Maverick 88 Slug 12GA 24″ Rifled Barrel, Blued Stock

About this product

What is the Maverick 88 Slug 12GA 24″ Rifled Barrel? It’s a dedicated, fully-rifled pump-action shotgun configured from the factory for maximum on-target stability and hit probability with single-projectile 12-gauge slug loads. This is not a general-purpose birdshot gun, nor is it a tactical rig—it’s a zero-compromise, cost-conscious field platform for hunters and range shooters who demand mechanical precision from their slug gun. The 24-inch barrel provides the optimal balance for controlled follow-up shots, while the simple steel receiver eliminates points of failure common to more complex gas-operated shotguns.

What is the Maverick 88 Slug used for?

This shotgun is engineered for one primary task: delivering accurate, lethal hits with 12-gauge rifled slugs or saboted projectiles at typical hunting ranges out to 100 yards. The fully-rifled barrel imparts the necessary spin to stabilize a single heavy projectile, making this the go-to choice for deer in brush or timber, bear defense in dense terrain where intermediate-cartridge rifles are prohibited, or as a dedicated slug-only competition platform for steel matches. Its 7-pound weight, combined with a basic synthetic stock and a rubber recoil pad, means you can carry it all day in adverse weather while still managing 3-inch magnum slug recoil effectively during the shot.

How does the Maverick 88 Slug compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?

The Maverick 88 is a purpose-built, single-purpose tool, while the Stevens 555 Sporting is a versatile, dual-barrel clay and field gun. The Maverick’s rifled barrel and dedicated rifle sights make it superior for consistent slug accuracy at 75 yards, where a smoothbore over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting would struggle to group consistently. Conversely, the Stevens 555 is vastly better for wing shooting, skeet, or sporting clays due to its dual triggers, faster pointing balance, and ability to handle birdshot and buckshot patterns. If your mission is a dedicated deer gun under $300, the Maverick wins; for a multi-role shotgun, you need the Stevens.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Maverick 88 Slug has an unloaded weight of 7 pounds (3.18 kg) and an overall length of 43.5 inches—the 24-inch barrel and standard synthetic stock achieve this. The barrel itself has a 0.810-inch outside diameter at the muzzle, giving it enough rigidity to resist heat-induced point-of-impact shift during a string of 20 rounds. Its 14.375-inch length of pull is suitable for most adult shooters wearing a winter jacket, but it is not adjustable without aftermarket parts. The 43.5-inch overall length makes it legal in all 50 states without NFA registration as a Title I firearm.

Who is this NOT for?

Do not purchase this if your primary use involves birdshot, home defense with buckshot, or clays shooting. This shotgun’s rifled bore will drastically distort and destabilize traditional shot patterns, making it ineffective for bird hunting or tactical patterning within 25 yards. Additionally, if you require a quick follow-up shot in a defensive scenario, the pump-action cycle (which takes roughly 1.2 seconds for a trained shooter to complete) is notably slower than a semi-automatic like the Stevens 334 in a rifle cartridge. This is a hunter’s tool, not a generalist’s firearm.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete shotgun, one 6-round capacity tubular magazine (loaded from the underside of the receiver), and the factory-installed rubber recoil pad. No additional chokes, optics mounts, or sling swivels are included—the gun ships ready to mount iron sights and fire 2.75-inch or 3-inch slugs. Expect basic documentation outlining safety and manual-of-arms, but no advanced zeroing targets or ballistic data. Packaging is functional cardboard and foam; no hard case is provided at this $288.99 price point.

Is the Maverick 88 Slug worth it at $288.99?

Yes, if your requirement is a dedicated slug gun that performs consistently for less than the cost of a quality optic. You are paying for a reliable steel receiver, a properly rifled 12-gauge barrel that would cost $180-220 as an aftermarket part, and a no-frills pump action proven in military and law enforcement service. At this price, you are not getting fancy wood, a drilled-and-tapped receiver for optics (a $60 gunsmith job), or adjustable stock components—you're getting ballistic capability. For hunters needing a regulated-zone deer firearm or a ranch gun for boar, the value per dollar is exceptional.