Is the Maverick 88 Reliable? An Honest Long-Term Owner’s Take

If you’re shopping for your first shotgun, one of the biggest questions you’re probably asking is:
“Is the Maverick 88 reliable?”

I’ve owned both the Maverick 88 Field and Security models for about five years, and I’ve put thousands of rounds through them. This isn’t a safe-queen opinion or a one-range-trip review, this is real use over time.

Short answer: yes, the Maverick 88 is very reliable, especially for first-time buyers.

Here’s why.

Malfunctions?

None.

The only issue I’ve ever had was the stock coming loose once. I tightened it, and it never happened again. No feeding problems. There were no failures to fire. No cycling issues.

That’s it.

Reliability Over Thousands of Rounds

This is where the Maverick 88 really earns its reputation.

Despite being a budget shotgun:

• It cycles smoothly
  
• It runs dirty
  
• It doesn’t care what ammo you feed it
  

I don’t baby my shotguns, and I don’t clean them obsessively either.

My Maintenance Routine

I clean my Maverick 88 about twice a year. That’s it.

No constant tear-downs. I did not need any special tools. No tuning. And I’ve never had to replace a single component.

For a first-time buyer, that kind of low-maintenance reliability is a huge plus.

Field Model vs Security Model (Reliability-Wise)

From a reliability standpoint, both models have been equal for me.

• Field model: Used for hunting and clays
  
• Security model: Fixed open cylinder bore, simple and rugged
  

Both have run flawlessly. Neither has ever made me wish I bought something else.

How It Compares to Other Shotguns

I also own and shoot other shotguns, including a Mossberg 500.

In terms of reliability:
The Maverick 88 is just as good.

The Mossberg 500 might have a few nicer fit-and-finish touches, but when it comes to:

• Cycling
  
• Feeding
  
• Going bang every time
  

The Maverick 88 holds its own without question.

Why the Maverick 88 Is So Reliable

There’s no mystery here.

• Simple pump-action design
  
• Few moving parts
  
• Loose tolerances that run well when dirty
  
• Proven Mossberg operating system
  

It’s not trying to be fancy. It’s trying to work, and it does.

Is the Maverick 88 Reliable Enough for First-Time Buyers?

Absolutely.

In fact, I’d argue it’s one of the best shotguns you can buy as a first owner because:

• It’s forgiving
  
• It’s durable
  
• It doesn’t require constant maintenance
  
• It runs a wide range of ammo
  

After years of use, I’ve never once thought, “I wish I bought something else.”

That says more than any spec sheet.

Final Verdict

Yes,  the Maverick 88 is reliable.

Based on:

• 5 years of ownership
  
• Thousands of rounds
  
• Minimal maintenance
  
• Zero true malfunctions
  

It’s a shotgun that simply works. If you’re a first-time buyer looking for something dependable, affordable, and proven, the Maverick 88 earns its reputation the honest way, by running when it matters.