Maverick Arms 88 Cruiser 12 Gauge 18" Barrel 5+1 Pump Shotgun - Black

The Maverick Arms 88 Cruiser is a no-frills, pump-action 12 gauge shotgun built for serious work. With an 18-inch barrel, compact footprint, and straightforward operation, this is a gun that gets the job done—whether you're running a defensive setup, hunting in tight timber, or training on the range. Maverick has engineered the 88 platform to be dead reliable, affordable, and easy to maintain, making it a favorite among shooters who value function over flash.

The 88 Cruiser's short barrel and synthetic pistol-grip furniture keep weight and overall length in check—at just under 5.75 lbs and 28 inches tip to tail, it's maneuverable in tight spaces without sacrificing the clean-burning 3-inch chamber. The cylinder-bore choke gives you flexibility to run birdshot, buckshot, or slugs without forcing you into dedicated loads. A simple brass bead front sight keeps sighting intuitive and proven. The blued barrel and black synthetic furniture are built to take a beating; this gun doesn't care about aesthetics, only durability.

The 88 Cruiser holds five shells in the magazine tube plus one in the chamber, a proven capacity that balances reload discipline with practical firepower. The pump mechanism is smooth and fast once you get a few thousand rounds through it. This is the shotgun you take when you need a reliable, compact, and affordable tool—no apologies, no excuses.

Key Features

• 18-inch barrel for compact handling and quick target acquisition
• 3-inch chamber accommodates all standard 12-gauge loads
• 5+1 capacity—five in the magazine, one in the chamber
• Synthetic pistol-grip stock for secure hold and durability
• Cylinder-bore choke for load versatility
• Brass bead front sight for reliable sight picture
• Blued barrel finish resists corrosion in field conditions
• Pump action—smooth, proven, maintainable

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What ammunition does the Maverick 88 Cruiser shoot?

The 88 Cruiser is chambered in 12 gauge and accepts all standard 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs. The 3-inch chamber means it will handle both 2.75-inch and 3-inch loads without issue.

Is the 88 Cruiser good for home defense?

The Maverick 88 Cruiser's short 18-inch barrel and compact overall length make it well-suited for defensive scenarios where maneuverability matters. The simple brass-bead sight and straightforward pump operation are easy to use under stress. 5+1 capacity gives you a reasonable round count for a personal-defense platform.

Can I mount a scope or red dot on this shotgun?

The 88 Cruiser comes with a brass bead sight and no factory rail. Aftermarket options exist to add tactical furniture and optic mounts, but this gun ships in traditional configuration.

What does the pistol-grip stock mean?

The synthetic pistol-grip stock replaces a traditional buttstock with a grip-only design. This reduces overall length, speeds target transitions, and gives you a more aggressive hold—popular in defensive shotgun builds. Note: shooting comfort can vary; many shooters add a recoil pad or prefer a traditional stock for sustained range work.