Mossberg Maverick 88 Cruiser – 6 Shot 18.5" 12 Gauge Shotgun 3" Pump Action, Blk – 31008 For Sale

Is the Maverick 88 Cruiser a good shotgun?

The Maverick 88 Cruiser is generally considered a good shotgun, especially for those looking for a budget-friendly option. It is manufactured by Mossberg and shares many similarities with the Mossberg 500. Here are a few points to consider:

1. **Affordability**: It’s one of the more affordable shotguns on the market, making it a popular choice for beginners or those seeking a cost-effective home defense weapon.

2. **Durability**: The construction is known to be solid, given its price point. It is designed to handle rough use and is constructed with robust materials.

3. **Versatility**: The Maverick 88 Cruiser typically comes with a shorter barrel and a pistol grip, making it suitable for home defense and close-quarters situations.

4. **Ease of Use**: It features a simple, straightforward design, which is easy to operate, even for inexperienced shooters.

5. **Compatibility**: Many parts and accessories for the Mossberg 500 are compatible with the Maverick 88, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences.

Given these attributes, the Maverick 88 Cruiser is a reliable and practical choice for users who want a basic yet effective shotgun primarily for home defense or recreational shooting.

How much is a Maverick 88 worth?

As of the latest data, the price of a Maverick 88 shotgun typically ranges from $200 to $300 USD, depending on the specific model and retailer. Prices can vary based on factors such as condition (if used), special editions, or included accessories. For the most accurate and current pricing, you should check online retailers or local gun shops.

How old do you have to be to buy a Maverick 88 Cruiser?

To purchase a Maverick 88 Cruiser, which is a type of shotgun, you generally need to be at least 18 years old in the United States. However, the age requirement can vary depending on state laws and regulations. It’s important to check local laws for specific age requirements.

Is a Maverick 88 Cruiser considered a shotgun?

Yes, the Maverick 88 Cruiser is considered a shotgun.

Why is the Maverick 88 so cheap?

The Maverick 88 is generally considered affordable due to several factors:

1. **Manufacturing and Materials**: It is produced using cost-effective materials and manufacturing processes. The use of synthetic components like the stock and forend helps reduce costs.

2. **Design and Features**: The Maverick 88 has a simple design with fewer features than higher-end shotguns. It lacks certain high-end features like refined finishes or advanced mechanisms.

3. **Mass Production**: Being mass-produced allows for economies of scale, which can lower the overall cost per unit.

4. **Brand Strategy**: Mossberg, the parent company, positions the Maverick 88 as an entry-level shotgun, targeting budget-conscious consumers, which influences its pricing strategy.

5. **Market Positioning**: It competes as a low-cost alternative to Mossberg’s own higher-priced models, such as the 500 series, giving customers an affordable option without sacrificing basic functionality.

These factors combine to make the Maverick 88 an appealing option for those looking for a reliable, yet budget-friendly shotgun.

Can you shoot slugs out of a Mossberg Maverick 88?

Yes, you can shoot slugs out of a Mossberg Maverick 88. The Maverick 88 is a versatile shotgun that can handle both slugs and shot. However, it is advisable to use a barrel with an appropriate choke for firing slugs, typically an improved cylinder or cylinder bore choke, to ensure better performance and accuracy. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure the shotgun is in good condition before use.

What is the difference between the Mossberg 500 and the Maverick 88?

The primary differences between the Mossberg 500 and the Maverick 88 are related to their design, features, and cost. Here are the key distinctions:

1. **Safety Location:**
– **Mossberg 500:** Features a tang safety on top of the receiver, making it ambidextrous and easily accessible for both right and left-handed shooters.
– **Maverick 88:** Has a cross-bolt safety located on the trigger guard, which might be less convenient for left-handed users.

2. **Manufacturing and Cost:**
– **Mossberg 500:** Generally produced in the United States and is slightly more expensive due to additional features and U.S. manufacturing.
– **Maverick 88:** Assembled in the U.S. with some parts made in Mexico, making it a more budget-friendly option.

3. **Trigger Assembly and Components:**
– **Mossberg 500:** Comes with a higher number of metal components, providing slightly better durability and tolerance for wear.
– **Maverick 88:** Utilizes more plastic components, particularly in the safety and trigger assembly, which contributes to its lower cost.

4. **Customization and Parts Compatibility:**
– **Mossberg 500:** Widely customizable with a variety of aftermarket parts available, including different barrels, stocks, and accessories.
– **Maverick 88:** Although compatible with many Mossberg 500 parts, there are some limitations, particularly in the trigger group area due to differences in design.

5. **Intended Use:**
– **Mossberg 500:** Offered in more variations for different uses, including hunting, home defense, and tactical applications.
– **Maverick 88:** Often marketed as an entry-level option focused more on affordability than extensive customization or specialized features.

Both models are pump-action shotguns known for their reliability and performance, but the choice between them often comes down to budget considerations and personal preference regarding features like safety placement and customization options.

How many rounds can a Maverick 88 hold?

The Maverick 88 shotgun typically comes in two main variants regarding capacity: the 6-shot model and the 8-shot model. The 6-shot model generally has a capacity of 5+1 rounds, while the 8-shot model has a capacity of 7+1 rounds. The capacity can vary based on the model and shell lengths used.

Why is it called Maverick 88?

The Maverick 88 is a pump-action shotgun manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons. It is called “Maverick 88” for a couple of reasons. “Maverick” is the brand name that Mossberg uses for a line of budget-friendly firearms intended to reach a broader audience. The number “88” does not have a widely publicized, specific meaning, but it serves as a model designation within the Maverick line. It’s likely that Mossberg chose this name to differentiate it from their main Mossberg models while still conveying a sense of rugged, independent reliability, consistent with the general connotation of the word “maverick.”

What is the effective range of the Mossberg Maverick 88?

The effective range of the Mossberg Maverick 88, a pump-action shotgun, is typically around 40-50 yards (approximately 36-46 meters) for accurate shooting with standard shotgun ammunition like buckshot or birdshot. However, this range can vary depending on factors such as the type of ammunition used, the barrel length, and shooting conditions. For slugs, the effective range might extend to around 70-100 yards (approximately 64-91 meters).

Is the Mossberg 500 better than the Maverick 88?

The Mossberg 500 and the Maverick 88 are both popular pump-action shotguns made by Mossberg, and they share many similarities. However, there are some key differences and factors you might consider when determining which is “better” for your needs:

1. **Price**: The Maverick 88 is generally more affordable than the Mossberg 500, making it a popular choice for those on a budget.

2. **Features**: The Mossberg 500 typically offers more options in terms of customization and additional features, such as a wider variety of barrels and interchangeable stocks. It also has dual action bars, which can provide a smoother action.

3. **Construction**: The safety on the Mossberg 500 is located on the top tang, which is ambidextrous, while the Maverick 88 has a cross-bolt safety on the trigger guard. Some users prefer the placement on the Mossberg 500 for ease of use.

4. **Parts and Compatibility**: Many parts are interchangeable between the two models, but the Maverick 88 has some parts that are not compatible with the Mossberg 500.

5. **Use Case**: Your intended use (e.g., home defense, hunting, sport shooting) might also influence your decision. The Mossberg 500 might be favored for versatility, while the Maverick 88 could be ideal for those seeking a reliable, cost-effective option for home defense or basic use.

Ultimately, deciding which shotgun is “better” depends on your individual preferences, needs, and budget. Both models are known for reliability and effectiveness, so consider what features are most important to you.

Can a Maverick 88 shoot 3 inch Magnum shells?

Yes, the Maverick 88 is capable of shooting 3-inch Magnum shells. It is designed to handle both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells.

What does cruiser ready shotgun mean?

A “cruiser ready” shotgun refers to a specific condition of readiness commonly used by law enforcement agencies and security personnel. In this state, the shotgun is prepared for quick deployment in a vehicle, such as a police cruiser, but is not fully loaded to prevent accidental discharge. Typically, this means the magazine tube is loaded with shells, the chamber is empty, the safety is on, and the action is closed. This setup allows for rapid chambering of a round when needed, ensuring safety during transport while maintaining readiness.