Maverick Arms 88 Bantam Youth 20ga 22in Vent Rib Pump Shotgun
About this product
What is the Maverick Arms 88 Bantam Youth 20ga 22in Vent Rib Pump Shotgun? This is a purpose-built, compact pump-action shotgun designed for younger shooters or adults with smaller frames, featuring a 22-inch vent-rib barrel, a Modified Accu-Choke, and a synthetic stock with a 13-inch length of pull. It delivers the same action and mechanical reliability as the standard Maverick 88 platform in a downsized package that reduces overall weight to 5.25 lbs. For under $300, it provides an entry point into the pump-action world with Mossberg-made build quality and straightforward controls.
What is the Maverick Arms 88 Bantam Youth shotgun used for?
The Maverick 88 Bantam Youth excels as a first shotgun for ethical hunter education, small-to-medium game hunting, and introductory clays shooting. Its 20-gauge chambering and included Modified choke provide effective patterns for upland birds like quail or rabbits at distances under 35 yards. The pump-action mechanism also reinforces fundamental firearm manipulation and safe handling discipline in a controlled environment.
How does the Maverick Arms 88 Bantam compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?
The Maverick 88 Bantam offers a simpler, more budget-friendly mechanical platform compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga over/under shotgun. The Stevens 555 is superior for dedicated sporting clays due to its faster dual-trigger setup and 26-inch barrel length, but costs roughly 2.5 times more and introduces greater complexity for cleaning and maintenance. For a new shooter learning the fundamentals of safe loading, unloading, and aiming, the single-barrel pump action of the Maverick 88 provides better foundational training at a significantly lower price point.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun has an unloaded weight of 5.25 lbs (84 ounces) and an overall length of 39.75 inches from buttpad to muzzle. The 22-inch barrel and 13-inch length of pull establish its compact profile. The vent rib is 0.25 inches wide with twin 0.04-inch front and mid-bead sights spaced 11.5 inches apart.
Who is this NOT for?
Do not purchase this shotgun if your primary use is competitive skeet, trap, or sporting clays against experienced shooters. The pump-action cycle time of approximately 1.5 seconds between shots cannot match the speed of a semi-automatic or the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U's instant second barrel. It is also not suitable for shooters requiring barrel interchangeability or a receiver drilled for optics—the Maverick 88 receiver is not tapped for scope mounts.
What's in the box?
The firearm ships from Ironclad Armory with one installed Modified Accu-Choke tube, a 3-inch plastic chamber flag, and a basic firearm lock in compliance with federal shipping regulations. You will need to supply your own 20-gauge ammunition, cleaning rod, and gun oil—essential items for initial function testing and maintenance that we do not include due to carrier restrictions.
Is the Maverick Arms 88 Bantam worth it at $263.99?
At $263.99, this shotgun is worth the investment as a dedicated trainer or field gun where mechanical reliability trumps all other features. You are paying for a proven Mossberg 500-series derived action with a simplified cross-bolt safety in a compact package. The value lies in its durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions, not in its finish quality or furniture comfort.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.25 lbs (84 oz) — 1.5 lbs lighter than a standard 12-gauge pump
- 13-inch length of pull fits shooters with arm lengths under 28 inches
- Includes 1 Modified Accu-Choke tube (valued at ~$25 separately)
- Action cycles in under 1.5 seconds with proper technique
Trade-offs
- Blued finish shows wear after 200-300 rounds without frequent oiling
- No receiver drilling for optics — iron sights only
- Synthetic stock has minimal cheek weld shaping
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 049533322029 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 32202 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 36.5 |
| model | 88 |
| package height | 7.75 |
| package width | 2.25 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 7.1 |
| sights | Bead |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 20-gauge shells?
- Yes, it accepts both 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells with no modifications needed. The 3-inch chamber is proof-tested and can handle standard target loads, field loads, and buckshot rounds up to 1 oz of lead payload.
- Does it fit in a standard 40-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, its overall length of 39.75 inches allows it to fit comfortably in most 40-inch hard or soft shotgun cases. For added protection, I recommend a case with at least 1.5 inches of foam padding on all sides.
- How long does shipping take?
- All firearms ship from Ironclad Armory within 2-3 business days after FFL verification is complete. Transit time via FedEx Ground is typically 4-7 business days, depending on your location relative to our Montana warehouse.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- You can initiate a return within 30 days of receiving the firearm at your designated FFL, but it must be in unfired condition with all original packaging. Return shipping and a 15% restocking fee will apply unless the firearm is found to have a manufacturing defect.
- Does this work with Mossberg 500 barrels?
- No, the Maverick 88 Bantam's 22-inch vent-rib barrel is not interchangeable with standard Mossberg 500 barrels due to different magazine tube and locking lug configurations. You must purchase Maverick 88-specific barrels, which are available from Mossberg directly.