Maverick Model 88 Cruiser 12Ga Shotgun – $234.90

Description

Picture this: you need a no-fuss, no-frills defensive tool for the truck, the cabin, or the bedside. Something that goes bang every single time without draining your wallet. You don’t need fancy engraving or a custom stock—you need pure, simple reliability that won’t let you down. That’s the entire reason the Maverick Model 88 exists. It’s the shotgun you buy to use, not to baby.

The Maverick Model 88, Cruiser 12 Ga, 3″ Chamber, 18.5″ Cylinder Barrel, Blue Finish, Black Synthetic Pistol Grip, 6Rd, Bead Sight is a budget-friendly, pump-action shotgun built for Mossberg by Mossberg. It combines the rugged, proven action of the Mossberg 500 with cost-saving manufacturing to deliver a dependable 12-gauge platform at an astonishingly low price point. This specific Cruiser model features a compact 18.5-inch cylinder-bore barrel and a pistol grip for maximum maneuverability in tight spaces.

Let’s talk about where the value really is. The heart of this shotgun is its dual-action bars, a feature borrowed directly from its more expensive Mossberg 500 sibling. This design prevents the action from binding if you’re firing from an awkward position or really working the pump fast—it just runs. The 6-round capacity gives you one more shell than many standard tube-fed shotguns, a practical edge that doesn’t complicate the design. At a total length of just over 28 inches, it’s incredibly easy to store and deploy. The simple bead sight is all you need for close-quarters work, and the 3-inch chamber handles everything from light target loads to potent defensive buckshot.

Here’s the thing—this isn’t a showpiece. The blue finish is functional, not flawless. The synthetic furniture is durable but basic. That’s the tradeoff for hitting a price point of $234.90. You’re paying for the mechanical guts and the Mossberg lineage, not for cosmetic perfection. The beauty is in its brutal simplicity and proven performance. It’s drop-in ready for its role as a defensive tool, requiring no immediate upgrades or gunsmithing to be effective. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

Maverick 88 Cruiser Specifications

Gauge	12 Gauge (3″ Chamber)
Barrel Length	18.5″ Cylinder Bore
Overall Length	28.25″
Capacity	5+1 Rounds
Sights	Bead Front
Finish	Blue
Stock	Black Synthetic Pistol Grip

Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional value for money. Proven, reliable Mossberg-based action. Dual action bars prevent binding. Lightweight and highly maneuverable. 6-round capacity is a practical plus. The 18.5-inch barrel makes it easy to handle in vehicles or hallways.
Cons: Pistol grip only reduces controllability with full-power loads for some shooters. Bead sight is minimal. Finish and furniture are utilitarian. Recoil with heavy loads can be stout due to the compact, pistol-grip-only design.

Who is this for?
This Maverick 88 Cruiser is for the budget-conscious buyer who prioritizes function over form. It’s a perfect truck gun, a capable home defense option where storage space is limited, or a rugged backup tool for a cabin or ranch. It’s also a great first shotgun for someone who wants to learn the pump-action platform without a major financial commitment. If you understand its tradeoffs—the basic finish and the challenging ergonomics of a pistol-grip-only shotgun with full-power loads—you get a remarkably reliable tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Maverick 88 compatible with Mossberg 500 parts?

A: Mostly, yes. Many critical components interchange, especially barrels. The Maverick 88 uses a Mossberg 500-style action and can use many Mossberg 500 barrels, a huge advantage for customization. Always verify specific part compatibility, but this shared lineage is a major value point.

Q: Can I add a shoulder stock to this pistol-grip model?

A: Yes, but it requires a new stock kit. The receiver is drilled and tapped to accept a standard Mossberg 500-style shoulder stock. Swapping to a traditional stock or a pistol-grip-stock combo greatly improves controllability and is a common, straightforward upgrade.

Q: How does it handle different ammunition types?

A: The 3-inch chamber and pump-action design make it very versatile. It will reliably cycle everything from light 2-3/4″ target loads up to powerful 3″ magnum slugs and buckshot. The cylinder bore (no choke) barrel is ideal for defensive loads and slugs at short range.

For a bare-bones, dependable 12-gauge that gets the job done without apology, view the Maverick 88 Cruiser details on our site.