Maverick 88 Youth 20 Gauge 22″ Vent Rib Camo
About this product
The Maverick 88 Youth 20 Gauge 22" Vent Rib Camo is a compact pump-action shotgun engineered for smaller-framed shooters and field applications, featuring Mossy Oak Treestand camouflage and Accu-Choke compatibility. This 5.25-pound platform maintains the mechanical reliability of Mossberg's action system while offering a reduced 12-inch length of pull that accommodates youth and petite adult shooters. Its 22-inch vent rib barrel with dual bead sights provides intuitive target acquisition in upland hunting scenarios.
What is the Maverick 88 Youth used for?
This shotgun is designed for youth hunters and smaller-framed adults engaging in upland bird hunting, trap shooting, and field training. The 20-gauge chambering with 3-inch shell capacity delivers manageable recoil for developing shooters while maintaining effectiveness against game like pheasant and quail. Mossy Oak Treestand camouflage provides effective concealment in wooded environments, and the 22-inch barrel balances maneuverability with sufficient swing dynamics for moving targets.
How does the Maverick 88 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact?
The Maverick 88 Youth outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U Shotgun in reliability and maintenance simplicity due to its pump-action mechanism versus the break-action design. While the Stevens 555 offers two immediate shots with its over-under configuration, the Maverick's twin action bars and anti-jam elevator provide superior cycling reliability with various ammunition types, particularly in adverse conditions. The Stevens maintains an advantage for formal trap shooting with its 26-inch barrel and dedicated sporting aesthetics, but the Maverick's 22-inch configuration and 5.25-pound weight make it more versatile for field movement.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 5.25 pounds (84 ounces) with an overall length of 40.5 inches and a 12-inch fixed length of pull. The 22-inch vent rib barrel features a 0.615-inch bore diameter and accepts Accu-Choke tubes, while the synthetic stock contributes to the lightweight profile without compromising durability. These dimensions specifically accommodate shooters with shorter arm lengths, reducing felt recoil and improving control compared to standard 14-inch pull lengths.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is unsuitable for competitive trap shooters requiring specialized choke configurations or adult hunters preferring heavier recoil mitigation. The fixed 12-inch length of pull will feel cramped for shooters over 5'10", and the 20-gauge limitation makes it impractical for waterfowl hunting where 12-gauge patterns are standard. Those seeking optics compatibility should consider the Stevens 334 Rifle platform instead, as the Maverick 88's vent rib lacks Picatinny mounting options.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with installed modified Accu-Choke tube, one extra improved cylinder choke tube, and a basic cleaning brush set. Unlike the Stevens 555 Sporting, it does not include a hard case or additional choke wrenches, reflecting its field-oriented rather than competition-focused positioning. The manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, though this excludes normal wear and cosmetic damage from field use.
Is the Maverick 88 worth it at $290.99?
At $290.99, this shotgun delivers exceptional value for youth and training applications where reliability outweighs cosmetic finish. The investment covers Mossberg's proven action system with dual extractors and twin action bars—features typically found in shotguns costing $150 more—while the camo finish and choke compatibility provide practical hunting utility. For comparison, the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact retails for approximately $200 more while offering fewer rounds capacity and more complex maintenance requirements.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.25 lb — 1.75 lb lighter than standard 12-gauge field guns
- 12" length of pull — 2" shorter than adult models for proper youth fit
- Twin action bars — 100% reliability in mud/dust testing versus single-bar designs
- Accepts Accu-Choke system — compatible with 8 choke constrictions from Mossberg
Trade-offs
- Blued finish scratches at 3 on Mohs scale — requires frequent oiling in humid environments
- No included hard case — adds $40-60 for Plano or Pelican protection
- Fixed sights only — no optics mounting without aftermarket rib adapters ($75+)
- Synthetic stock lacks checkering — requires added traction tape for wet conditions
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 049533322036 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 32203 |
| 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 | 2.3 |
| package width | 7.9 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 7.0 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 20-gauge ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells interchangeably, including target loads, buckshot, and slugs. The modified choke tube handles most field applications, but specialized chokes require separate Accu-Choke purchases from Mossberg or Carlson's.
- Does it fit left-handed shooters?
- The cross-bolt safety is ambidextrous, but the ejection port remains right-side only. Left-handed shooters must train to work the pump action with their dominant hand while maintaining cheek weld, which adds approximately 0.5 seconds to reload cycles compared to right-handed operators.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 2 business days, with ground shipping adding 3-5 days depending on destination. All shipments require signature confirmation and FFL dealer receipt, following ATF regulation 27 CFR 478.124 compliance protocols.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms are non-returnable once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. Ironclad Armory allows exchanges for identical models within 14 days if unfired, but dimensional mismatches require resale through licensed dealers rather than direct returns.
- Does this work with aftermarket stocks?
- It accepts Mossberg 500-compatible stocks, but the youth model requires specific short-length options. Hogue and ATI offer synthetic replacements starting at $89, though installation requires checking ATF overall length regulations to maintain 26-inch minimum for Title I compliance.