Maverick 88 Slug 12ga 24″ Blued Synthetic
Pros & cons
What works
- Price point of $257.99—approximately $100 less than a basic Remington 870 Express slug model
- Fixed 24-inch slug barrel with adjustable rifle sights—no need for aftermarket sight installation
- Weighs 7 lb—1.5 lb lighter than the heavier-barreled Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge for easier carry in brush
- Accepts 3-inch shells without modification for maximum legal hunting payloads
Trade-offs
- Receiver not drilled and tapped for optics—adding a scope requires $85–$120 gunsmith work
- Non-customizable synthetic stock with fixed length of pull—no adjustment for youth or extended-range shooting positions
- Budget-grade action components—expect a rougher pump stroke compared to a Mossberg 590A1
- Ships with only a cylinder-bore choke tube—requires additional purchase if improved cylinder or modified chokes are desired for different shells
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Maverick 88 Slug 12ga 24″ Blued Synthetic is a pump-action shotgun with a 24-inch slug barrel and adjustable rifle sights, designed specifically for legal hunting applications where rifled barrels or optics are restricted. It’s chambered for 3-inch shells, weighs 7 pounds unloaded, and measures 43.5 inches overall. This is an economical, no-frills platform built for basic accuracy within 100 yards, not for tactical customization or fine-clays competition.
What is the Maverick 88 Slug used for?
This shotgun is used for hunting medium-to-large game in jurisdictions that require smoothbore shotguns or restrict the use of rifles. The direct answer is it’s a deer-hunting shotgun for regulated shotgun-only zones. The 24-inch rifled/cylinder bore barrel and adjustable rifle sights are optimized for stabilized Foster-style slugs. It’s suited for crossing cut lines, sitting in a blind, or taking shots up to around 80 yards—environments where a 4-foot shotgun isn't a primary hindrance. This isn't a trap gun or home-defense weapon.
How does the Maverick 88 Slug compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Maverick 88 Slug is a less precise and less expensive platform for jurisdictions that don’t allow the use of centerfire rifles for hunting. The direct answer is the Stevens 334 (.308 Win) is far more accurate beyond 150 yards, while this shotgun is a legal-compliance tool. The Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester will group under 2 MOA with match ammunition; expect 4-5 inch groups at 100 yards with this shotgun using premium slugs. The Stevens is better for precision and long-range hunting, this shotgun is better for navigating regulatory mandates at short-to-mid ranges. You can see the Stevens 334 platform here.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Maverick 88 Slug weighs 7 pounds precisely without ammunition, and measures 43.5 inches in overall length. The barrel is 24 inches long with a cylinder bore and integral rifle sights. The barrel is threaded for Mobilchokes (but ships with a cylinder tube installed), which adds negligible weight. The 14-inch length of pull is fixed, making it suitable for most adult shooters but not easily adjustable for youth or specialized shooting positions.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for tactical operators, competition shooters, or anyone seeking precision beyond 100 yards. The direct answer is this is not a precision instrument or a versatile home-defense system. The fixed synthetic stock lacks ergonomic cheek risers or QD cup points for sling attachment. If you hunt in a rifle-permitted state, spend the extra $150 and get a Stevens 334 bolt-action—it’s a more capable tool. This shotgun exists to solve a legal problem, not an accuracy problem.
What's in the box?
You receive the assembled Maverick 88 shotgun, one plug to limit capacity for hunting compliance, a cylinder-bore choke tube pre-installed, and basic owner’s manuals. The direct answer is it’s a no-frills package—no hard case, no additional choke tubes, and no cleaning kit included. The synthetic stock and forearm are already mounted, and the barrel is installed. Unboxing to field-ready takes 60 seconds. There’s no lock, but there is a warning sheet outlining 18 U.S.C. 922 compliance—read it.
Is the Maverick 88 Slug worth it at $257.99?
Yes, at $257.99 it is worth it as a purpose-built compliance tool for regulated hunting zones. The direct answer is this is the cheapest legal way to ethically hunt deer in many shotgun-only areas. For comparison, buying a dedicated slug barrel for a Remington 870 can cost nearly this much—here you get an entire functioning firearm. The trade-off is you accept Mossberg's budget-grade action components and a non-customizable stock. It’s a disposable workhorse, not an heirloom. If your state allows rifles, use one instead, like the Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester.
Key attributes
| upc | 049533310170 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 31017 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 |
| chokes included | Fixed Cylinder Bore |
| color | Black |
| length | 36.5 |
| model | 88 |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 7.7 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 7.45 |
| sights | Adjustable Rifle |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Mossberg 500 barrels?
- No, the Maverick 88's fixed-action bars and different magazine cap thread pitch prevent direct interchangeability with most Mossberg 500 slug barrels. You need Maverick 88-specific slug barrels, which are available from Mossberg for approximately $120–$150. Always confirm model number with Mossberg's support before ordering.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- No, it will not fit. The shotgun measures 43.5 inches overall, requiring at minimum a 46-inch interior case length for safe transport. I recommend Plano's 52-inch All-Weather case for approximately $55, which provides adequate padding and secure storage for this specific length.
- Can I mount a scope on the receiver?
- No, the receiver is not drilled and tapped for optics mounting; it is a smooth, sheet-metal surface. You would need to have a gunsmith drill and tap the receiver, which costs about $85–$120 plus the cost of a base. The factory sights are your only factory-issue aiming system.
- How long does shipping take to a licensed FFL?
- Standard shipping from our warehouse to your chosen FFL dealer averages 5–7 business days once the order is processed. Processing itself requires 1–2 business days for NICS and documentation checks. All shipments require an adult signature and valid ID at the FFL for pickup.
- Does this work with 2¾-inch shells?
- Yes, it reliably cycles both 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. The fixed ejector handles both lengths without adjustment. The chamber length is 3 inches, so always ensure you do not exceed that maximum—attempting to force a 3½-inch shell will cause a dangerous obstruction.