MAVERICK ARMS, INC. 88 CRUISER
Posted May 25, 2023
MAVERICK ARMS, INC. 88 CRUISER: An In-Depth Review
Maverick Arms, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of firearms and firearms components. Their most famous product is the Maverick 88 Cruiser, a no-nonsense, extremely reliable shotgun designed for home and personal defense. In this review, I will provide an in-depth examination of all aspects of the Maverick 88, from its features to its drawbacks, and give an overall opinion.
Design and Build Quality
The Maverick 88 Cruiser is a twelve gauge, pump-action shotgun, featuring an 18.5” barrel and a 4+1 capacity. The overall design is very simple with no fancy frills or features. The finish of the gun is matte black, and the gun has a polymer trigger guard and pistol grip. The barrel is removable and interchangeable with other barrels of the same thread pattern, and the gun can be outfitted with different stocks and magazines.
The build quality of the Maverick 88 Cruiser is excellent. It is a well-made gun that is constructed from high-quality components. The action is smooth and reliable, and the gun is designed to withstand the elements. There have been a few reports of the stock failing after a few hundred rounds, but this appears to be an isolated issue.
Safety Features
The Maverick 88 Cruiser has an ambidextrous safety located at the top of the receiver, which is easy to use and understand. The gun also features a cross-bolt safety located in the trigger guard, which helps to prevent accidental discharge if the gun is dropped. Additionally, the Maverick 88 Cruiser has a trigger pull of 6 pounds, which helps to prevent accidental discharges due to careless handling of the weapon.
Reliability and Performance
The Maverick 88 Cruiser is an extremely reliable and accurate shotgun. Compared to other pump-action shotguns on the market, the Maverick 88 is right up there with the best of them. The gun cycles shells reliably, feeding most types of ammunition without any issues. Cleaning the gun is also fairly straightforward, with no nuances or quirks to contend with.
In terms of performance, the Maverick 88 Cruiser is quite good. The gun is accurate up to 25 yards, and is capable of producing tight patterns with most types of ammunition. The gun also has minimal recoil, making it suitable for new and experienced shooters alike. The gun can also be easily outfitted with any type of sight or accessory, allowing users to customize the gun to their liking.
Price and Value
The Maverick 88 Cruiser has an MSRP of around $250, although the price can vary depending on where you purchase the gun from. This makes the gun one of the most affordable shotguns on the market, and it is certainly a great value when compared to other guns in the same price range.
Overall Opinion
Overall, the Maverick 88 Cruiser is an excellent shotgun that is great for home and personal defense. The gun is well-designed and well-made, features good safety features, and is reliable and accurate. The gun also has an excellent price-to-value ratio, making it an attractive option for anyone looking for an affordable shotgun. Additionally, the gun can be outfitted with various accessories, allowing it to be tailored to individual needs. It is an excellent option for anyone looking for a sturdy, reliable, and affordable shotgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros
• It is lightweight and easy to handle, making it suitable for both home protection and concealed carry.
• It is reliable and durable, making it suitable for daily use.
• Its ergonomics make it comfortable and easy to use.
• The fixed sights are adequate for basic shooting needs.
• The eight-round magazine capacity gives it decent firepower.
• It can be chambered in several calibers, including popular defensive rounds such as .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .45 ACP.
• It is available at an affordable price.
Cons
• The grip can be uncomfortable for larger hands.
• The finish tends to wear quickly with heavy use.
• The fixed sights can’t be adjusted for precision shooting.
• The limited magazine capacity can be a drawback.
• The recoil can be quite sharp, especially when chambered for more powerful cartridges.
Who Should Buy
MAVERICK ARMS, INC. 88 CRUISER is a single-action shotgun designed for sport shooting and hunting. This shotgun is appropriate for most casual shooters and hunters. It is an affordable and reliable option for those who want to get into shooting without spending too much.
However, this shotgun is not suitable for individuals who are unfamiliar with firearms. It is not a good choice for new shooters since the action is manual and the recoil is fairly strong. Additionally, due to its weight and size, some people may find it too heavy and unwieldy to handle. This shotgun is best for those who are already familiar with firearms and understand how to handle them safely.
Comparisons
| Caliber | Capacity | Barrel Length | Finish | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12GA | 5+1 | 18.5" | Blued | ||
| 12GA | 6+1 | 18.5" | Matte Blued | ||
| 12GA | 6+1 | 18.5" | Matte Blued | ||
| 12GA | 5+1 | 18" | Black finish | ||
| 12GA | 5+1 | 18" | Matte Black | ||
| Caliber | Capacity | Barrel Length | Finish | ||
| ------------ | ------------- | :--------: | ----------- | --------- | -------- |
| 12GA | 5+1 | 18.5" | Blued | ||
| 12GA | 6+1 | 18.5" | Matte Blued | ||
| 12GA | 6+1 | 18.5" | Matte Blued | ||
| 12GA | 5+1 | 18" | Black finish | ||
| 12GA | 5+1 | 18" | Matte Black |
Features / Specs
• Overall Length - 39.5 inches
• Barrel Length - 18.5 inches
• Choke - Fixed Cylinder
• Capacity - 5
• Stock - Synthetic
• Stock Finish - Black
• Weight - 6.5 lbs
• Sights - Brass Bead
• Receiver Finish - Blue
Popular Accessories
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The most popular accessories for Maverick Arms, Inc. 88 Cruiser shotguns include extended magazines, tactical stocks and foregrips, slings and sling attachment points, pistol grips, rail systems, flashlights, laser sights, recoil pads, scope and sights, choke tubes, and cleaning kits.
Accuracy
The MAVERICK ARMS, INC. 88 Cruiser is a reliable and accurate firearm that performs exceptionally well on the range and in the field. This shotgun is designed with a unique gas piston system that disperses recoil and prevents short stroking and helps the shotgun remain reliable and accurate. Additionally, the 300 mm barrel length adds to its accuracy, providing a stable platform for increased shot group accuracy. In tests conducted by professionals, the 88 CRUISER consistently shoots tight groups at distances of up to 25 yards, making it an ideal choice for home defense.
