The Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose is a pump-action 12 GA shotgun with a 28-inch barrel and 5+1 capacity. At 7.3 lbs with a blued finish and black synthetic stock, it's a no-frills shotgun built to work. The pump action is straightforward, the cross-bolt safety is easy to reach, and dual bead sights handle target acquisition at typical shotgun distances. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Mossberg 
• Model: Maverick 88 
• Gauge: 12 GA 
• Action Type: Pump Action 
• Capacity: 6 Rounds (5+1) 
• Barrel Length: 28 inches 
• Weight: 7.3 lbs 
• Finish: Blued 
   

Detailed Features 

The 28-inch barrel provides a longer sight plane and is well-suited for bird hunting and clay shooting where swing-through matters. The synthetic stock handles field conditions without the maintenance concerns of wood. The pump action cycles reliably across a wide range of shell types. 
 
The cross-bolt safety sits in a convenient location. Dual bead sights keep target acquisition fast in moving-target scenarios. 
 

Target Audience 

• Beginners looking for a reliable, entry-level shotgun. 
• Hunters going after birds or larger game. 
• Sport shooters who use trap or skeet as a primary application. 
   

Usage Scenarios 

1. Bird hunting: the 28-inch barrel and pump action work well for pheasant, dove, or waterfowl when paired with appropriate loads. 
2. Home defense: manageable weight and 5+1 capacity provide practical coverage. 
3. Trap and skeet: the barrel length is a good fit for clay sports.

The Mossberg Maverick 88 All-Purpose draws consistently positive feedback, with affordability, reliability, and versatility as the main talking points.

The price is the first thing most buyers mention. It's widely seen as one of the better value pump shotguns available, and regularly recommended as a first shotgun or a utility gun that doesn't require significant investment.

Reliability is the other consistent positive. Owners report it functions with a variety of ammunition types without persistent issues, which builds confidence for both recreational and defensive use.

Versatility comes up often. The 28-inch barrel makes it usable for hunting and clay sports, and the pump action works broadly across applications without modification.

Criticism focuses on weight during extended carry, finish quality compared to more expensive alternatives, and recoil management with heavier loads. None of these are surprising for the price tier, but they come up often enough to note. Aftermarket options exist but are more limited than with some competitor platforms.