MAVERICK 88 SLUG 12/24/RFL 5RD BLK

The Maverick 88 Slug 12/24/RFL 5RD BLK is a no-frills, hard-hitting pump-action shotgun built for slug accuracy and tactical utility. Chambered in 12 gauge with a 24-inch rifled barrel, this 5-round black synthetic model delivers consistent sub-2-inch groups at 100 yards with sabot slugs — right out of the box. It’s the most affordable rifled-barrel shotgun on the market, period.

Manufacturer	Maverick Arms (a subsidiary of Mossberg & Sons, per manufacturer specs)
Model	Maverick 88 Slug 12/24/RFL 5RD BLK
Material	Steel barrel and receiver, synthetic polymer stock and forend
Compatibility	Mossberg 500 stocks and forends (limited), standard 12-gauge 2.75- or 3-inch shells
Finish	Matte blued barrel, black synthetic furniture
Weight	6.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• 24-inch fully rifled barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: This dedicated slug barrel stabilizes sabot rounds for tight groups at deer-stand distances, unlike smoothbore barrels that limit accuracy to 50 yards.
• 5-round magazine tube — WHY IT MATTERS: You get a legal hunting capacity for most states, plus enough firepower for defensive or hog-hunting scenarios without needing an extension.
• Dual extractors and twin action bars — WHY IT MATTERS: These Mossberg-proven internals prevent binding and ensure positive ejection even with light-field loads or after hundreds of rounds.
• Black synthetic stock with checkered grip — WHY IT MATTERS: The textured surface stays secure in wet or gloved hands, and the polymer won’t swell, crack, or warp like wood in humid conditions.
• Ambidextrous safety on top tang — WHY IT MATTERS: Lefties and righties both reach it instantly without breaking their firing grip, a design Mossberg has refined for decades.

Who It’s For

Hunters who want a dedicated slug gun without spending $500+ on a bolt-action slugger. Budget-conscious shooters who need a reliable pump for deer, hogs, or coyotes. First-time shotgun buyers who want a proven platform they can upgrade later. Tech-savvy shooters who appreciate that the Maverick 88 uses the same barrel threading and trigger assembly as the Mossberg 500 — making aftermarket sights and triggers easy to swap in.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Sub-$300 price for a rifled-barrel shotgun; reliable dual-action-bar design; lightweight at 6.5 lbs; accepts Mossberg 500 barrels and some stocks.

Cons: The trigger is heavy and gritty out of the box (expect a 7–8 lb pull with creep). No drilled-and-tapped receiver for optics — you’ll need a scope-mount rail that clamps to the receiver or a cantilever barrel. According to Maverick Arms specs, the forend is proprietary and won’t swap directly with Mossberg 500 forends without modification.

Comparison: Maverick 88 vs. Mossberg 500 vs. Remington 870

Feature	Maverick 88 Slug (this model)	Mossberg 500 Slugster	Remington 870 Express Slug
Price	$287.66	$450–$550	$420–$520
Barrel type	24-inch fully rifled	24-inch fully rifled	20-inch smoothbore with rifle sights
Capacity	5+1	5+1	4+1
Weight	6.5 lbs	7.0 lbs	7.5 lbs
Safety	Top tang	Top tang	Cross-bolt
Receiver drilled for scope	No	Yes (on some models)	Yes (on some models)
Stock interchangeability	Limited (some Mossberg 500 stocks fit)	Full aftermarket support	Full aftermarket support

The Maverick 88 wins on value — you save $150+ over the Mossberg 500 and get the same barrel quality. The Remington 870 has a smoother action but costs more and weighs a full pound heavier. If you plan to add a scope or swap stocks, the Mossberg 500 is the better long-term investment.

FAQ

Can this shotgun shoot 3-inch magnum slugs?

Yes. The Maverick 88 is chambered for both 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. The 24-inch rifled barrel handles magnum sabot slugs without issue, though recoil is stout — consider a recoil pad if you’re shooting more than a box.

Does the Maverick 88 accept Mossberg 500 barrels?

Yes, with a caveat. The barrel tube and magazine cap are identical, so Mossberg 500 barrels (including slug, field, and turkey barrels) will fit. However, the forend on the Maverick 88 is not interchangeable with the Mossberg 500 — so if you swap to a barrel with a different-length magazine tube, you may need to change the forend too.

What scope mount works with this shotgun?

Since the receiver is not drilled and tapped, you’ll need a receiver-mount scope rail that clamps onto the receiver (like the B-Square or UTG models) or a cantilever scope mount that attaches to the barrel. The cantilever option is more stable for slug accuracy.

Is the Maverick 88 reliable for home defense?

Yes — the dual-action bars and fixed ejector make it very reliable with a wide range of loads. The 5-round capacity is average for a pump, but you can keep a side-saddle shell carrier on the stock for reloads. The 24-inch barrel is longer than ideal for tight hallways, but the rifled barrel gives you the option to shoot slugs for barrier penetration.

Why Buy From Us?

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1–2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Last updated: April 2026

Explore more in our Pump Action Shotguns or check our Slug Guns and Maverick 88 Accessories.