How to Clean a Maverick 88 (Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Owners)

I’ve owned both the Maverick 88 Field and Security models for about five years, and I don’t clean them obsessively. I shoot in cold, snowy, rainy weather as well as sunny days, and I usually clean my shotguns only two to three times a year.

Even with that light cleaning schedule, I’ve learned one important lesson:

If you ignore the action long enough, the Maverick 88 will tell you.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how I clean my Maverick 88, what tools I use, what parts matter most, and what happens if you wait too long.

When Should You Clean a Maverick 88?

You don’t need to clean it after every range trip.

I usually clean mine:

• After a long hunting season
  
• After heavy clay shooting
  
• If it’s been exposed to rain, snow, or mud
  
• When it starts to feel sluggish
  

What happens if you don’t?

I once let mine go too long, and when I pumped the action, it wouldn’t catch a new shell. The gun was simply too dirty. A basic cleaning fixed it completely.

That’s your warning sign.

What You’ll Need

I keep it simple. Here’s all I use:

• CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant)
  
• Brass brush
  
• Cleaning rag or paper towels
  
• Bore snake or shotgun cleaning rod (optional)
  
• Flat surface or mat
  

No fancy tools required.

Step 1: Make Sure the Shotgun Is Unloaded

This step matters every time.

1. Point the shotgun in a safe direction
   
2. Engage the safety
   
3. Open the action
   
4. Check the chamber and magazine tube by sight and feel
   

Only move on once you’re 100% sure it’s unloaded.

Step 2: Basic Field Strip the Maverick 88

You don’t need a full teardown.

For a basic strip:

1. Unscrew and remove the magazine cap
   
2. Slide the barrel forward and off
   
3. Pull the fore-end forward slightly
   
4. Remove the bolt carrier and bolt
   
5. Remove the trigger group (if needed for deeper cleaning)
   

This level of disassembly is more than enough for routine cleaning.

(This is a great place to include a diagram or photo.)

Step 3: Clean the Barrel

Even though the action is more important, don’t skip the barrel.

1. Spray a light amount of CLP into the barrel
   
2. Run a bore snake or brush through a few times
   
3. Wipe the chamber area clean
   
4. Run a dry patch through to remove excess CLP
   

You want it clean, not dripping.

Step 4: Focus on the Action (Most Important Part)

This is where the Maverick 88 gets dirty the fastest,  and where problems start if you ignore it.

Using your brass brush and CLP:

• Scrub the bolt face
  
• Clean the bolt carrier rails
  
• Brush carbon and grit off the action bars
  
• Wipe everything down thoroughly
  

If your gun has ever felt rough when pumping, this is why.

From my experience, a dirty action is the #1 cause of Maverick 88 issues.

Step 5: Clean the Receiver Interior

You don’t need to flood it with oil.

1. Lightly spray CLP inside the receiver
   
2. Brush away dirt and residue
   
3. Wipe everything dry
   

The Maverick 88 runs best slightly lubricated, not soaked.

Step 6: Lightly Lubricate Key Areas

Less is more.

Apply a light coat of CLP to:

• Action bars
  
• Bolt carrier contact points
  
• Moving metal surfaces
  

Avoid heavy oil buildup,  it attracts dirt, especially in cold or dusty conditions.

Step 7: Reassemble and Function Check

Put everything back together in reverse order.

Once assembled:

1. Cycle the action several times
   
2. Dry fire (with snap cap if you prefer)
   
3. Ensure the safety works correctly
   

The pump should feel smooth and positive, not gritty.

Field Model vs Security Model Cleaning

Cleaning is nearly identical for both.

• Field model: Pay attention to the barrel and choke area
  
• Security model: Focus more on the action since it’s often used hard
  

Both benefit from the same basic approach.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

From my experience:

• Don’t over-oil
  
• Don’t ignore the action
  
• Don’t wait until it stops feeding
  

The Maverick 88 is forgiving, but it still needs basic care.

How Often Is Enough for First-Time Owners?

If you’re new:

• Clean it 2–3 times a year, or
  
• Anytime it gets wet or gritty
  

That’s all it takes to keep your maverick 88 reliable.

Final Thoughts

After five years of ownership, thousands of rounds, and shooting in everything from rain to snow, here’s the takeaway:

The Maverick 88 is easy to clean, hard to break, and very forgiving, as long as you don’t neglect the action.

If you keep it reasonably clean, it will keep working.