Maverick 88 in 12 Gauge vs 20 Gauge: Picking a First Shotgun

Same pump action, two gauges, and a decision that turns on recoil tolerance, ammunition choice and what you plan to do with it.

Same gun, different gauge

The Maverick 88 is a budget pump-action shotgun that follows the familiar Mossberg 500 layout. The two listings here let you compare how gauge changes the experience:

• The Maverick 88 Security in 12 gauge has an 18.5-inch barrel, a 3-inch chamber, a 5+1 listing and an ATI Shotforce top-folding stock.
• The Maverick 88 Pump in 20 gauge has a 22-inch barrel, a 3-inch chamber and a 5+1 listing.

We have not tested either gun. This comparison relies on the listings and on general knowledge of how the two gauges behave. Our home defense buyer's guide covers the broader constraints on a defensive firearm.

At a glance

Recoil: the number that matters most

A shotgun you dread shooting is a shotgun you will not practice with. Recoil depends on the load as much as the gauge, but at comparable loads a 20 gauge generally produces less recoil than a 12 gauge in a similar gun. For a new shooter, a smaller person, or anyone sensitive to recoil, that can be the difference between hitting what you aim at and flinching.

The folding stock on the 12 gauge Security matters here too. Folding stocks help storage and carrying, but they also tend to be less comfortable to shoot extensively than a conventional stock, and their fit may not suit everyone. If you plan on long sessions of clays or slug practice, consider the fit of whichever stock you end up using.

A practical approach: if you can, shoot both at a range with the loads you would use. If you cannot, think of the 20 gauge as the "easier to practice with" choice and the 12 gauge as the "more options, more kick" choice.

Ammunition: choice, cost and availability

12 gauge has the broadest ammunition selection: target loads for clays, buckshot, slugs, and reduced-recoil defensive loads. That breadth is a real advantage, particularly if you want a gun that can do several jobs. 20 gauge selection is solid at larger stores but narrower, and some specialty loads are harder to find.

On cost, compare current box prices for the loads you intend to buy. Prices shift, and an apparent difference between gauges can narrow or reverse depending on the load type and where you shop. Our all-purpose shotgun guide discusses how to think about versatility. BulkAmmoFinder's 12 gauge bulk buck and slug guide is a useful second source for the 12 gauge side.

Home defense: what actually applies

A pump shotgun is a classic choice for the home. The factors worth weighing:

• Barrel length and handling. An 18.5-inch barrel is shorter and easier to move through doorways and hallways than a 22-inch one. A shorter barrel generally makes a shotgun quicker to maneuver indoors.
• Recoil and follow-up shots. Lighter recoil in the 20 gauge can make follow-up shots easier for some people.
• Pellet loads and patterning. Different loads spread differently from different barrels and chokes. Pattern your gun with your chosen load on paper at realistic indoor distances.
• Penetration and what lies beyond a target. Shotgun pellets can pass through walls. Consider ammunition choice and where a shot might end up.

HomeDefenseGuns has an in-depth 20 gauge for home defense article and a budget home-defense shotgun comparison that covers the Maverick 88 directly. Neither is a guarantee of any outcome; no shotgun is.

Fit and who each suits

The 12 gauge Security suits:

• Buyers who want maximum ammunition choice.
• People who want a short barrel for home use.
• Anyone who plans to use the shotgun for more than one job, such as slug and buckshot options.
• Shooters comfortable with 12 gauge recoil.

The 20 gauge suits:

• Smaller-framed or recoil-sensitive shooters.
• Households where several people will use the same shotgun.
• Buyers whose first priority is comfortable practice, with a 22-inch barrel that settles nicely on a target.

Setting up a budget pump

The Maverick 88 is a platform that rewards a little setup. The following improvements are common, but confirm compatibility and legal status in your jurisdiction before ordering anything.

• Sights. Many shotguns come with a simple bead. If you plan to shoot slugs or use the gun at longer distance, check whether the listing shows rifle sights or a mounting point for an optic.
• Shell carrier. A butt-stock or side-saddle carrier keeps spare shells within reach. Check that the product matches the gun.
• Sling and light. A sling helps carrying; a weapon light is a separate decision with legal and tactical considerations, and it must be used with proper safe-handling practice.
• Stock. The 12 gauge's top-folding stock suits storage; if you dislike it, check whether a conventional stock is available for the model and what the legal implications are.

Spend on practice and training before cosmetic upgrades.

How to pattern a shotgun

Patterning is the only way to know what your load does from your barrel. A simple version:

1. Set up a large sheet of paper or cardboard at a distance relevant to your use, such as 7 to 15 yards for home use or farther for field use.
2. Aim at a consistent mark and fire a single shot with the load you plan to use.
3. Count and photograph the impacts, noting how tightly the pellets are grouped and where the center of the pattern lies relative to your aim.
4. Repeat with other loads and, if applicable, chokes. Results can differ noticeably.

Loads that pattern well in your gun are worth buying in quantity; loads that pattern poorly should be replaced. For defensive use, choose a load that patterns reliably and that you are comfortable shooting. Wear eye and ear protection and use a safe backstop. HomeDefenseGuns has more on shotgun options for budget builds.

Practical checks

1. Test fit. Mount the gun and see whether the stock length suits you.
2. Plan to pattern. Use paper at the distances you care about, and with the load you will use.
3. Know the mechanism. Learn loading, unloading, safety and slide-release operation before the first shot.
4. Secure it. A shotgun in a house needs a lock or a safe, and quick access only for the authorized people.
5. Check compatibility. If you plan to swap barrels, stocks or sights, confirm they fit the Maverick 88 before purchase.

The honest alternatives

The Maverick 88 is a value-oriented gun, and value-oriented guns involve trade-offs in finish and in tolerances. If you can afford a higher-tier pump from an established brand, a Mossberg 500, a Remington 870 or similar can offer smoother operation and a larger aftermarket. HomeDefenseGuns compares the classic pumps if you want that route. A used pump from a reputable maker can also be a good buy; our new versus used guide explains what to inspect. If you are still sorting out priorities, our entry-level guns guide shows where the Maverick sits in the lineup.

Bottom line

Pick the 12 gauge if you value variety and are comfortable with recoil. Pick the 20 gauge if comfort and ease of practice are your priorities. Either way, spend part of the savings on practice ammunition and training, not just on the gun.

Editorial note: This is an independent editorial overview built from manufacturer specifications and publicly available information. We have not performed hands-on testing of the products discussed, and nothing here is a performance guarantee. Verify specifications, compatibility and legality for your own situation.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.