The Mossberg Maverick 88 is a popular pump-action shotgun, prized for its affordability and reliability. But while it's a great platform out of the box, several upgrades can significantly enhance its performance and ergonomics. This article focuses on Magpul upgrades and other popular modifications to help you customize your Maverick 88 to perfectly fit your needs, whether you're a hunter, home defender, or competitive shooter.
Magpul Enhancements for Your Maverick 88
Magpul, renowned for its high-quality firearm accessories, offers several excellent upgrades for the Maverick 88. These improvements primarily focus on enhancing the shotgun's ergonomics and ease of use.
Magpul MOE® Shotgun Stock
Replacing the standard stock is a common first upgrade. The Magpul MOE® Shotgun Stock provides a significant improvement in comfort and adjustability. Its features include:
- Adjustable Length of Pull (LOP): Allows for a customized fit, crucial for proper shouldering and recoil management. This is especially beneficial for shooters of different sizes.
- Improved Cheek Weld: The stock's design promotes a more consistent and comfortable cheek weld, leading to improved accuracy.
- Durable Construction: Magpul's reputation for ruggedness ensures this stock will withstand the rigors of regular use.
- M-LOK® Compatible: The stock's M-LOK slots provide mounting points for accessories like sling attachments or other tactical gear.
Magpul Forend
While not as common an upgrade as the stock, a Magpul forend can also improve the shooting experience. The added texture and potentially more ergonomic shape provide a better grip, improving control and reducing slippage during operation. Some aftermarket forends might also feature additional mounting points for accessories.
Beyond Magpul: Other Maverick 88 Upgrades
While Magpul offers excellent ergonomic upgrades, many other modifications can boost your Maverick 88's performance and functionality.
Sights
Upgrading the sights is a crucial step for improved accuracy. Options include:
- Ghost Ring Sights: Offer a fast sight picture, ideal for close-to-medium range shooting.
- Red Dot Sights: Particularly beneficial for rapid target acquisition and shooting on the move. Mounting a red dot usually requires a rail system (see below).
Rails and Accessories
Adding a rail system to the receiver allows for mounting various accessories, including red dot sights, lights, and lasers. This significantly enhances the shotgun's versatility and adaptability for different shooting scenarios.
Extended Magazines
Increasing your magazine capacity is another popular modification. While the standard tube magazine is reliable, aftermarket extensions offer a significant advantage in terms of ammunition capacity. However, ensure any extended magazine is compatible with your Maverick 88 model.
Trigger Improvements
Many aftermarket trigger groups offer a smoother, lighter trigger pull, improving accuracy and shot control. However, modifications to the internal trigger mechanism should only be done by experienced gunsmiths.
Conclusion: Tailoring Your Maverick 88
Upgrading your Mossberg Maverick 88 with Magpul accessories or other modifications can dramatically improve its performance, ergonomics, and overall shooting experience. By carefully considering your needs and shooting style, you can customize your shotgun to become a highly effective and personalized tool for hunting, home defense, or any other purpose. Remember always to follow all safety regulations and local laws when modifying or using any firearm.
