The Maverick by Mossberg Model 88 was introduced in 1988 as an affordable, utilitarian alternative to the legendary Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun. Created during a period of intense commercial competition, the Maverick 88 was designed to strip away cosmetic luxuries while retaining absolute mechanical reliability. Over nearly four decades, it has earned a reputation as one of the most rugged, cost-effective, and dependable budget shotguns in the world.