The solution to this is to fit a Mossberg 500 tube to the Maverick 88. The action arms are spring loaded and better fitted to the tube which removes the problem.
What was wrong with the first
First firearm I owned (and still have) is a Maverick 88 I bought on my 18th birthday. It had a 28" vent rib barrel and has since had half the parts swapped to Mossberg 500 bits including a heat shield, forend assembly and 18.5" barrel. The damn thing has held up almost 20 years. Taking a defensive class soon and I know it will run!!
I just got a similar Maverick 88 for $220 after tax. I want to put an 18.5in barrel on it eventually
I bought my Maverick 88 new with a 18.5 inch barrel for $200
Just get the 20”. Same one in this video. And yea 500 barrels fit on the 88 as long as magazine tube is right length.
This was the first gun I ever bought, and I picked it up because I heard it was good quality for the price, and was similar to the 500. I've always liked it, and I'm glad to see it stood up to testing.
It's not a Benelli M4, but it's probably the best shotgun you're gonna get for $200
I own the 18” 7 round tube version and absolutely love it. Super reliable and handles any load with no issues. Love the content!
Ive proudly owned one for years, no complaints. I bought mine in like 2015
“A lot of gun powder and little bit of Gods wrath out of every hole” needs to be on some merch
I have a mossberg Maverick 88 i bought in the early 2000’s from academy for 110$. It has endured countless semi-somewhat annual trap shooting spectacular’s with numerous groups of friends throughout the decades. Has ended enough rabbits to cause a coyote to die from grief. Has been a truck gun. Has been trouged through the woods in the rain, mud slung on it from a 4 wheeler, left in the heat and humidity in the truck. It has served as home defense for things that go bump in the night. It has ate thousands of rounds, cleaned once when the action started feeling gummy 5 years ago. Best 110$ i have ever spent. That thing just works. I cant recall it ever having a malfunction whatsoever. Thank you mossberg for building a true working class do anything in any environment firearm. I have full faith that my grandkids grandkids will still be shooting it. Absolutely amazing machine. 500 rounds didnt even break this gun in. It does have one design flaw if slammed down on its side, the elevator can become dislodged and jam up the action. But one has to might near try to mess that up. I have contacted mcarbo about building a threaded and tapped version to remedy this but no luck yet. Aside from that it is an absolute tank.
Best $200ish you'll ever spend for a defensive shotgun.
Any defensive gun honestly
That’s exactly what I was going to say. You probably can’t spend $200 better on any gun, period.
The m88 pinned forend can be removed, and you can install a mossberg 500/590 action slide assembly to them and that allows you to use M500/590 forends and you then can swap them out the same way you can those models. You just have to be sure to order the right size forend because there’s 2 lengths of action slide assemblies, typically you’ll likely want the 7 3/4 one if you want tactical and the 6 3/4 if you are wanting wood.
I have really been digging your budget challenges!
Well done James, well done.
I was not surprised by the resilience of the 88. Owned mine for 9 years now. A couple thousand rounds through her with not a single misfire. My particular one does not like to extract Winchester's "brass/poly coated material", but anything else has ran fine. Make sure you know what'll run in your gun.
The only issue I've had with mine over the last 14 years was the screw for the ejector fell out and I couldn't find the screw. As I recall it was $14 shipped, put some blue loc-tite on the new one, and it just keeps rocking. This is the gun I trust at my bedside for when the dogs start freaking out at night.
That happened in my 590 at the range shooting sporting clays. Luckily I found the screw and ejector after it fell out .
That's why I dont have dogs anymore. finally shot the bastards for waking me up.
Lost the same screw when I moved. Order another one and it runs flawlessly. I knocked down more ducks than my buddies combined with their 2k shotguns.
Yes makes an affordable home defense gun for sure
You paid $14 for a screw that you could've bought for 75 cents at home depot.
My first gun was a single shot 410 grandpa got me when I was 10. My SECOND was a good ole maverick 88. 25 years and thousands of rounds later, it remains my favorite gun hands down.
I bought one of these a year before COVID, and I have had zero issue with it and love this shotgun. Definitely have to rock a fanny pack now when I go shoot clays with the boys
I'm glad you made this video. In the 1990s my dad had a Mossberg 500 he estimated they put 5000 rounds through that shotgun in about 2 years. They never had a problem with it. Except for people short stroking it. I have no issues trusting any Mossberg shotgun whether it be for self-defense, hunting, Recreation, or just plain and simple a good investment for a tool that does a job reliably and will last a long time
I have 3 Maverick 88s, in different configurations. All 3 have 6 round HARD side saddles (brass up, no problems with them, or anything else I own from 1997) All bought new. All bought at Walmart. The first one was a very early model, and the pump handle was easy to remove, being designed just like the 500. It was not riveted together. I have never had a single problem with any one of them, despite thousands of rounds put through them. 2 have slings, none have lights. IMO a light on a shotgun is worthless, though it is likely to last long enough for a home defense situation. I would never fire a 12 gauge shotgun inside the house without hearing protection anyway, it would blow your eardrums out. And you certainly don't want hearing protection when you have an intruder in the house. I use a Glock 19 9mm with a 33 round magazine for home defense. Use a shotgun for what it is supposed to be used for. My only issue is the location of the action lock release, making it a bad idea to put any kind of aftermarket stock on it. Though to be honest, the factory stock is probably best for a shotgun like Maverick 88 anyway. I tried an AR style sliding stock and a pistol grip like the Mossberg Cruiser. Both made the gun more difficult to shoot accurately. Put another 1500 rounds through that thing, I'll bet it still doesn't break. And remember it's only $200. Buy 2 or 3 of them if you can find them. You'll have a lifetime supply of shotguns for WAY less than some $2000 shotgun that doesn't work nearly as well. Yes I'm talking about you Benelli.
Glad to be a part of this extreme science.
For liberty!
I picked up an 88 for $190 about 4 years ago. It's a great gun and runs like a champ; only mods I have made are a pistol grip and sidesaddle shell carrier. A few months ago, a local shop had gotten a bunch of similarly equipped shotguns in; 870s, 500s, and a few 88s. All were priced over $350 and all sold within a few weeks.
One of my oldest friends has had a Maverick 88 for over 10 years and loves it. It always works.
I've had an 88 for a few years for home defense and critters around our acrage. Great budget shotgun
I bought my Maverick 88 when I was 18 years old, and she is still shooting like a little champion to this day. Definitely was a bang for my buck back then and would still recommend it to anyone. Great job on the video. Definitely agree about the furniture though.
How long ago were you 18?
18 years ago. Still blasting 2/34, and 3 inch mag. I'm now 36
Thanks for the update
Bought one of these when I was a college poor over a decade ago, still have it and don’t have the heart to get rid of it. Regardless of how many nicer guns I have I don’t want to get rid of a gun that still works and doesn’t fail me. Will have to grab one of those cheap triggers for it though.
My dad has an old beat to hell single shot 22 and out of everything he has that’s his favorite gun because it’s what he’s used, holding onto a fancy gun that sits in the safe forever is pointless unless you’re just going to sell it. My point is it’s often the cheap guns that actually get used that people tend to treasure more than the safe queens. You’ve used this gun and it’s proven it’s worth to you so don’t feel bad if you’ve got a soft spot for it.
The Maverick is a solid shotgun.Not as refined as the Mossberg 500 or Rem 870 but they are hard to beat for the price.
“Tax: is theft” I love it.
omg ive been waiting for this review since it was announced i thought he forgot.
edit...lmao my bro wanted to get his first gun a simple shotgun i convinced him to get a maverick. that was right in between the announcement and and the video now. after a box of 00 buckshot and slugs he was happy i talked him out of the other lesser known budget brands.
I ran a 5+1 Mav88 for two courses at Tactical Response. Easily burned through around 700 shells that weekend. She developed a rattle afterwards, but still runs
I’m not a “shotgun guy”, but was looking for something budget friendly, for an upcoming camping trip. The Maverick 88 seemed like a viable option and thanks to this video, I feel much more comfortable with that decision.
Loved the video and so glad you made it. The 88 was one of the first guns I ever owned and it has never failed me. I have shot 1000's and 1000's of rounds through it and used it for hunting deer and hogs as well as trap and sporting clays. Many years and many new guns later, the 88 remains one of my favorites in the collection.
It was my first shotgun at 18, bought it on my own. I kinda regret selling it to my friend but i now own a Mossberg 930 and Winchester model 12. I loved the 88. I got it before the pandemic around 180 at dicks sporting goods.
Now Dick's is out of the gun business and acting like Dicks. No ammo and only go there if nobody has my shoe size.
Has James become a masochist with all these shotgun reviews?
Suffering for the cause! 😁 Do the Tristar Raptor next.
Wow! This test was HELLA impressive. My very first firearm was a Mossberg 500A that I bought as a soldier for $125 in 1985. It's still my favorite. Nice to see Mossberg is still kicking a$$ and taking names!!
As the Maverick is one of the few available and legal firearms in my part of the world , it is good to know that it is sturdy and reliable.
Where you live brother?
@@MitchJohnson0110 Scandinavia, Denmark to be specific.
@@VacuumJockey Damn you need a license to own pretty much any type of gun in Denmark right? whack
@@MitchJohnson0110 Indeed. And you must leave your weapon in the clubhouse vault for the first 2 years of ownership, AND you must have an approved and appropriately mounted gunsafe in your home for even keeping your weapon in your home. Needless to say, there are no provisions for legal carry here, so you can forget about that. Add to that that firearms are approximately double the price of the US market, and you have a situation that is not conducive to firearms ownership. :(
@@VacuumJockey That's absolutely bananas. In my home state of Michigan I can buy any kind of gun,(besides a machine gun) and take it home same day.
I've owned Mossy's for over 35 years, hunted most upland game in temps from -20 to +90 F and nary a bobble. Cost about $165 with a 18" and 28" bbl, regular stock and a pistol grip. Great value, but the Maverick 20" I bought a few years back was only $188, a tremendous bargain of a shotgun.
hold onto it if you have one with the old metal trigger guard, the new ones are plastic and not near as nice. I have an 18.5" for home defense I picked up at a gunshow and refinished with a cerakote. I spent almost as much as I paid for cerakoting it, but I know it's a tough gun & will run forever.
Browning, Remington and Winchester sold millions of semi-auto shotguns before plastic shells were a thing. As long as the shells have been stored in a dry place and haven't swelled from moisture, they will work fine.
This is a great gun, and perfect for self defense and home defense. You hit on all the reasons.
Thanks for a great video!
The female walking into the frame from rear left was a very good use of subtlety, well played! great video as always!!!
I was just getting ready to post something about that! Nice looking gal…..
I have a fond memories with the good ol' 88. Especially one year on my birthday, I talked my girl at the time to shoot my 88 in her little dress and heels. One of the few times I'll ever be sad we all didn't have cell phones 24/7 back them.
Had a mav 88, sold it and got an ithaca 37 featherlight with an 18.5 inch barrel for like 250$ canadian. Really happy with it so far
Ithaca 37 is my favorite shotgun, but they're kinda hard to find, and the pre-'64 guns require some special fitting to swap barrels. The post-'64 guns are more flexible.
The Maverick 88 is good, but the Ithaca is much better, IMO.
Bottom feed, bottom eject. Gotta love the 37! I love both my 20ga and the 12ga I have.
Ithaca 37 another cool JMB creation that is slamfire capable on the older models.
@@ragnarragnarsson3128 JMB sure did leave a legacy...
This thing has put years of work in for me no issues no complaints.
Consisting of what, breaking it out of the closet three times a year and shooting two boxes of shells at the flat range?
@@ViktoriousDead 4 years of no cleaning shooting over 1000 shells at paper targets and coyotes. Still runs great. What else can you ask for from a pump.
Anyone else impressed that the Streamlight Polytac itself made it through the test?! That's great performance for a budget tactical light! I have one for use around the house, and was wondering if it could make it as a weapon light. Guess I got my answer!
I think the polymer case gives it a little cushion.
Back in the late '90s, I dropped the full size XP 20 polymer case flashlight out of a moving vehicle at 40 miles an hour and watched it bounce about 10 times in my rear-view mirror. The switch was locked on, so I Saw the light going all over the place. I used that light for another decade.
I've had an 88 for about 10 years and have run everything from target loads to magnum 3" buck and slugs, thousands of rounds total and it's still running strong.
As soon as the “Tax: is theft” popped up on the screen, instant subscribe!
Got me sold! I was trying to decide on either a 870 or another 590- for this price I’ll Go for TWO! Christmas came early! Thanks James!!!!
You will be happy the 88 is light weight feels like a toy but damn it’s reliable.
Thanks for the Burndown James. Was in the market for my 1st 12ga and this sold me on the Maverick.
It's my 36th birthday & just picked up my 20" 7+1 from the FFL yesterday. Wish they came threaded for chokes, but for $233, hell. Can't beat that with a stick. Haha