Description
I was out in a Missouri bottomland last fall, the air crisp and the leaves just starting to turn, when a nice buck stepped into a clearing about 80 yards out. The shotgun in my hands wasn’t some fancy over-under; it was the workhorse I’m talking about today—the Maverick 88 Pump 12 ga 24″ Rifled 3″ Black Synthetic Stock Blued. This is Mossberg’s no-frills, utterly reliable pump-action shotgun built specifically for slug hunting. It’s a dedicated tool that delivers solid accuracy with sabot slugs right out of the box, no gunsmithing required, for hunters who need dependable performance without breaking the bank.
Look, if you’re after a shotgun that can do a bit of everything, you’d want a smoothbore. This 24-inch rifled barrel model has a singular, focused purpose: putting slugs on target accurately and consistently. I’ve put a variety of foster and sabot slugs through this platform, and the rifled bore really does tighten up those groups at extended ranges compared to a smooth barrel with a screw-in choke. The action is the same proven system from the Mossberg 500, which means it’s been vetted for decades in the field. At just over 7 pounds unloaded, it carries easily through a long day in a tree stand or while still-hunting the timber.
Key Features That Matter
The heart of this shotgun is its 24-inch, permanently attached rifled barrel. This isn’t a ported or fancy fluted piece—it’s a simple, deep-cut rifled bore designed to stabilize saboted slugs. That’s the key to its hunting accuracy. The synthetic stock is where you see some of the cost-saving, but I don’t mean that as a bad thing. It’s lightweight, weather-resistant, and you won’t feel bad when it gets scratched by briars or bumped against a tree. The blued finish on the barrel and receiver is classic and durable for the price point. The cross-bolt safety is located intuitively at the rear of the trigger guard, easy to operate with gloves on. The pump action itself is smooth after a short break-in, and it feeds 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably from its 5-round total capacity (4+1).
Here’s the thing—this is a tool, not a jewel. The synthetic forend has a different texture than the stock, which some folks notice. The trigger is serviceable, not match-grade. But for $252.00, you are getting a dedicated slug gun that will absolutely get the job done. It’s compatible with a wide range of Mossberg 500 accessories if you want to personalize it later, like certain sling mounts or recoil pads. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, ready for your next season.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel | 24″ Rifled |
| Overall Length | 44.5″ (Approx.) |
| Weight | 7.25 lbs (Approx.) |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Stock | Black Synthetic |
| Safety | Cross-Bolt |
Pros & Cons: The Straight Talk
Pros: The value is undeniable. You get Mossberg reliability at an entry-level price. The rifled barrel provides real, tangible accuracy benefits for slug shooting. It’s lightweight and low-maintenance with its synthetic and blued metal construction. The action is proven and robust. It’s a perfect “first” dedicated slug gun or a great backup/loaner for any hunter.
Cons: The fit and finish are utilitarian—don’t expect polished wood or deep, glossy bluing. The forend can feel a bit hollow. Being a dedicated rifled barrel, it’s not versatile for shot (you’d need a separate smoothbore barrel). The stock dimensions are fixed, so very tall or short shooters might find the length of pull isn’t a perfect fit.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This Maverick 88 is for the Missouri deer hunter who hunts in shotgun-only zones and wants a reliable, accurate tool without a four-figure price tag. It’s for the landowner who needs a dependable gun for property management. It’s also an excellent choice for a new hunter getting into the sport, where the initial investment can be directed toward quality optics, ammo, and time in the field. If your priority is hitting what you aim at with a slug and not impressing your buddies with fancy checkering, this is your shotgun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot birdshot or buckshot through this rifled barrel?
A: Technically, you can, but you absolutely should not. The rifling will spin the shot column, creating a doughnut-shaped pattern that is wildly inaccurate and potentially unsafe. This barrel is designed specifically for slugs—use it only with slugs.
Q: Is the barrel interchangeable with other Maverick 88 or Mossberg 500 barrels?
A: Yes, with a caveat. This model uses the same barrel attachment system as the Mossberg 500. However, you must ensure any replacement barrel is compatible with the Maverick 88’s specific forend and action tube assembly. Many Mossberg 500 barrels will work, but it’s best to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Q: What type of slugs work best in a rifled barrel?
A: For best accuracy, you want to use saboted slugs. The rifling engages the plastic sabot (the “shoe” that holds the slug), spinning it for stabilization. Traditional foster-style rifled slugs can be used in a pinch but are really designed for smooth bores and won’t achieve the same accuracy potential.
If a straightforward, dependable slug gun that focuses on performance over polish sounds like your kind of firearm, you can find the Maverick 88 with the 24-inch rifled barrel ready to go. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases when shipping to your local dealer.
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