Mossberg 88 -- A friend's first shotgun

[bushmaster1313]

Took my friend to his first gun show and told him to bring his NJ card so he could purchase a long gun if he saw one that he liked.

After an almost instantaneous Federal NICS check and filling out the required NJ form, he took possession of his first shotgun.

New-in-box Mossberg 88 set up for home defense.
Made in America. Felt very solid and well made. Operated very smoothly. 12 gauge, 18.5 inch barrel, $229 out the door.

Looks like this:


I confirmed he had a long gun safe, made him promise he would not load the gun with ammo in the house until he really knew what he was doing, and made plans to take him to the range for his first time with a shotgun. Told him not to use anything other than reduced recoil 00 buckshot.

A very successful gun show visit -- even though I only came back with two boxes of .257 Roberts.

(Corrected to .257 Roberts from .357 Roberts)

[Peak53]

Good job on the shotgun. I would love to have the extremely rare .357 Roberts

[bushmaster1313]

Originally Posted by Peak53

Good job on the shotgun. I would love to have the extremely rare .357 Roberts

That would be a rare indeed!

[JayFramer]

Nothing wrong with a 3” magnum 000 buck load. Way more stopping power than low recoil rounds. You will never feel the recoil in a defensive shooting anyway, nor will you hear the report.

[bushmaster1313]

Originally Posted by JayFramer

Nothing wrong with a 3” magnum 000 buck load. Way more stopping power than low recoil rounds. You will never feel the recoil in a defensive shooting anyway, nor will you hear the report.

But practice makes perfect and it is easier on a new shooter to practice with the light stuff

[THEmodelof1989]

Originally Posted by JayFramer

You will never feel the recoil in a defensive shooting anyway, nor will you hear the report.

I don't know why people perpetuate the myth that you won't hear the report when firing a gun in a defensive shooting. I've never found this to be true. Maybe I've just got a set of superman ears... although the VA clinic tells me otherwise.

[Chief Wiggums]

That 88 is a dandy of a shotgun.
* it will put food on the table
* more than adequate for home SD
* lots of fun
* price is great & it will last a lifetime if properly maintained

[Rick_A]

Not bad. My boy showed interest in a Mossberg 20 GA tactical with ghost ring sights. That's promising.

The 2-3/4" reduced recoil 00 buck loads are more than adequate.

[Jessie]

I found that the one you pictured fits me about perfect, unlike their 20” with a full length mag tube.
The difference was really noticeable for me.