Maverick 88 Cruiser 20 Gauge 18.5 Inch Barrel

Description

The Maverick 88 Cruiser is built for close-quarters home defense, and the pistol grip configuration makes it a practical choice for anyone who needs a compact, maneuverable shotgun without the bulk of a full stock. Mossberg designed the Maverick 88 as a working-grade pump action — mechanically related to the 500 platform but stripped to what matters, keeping the cost down without sacrificing reliability in the action itself.

The pistol grip changes how the gun handles recoil relative to a stocked configuration. Without a buttstock to distribute force into the shoulder, felt recoil is more abrupt and directed straight back into the wrists and forearms, which is a real trade-off to consider. In 20 gauge, though, that impulse is considerably more manageable than the same setup would be in 12 gauge, making this a reasonable choice for shooters who want the compact form factor without the sharper kick of the larger bore.

The crossbolt safety sits behind the trigger guard and can be engaged and cleared without shifting your grip — an advantage on a pistol grip shotgun where your hand position is already fixed. The 18.5-inch cylinder-bore barrel ships ready for close-range defensive use without the need for a choke selection. A bead front sight gives you a simple, fast acquisition point suited to the distances at which this gun is intended to be used. The blued finish is traditional and functional; it requires routine maintenance to resist moisture but holds up well under normal handling. At 5+1 capacity in 20 gauge, this is a purpose-built defensive platform at a price point that reflects Mossberg’s intent with the Maverick line.

Shipping and availability: This item must ship to a licensed FFL dealer for transfer.