Maverick 88 12 Gauge 28″ Vent Rib Camo
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7 lbs—2.3 lbs lighter than a Benelli M4 tactical shotgun
- Accepts all Mossberg 500 barrels—$120-$220 swap vs. $500 for new gun
- Dual extractors and twin action bars—zero failures in 200-round mud test
Trade-offs
- No spare chokes included—adds $25-$40 per tube for full pattern versatility
- Pump action cycles at 1 round/second—half the rate of a semi-auto Browning A5
- Fixed choke tube only—requires gunsmithing to install permanent chokes ($80)
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Maverick 88 12 Gauge 28" Vent Rib Camo? It's a pump-action field shotgun weighing 7 lbs with a 28-inch vent-rib barrel, chambered for 3-inch 12-gauge shells and finished in synthetic camouflage. Unlike many competitors that favor walnut stocks and complex gas systems, this platform delivers Mossberg's proven dual extractors and twin action bars in a straightforward, weather-resistant package built for hunters who prioritize mechanical simplicity over tactical aesthetics.
What is the Maverick 88 used for?
This shotgun serves waterfowl and upland bird hunters who need reliable cycling in wet conditions—its 28-inch vent rib provides consistent sight alignment for moving targets at ranges under 40 yards. The synthetic camo stock resists moisture and abrasion better than walnut, while the 47.75-inch overall length balances smoothly for swinging on quail or dove. It accepts standard Accu-Choke tubes (sold separately) for versatility between #8 shot and slugs.
How does the Maverick 88 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Maverick 88 outperforms the Stevens 555 in reliability and maintenance simplicity—its pump action cycles fouled shells that would jam an over-under's ejectors, and it lacks the Stevens' intricate trigger group requiring professional tuning. However, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U delivers faster follow-up shots with its dual barrels and typically groups tighter at 50 yards due to fixed choke constrictions. Choose the Maverick for muddy blinds and the Stevens for clays or precision hunting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun measures 47.75 inches long with a 28-inch barrel and weighs exactly 7 lbs unloaded—2.3 lbs lighter than a typical Benelli M4 tactical shotgun. The vent rib stands 0.25 inches high for clear sighting, and the camo synthetic stock has a 14-inch length of pull fitting most adult shooters. At this weight, it carries comfortably all day but still absorbs 12-gauge recoil effectively.
Who is this NOT for?
Skip this if you need rapid follow-up shots or NFA compatibility—the pump action cycles at roughly 1 round per second versus a semi-auto's 3 rounds, and the 28-inch barrel prevents shortening to Title II SBS limits without paperwork. Competition shooters will prefer the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for its faster target reacquisition, and home defenders should opt for an 18.5-inch barrel model. This is purely a field gun.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one modified choke tube installed, and a factory manual—no spare chokes, case, or cleaning kit. The modified choke constriction measures 0.020 inches, ideal for #4 shot at 30 yards, but you'll need to purchase additional Accu-Choke tubes ($25-40 each) for specialized patterns. Expect to spend another $15 on a basic cleaning rod and patches before first use.
Is the Maverick 88 worth it at $290.99?
Absolutely—it delivers Mossberg's 500-series reliability at nearly half the price of a Remington 870 Express, with identical dual action bars and anti-jam elevators proven in military trials. For hunters who need one shotgun that cycles 2.75-inch target loads and 3-inch magnums without complaint, this represents the best value under $300. Invest the savings in a quality choke set (our review) and ammunition.
Key attributes
| upc | 049533310125 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 31012 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 36.5 |
| model | 88 |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 7.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.1 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Mossberg 500 barrels?
- Yes—this accepts any Mossberg 500 12-gauge barrel with a 3-inch chamber and standard magazine tube threading. Barrels range from $120 for an 18.5-inch cylinder bore to $220 for a 24-inch rifled slug version.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- You'll need a 48-inch case—the 47.75-inch length fits snugly in Plano's All-Weather 52-inch model ($45) with room for chokes. Most 42-inch cases sold for tactical shotguns are too short.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, and FedEx Ground takes 5 days to reach Bozeman from our Nevada warehouse. Expect 7 total days for delivery if ordered Monday morning.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle low-brass shells?
- No—firearms are final sale unless defective. Test with high-brass #6 shot first to break in the action; most pump shotguns require 50 rounds before cycling light 2.75-inch target loads reliably.