Mossberg Model 88 12 gauge?

Question

What does everyone think of Mossberg Model 88 12 gauge (beginner deer hunter)? I haven't hunted before, but I have taken a hunters' safety course several years ago. Just a little hunting background of me.

Answer 1

The Maverick 88 can use any barrel made for the Mossberg 500. If you pick ap a rifled slug barrel you'll be good to go. New barrels can be found for $150 or less, used ones for less.
You could also use a smoothbore barrel with an improved cylinder choke tube if your shots will be around 50 yds. or less.
The key is to sight it in so you know where you're hitting regardless of what barrel you go with.
It's hard to say that your first time out you won't get a good shot. This past season my friend asked if his 16 year old son could hunt with us. His second day deer hunting he got a 7 point buck at about 40 yds. It all depends on if the deer are bedded down, moving, or if you have enough people to drive them to where you have other hunters on point. A lot depends on luck, plain and simple. If the deer aren't there to be driven towards another hunter, or other hunters aren't in the area to drive them towards you, you just don't have a chance to shoot.
The Maverick 88 will be a fine deer gun. Just pick your barrel, find the slugs that shoot consistently through it, and wait for a deer to come into range.
Good luck in the upcoming season!

Answer 2

You can order an improved choke from Mossberg (the 500 model choke fits the 88 Maverick). With an improved choke you can shoot slugs or buckshot. The gun comes with a modified choke.

I have owned one for years, but use a 30-30 for deer hunting. The shotgun will work, just use slugs. You might also consider putting a red dot or other scope on it.

Answer 3

Mossberg is a good make. There are plenty of websites out there regarding deer hunting and recommendations on firearms. I am assuming that you would use slug ammo in the shot gun. Note that a rifled barrel is preferred for slug (Sabot) rounds, but not essential. You can use smooth bore slugs in a 12 gauge, but I think it takes more skill that when using a rifled barrel.

Answer 4

I am a huge Mossberg fan. But the Model 88 is not really designed for deer hunting. It will cost you less then a hundred dollars more to get a true Model 500 or my favorite the Model 835 Ulti-Mag. I killed a nice doe with my 835 this year. And the 835 will allow the use of 3.5 inch shells.

Just pick the one you really want and stick with it. The Mossbergs should serve you well.

Miketyson26

Answer 5

A Maverick 88 is simply a Mossberg 500 by another name. There are LOTS of differently named 500's out there. The 500 is a very well respected weapon.

You probably won't get many good shots your first year out. Weapon makes no diff. Your best shot would be to find a few friends who do the deerstand route.

Only real tip you need is to not get discouraged and take shots that you shouldn't. It happens to everyone at least once.

Answer 6

Many Mossbergs have a timing problem from the factory. Take it to a gun smith to adjust it correctly or contact Moss berg if still under warranty.

Answer 7

As far as the gun itself, I have one, and I love it. I take it to the shooting range and shoot slugs through it. Before I got married, I used it as a "home defense weapon". To me, just that clicking sound of the pump would scare an intruder away. I don't hunt, so I don't know how well it works for that.

Answer 8

I have one, but only use it when I hunt turkeys. It does ok. Depending on where you live, if it's legal, just get a rifle.