The Mossberg Maverick 88 is a popular pump-action shotgun known for its affordability and reliability. Pairing it with Magpul furniture significantly enhances its ergonomics and aesthetics, making it a compelling option for both home defense and recreational shooting. This review delves into the specifics of this popular combination, exploring its strengths and weaknesses.
Why the Maverick 88?
Before diving into the Magpul upgrades, let's establish why the Mossberg Maverick 88 is such a strong base platform. This shotgun boasts:
- Affordability: The Maverick 88 is renowned for its budget-friendly price point, making it accessible to a wider range of shooters.
- Reliability: Mossberg's reputation for robust and dependable firearms holds true for the Maverick 88. It's a workhorse known for its ability to function flawlessly under diverse conditions.
- Versatility: The Maverick 88 accepts a wide variety of accessories and can be easily customized to fit various needs and shooting styles. This makes it adaptable for home defense, hunting, and sporting clays.
- Simplicity: Its straightforward design makes it easy to maintain and clean, minimizing downtime and maximizing reliability.
The Magpul Advantage: Enhanced Ergonomics and Aesthetics
Adding Magpul furniture transforms the Maverick 88 from a basic shotgun to a more refined and user-friendly firearm. Magpul's components offer:
- Improved Grip: Magpul forends and pistol grips offer a more secure and comfortable grip, enhancing control during shooting and reducing fatigue. The textured surfaces provide excellent purchase, even in wet or adverse conditions.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Magpul's modern and tactical styling drastically improves the overall look of the Maverick 88, giving it a more contemporary and appealing aesthetic.
- Modular Design: Magpul's system allows for customization and easy swapping of components to match individual preferences and needs.
- Durable Materials: Magpul utilizes high-quality polymer materials known for their durability, impact resistance, and weather resistance. These components can withstand the rigors of regular use.
Specific Magpul Components for the Maverick 88
Several Magpul components are specifically designed for the Maverick 88, including:
- Magpul MOE Maverick 88 Forend: This forend replaces the standard Maverick 88 forend, offering improved ergonomics and a more secure grip. It's available in various colors to personalize the firearm.
- Magpul SGA Stock: The SGA stock offers a more adjustable and comfortable cheek weld, enhancing shooting accuracy and comfort during extended shooting sessions. The length of pull can be adjusted for optimal fit.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Magpul upgrades offer many benefits, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider:
- Cost: Magpul components add to the overall cost of the firearm, increasing the initial investment.
- Weight: The Magpul components, while durable, do add some weight to the shotgun. This might be a concern for some shooters, especially during extended periods of use.
Conclusion: A Winning Combination
The Mossberg Maverick 88 paired with Magpul furniture represents a compelling combination of affordability, reliability, and enhanced ergonomics. The upgrades significantly improve the user experience, making this a versatile shotgun well-suited for a variety of applications. While the Magpul additions increase the cost, the resulting improvement in handling and aesthetics makes it a worthwhile investment for many shooters who value both functionality and style. For those seeking an upgrade path for their Maverick 88, incorporating Magpul furniture is a popular and effective solution.
