{ "apiVersion": 1, "kind": "work-order", "purpose": "Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification.", "firearm": { "slug": "maverick-88", "name": "Maverick 88", "manufacturer": { "id": "mossberg", "name": "O.F. Mossberg & Sons" }, "category": "shotgun", "action": "pump-action", "calibers": [ "12 gauge", "20 gauge" ], "alsoKnownAs": [ "Maverick Model 88" ], "coversAlso": [], "page": "firearms/maverick-88.html", "bundle": "api/v1/firearms/maverick-88.json", "lastUpdated": "2026-10-29" }, "notices": [ "O.F. Mossberg & Sons limits owner disassembly: Field strip only: barrel, trigger housing assembly (removed whole, not disassembled), bolt slide, bolt assembly, elevator and forearm/action slide assembly." ], "disclaimer": { "headline": "Read this before you use anything here.", "points": [ "This is a guide, not an authority. Entries are compiled from manufacturer manuals, technical manuals, published references, and community knowledge. Some of it comes from sources that are not authoritative, and some of it may simply be wrong.", "Always consult the manufacturer's manual for your specific firearm and serial-number range. Manufacturers change designs mid-production without renaming the model. The manual that shipped with your firearm outranks anything on this site.", "Consult a licensed gunsmith for anything beyond routine field stripping and cleaning, for any firearm you are unsure about, and for any procedure marked as gunsmith-recommended here.", "Treat every firearm as loaded. Verify it is unloaded, with the magazine removed and the chamber physically and visually checked, before any procedure in this database. Point it in a safe direction the entire time.", "Disassembly can damage a firearm or injure you. Springs are under tension, parts can launch, and reassembling a firearm incorrectly can make it unsafe to fire in a way that is not obvious from the outside. If a reassembled firearm does not pass a function check, stop and see a gunsmith.", "Torque values are shown in two groups. Values from the manufacturer or the issuing military are shown as such, with the document they came from. Values reported by anyone else — parts makers, gunsmithing publishers, articles, forums — are shown separately with who said them, how reliable that source is, and their exact words. Those are not specifications. Confirm any torque value with the manufacturer or a licensed gunsmith before relying on it.", "Nothing here is legal advice. Firearms law varies by country, state, and city, and some modifications or configurations are regulated or prohibited. You are responsible for knowing and following the law where you are.", "No warranty of any kind. Contributors and maintainers accept no liability for damage, injury, or loss arising from use of this material." ], "page": "disclaimer.html", "legal": { "summary": "Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.", "page": "legal.html", "notice": "https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown/blob/main/LEGAL.md" } }, "sourcing": { "confidence": "medium", "verification": "community-reviewed" }, "manufacturerDisassembly": { "status": "limited", "limit": "Field strip only: barrel, trigger housing assembly (removed whole, not disassembled), bolt slide, bolt assembly, elevator and forearm/action slide assembly.", "statement": "Mossberg says field disassembly is complete at that point and the shotgun should not be disassembled further; further disassembly, including of the trigger housing and bolt assemblies, is for an authorized Product Service Center or a qualified gunsmith.", "source": { "title": "Owner's Manual for Maverick 88 and 91 Models (doc 13002)", "publisher": "O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/manuals/13002-Maverick-88-91.pdf", "page": "10", "pdfPage": 12, "pageUrl": "https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/manuals/13002-Maverick-88-91.pdf#page=12", "quote": "CAUTION: Field disassembly is now complete! The shotgun should not be disassembled further for routine cleaning or maintenance. Further disassembly should only be performed at an authorized Product Service Center or by a qualified gunsmith." } }, "recalls": [], "shopTier": { "tier": 1, "group": "shotgun", "rating": "Pew-Takedown editorial rating (1 easy – 3 hardest), not the manufacturer's", "reason": "27 listed items (trigger housing and bolt as assemblies) on the simple 500-pattern action with a crossbolt safety in the trigger housing instead of the tang safety's detent; the only traps are the bolt-slide/action-bar alignment and the hammer-cocked order.", "confidence": "high", "partCount": { "value": 27, "kind": "line-items", "covers": "Single shared parts list for the Maverick 88 and 91 (rows 12 and 12a model-specific), names only", "basis": "manufacturer-parts-list", "source": { "title": "Owner's Manual for Maverick 88 and 91 Models (doc 13002)", "publisher": "O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/manuals/13002-Maverick-88-91.pdf", "page": "22–23", "pdfPage": 24, "pageUrl": "https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/manuals/13002-Maverick-88-91.pdf#page=24", "quote": "25 Forearm assembly" } }, "painPoints": [ { "issue": "The bolt, bolt slide and both action slide bars have to go back in the same relationship they came out; a bar out of its cut or a bolt slide offered at the wrong point of forend travel will not drop in or binds the action.", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "Owner's Manual for Maverick 88 and 91 Models (doc 13002)", "publisher": "O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/manuals/13002-Maverick-88-91.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Pay special attention to the position of the bolt, bolt slide and action slide bar assembly during this portion of the disassembly, as the parts must be in the same relationship during reassembly." } }, { "issue": "The magazine spring bears on the retainer and the barrel takedown screw, so the retainer can launch when it is pried out or refitted.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "Owner's Manual for Maverick 88 and 91 Models (doc 13002)", "publisher": "O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/manuals/13002-Maverick-88-91.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "The magazine spring exerts pressure on the retainer, use caution when assembling or disassembling." } }, { "issue": "Owners report the shell stop and interrupter get jammed in wrong and the action bars mis-seated when the gun is forced together; it only runs once everything lines up.", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "Seeking help from someone who owns a Mossberg 500 in the Bay Area", "publisher": "Calguns.net", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://www.calguns.net/forum/general-discussion/general-gun-discussions/910351-seeking-help-someone-own-mossberg-500-in-bay-area?p=21089362", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "mossbergs are great but they can be harder to put back together. it sounds like the action bars are not in the right spot. also i will bet the shell stop and interrupter are jammed in wrong." } }, { "issue": "The hammer must be at full cock to get the trigger housing back in, and the safety must be on to reinstall the bolt; neither is obvious and forcing it damages parts.", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "The Mossberg Model 500: History & Disassembly", "publisher": "American Rifleman (NRA)", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/the-mossberg-model-500-history-disassembly", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Be aware that the hammer must be in the full-cock position for reinsertion of the trigger assembly and that the safety must be in the “on” position to re-install the bolt assembly." } } ], "minutes": { "strip": 25, "rebuild": 40, "basis": "estimated", "note": "Simplest Mossberg-pattern strip; crossbolt safety in the trigger housing instead of the tang detent.", "source": null }, "stripScope": [ { "assembly": "Barrel and magazine", "removes": [ "barrel (takedown screw or magazine cap)", "magazine spring retainer, spring and follower", "magazine tube from receiver (optional)" ], "tools": [ "strap wrench", "padded vise" ] }, { "assembly": "Forend / action slide", "removes": [ "action slide tube nut", "forend", "anti-rattle spring" ], "tools": [ "tube nut tool" ] }, { "assembly": "Receiver", "removes": [ "trigger housing pin and trigger housing", "elevator", "cartridge stop and interrupter", "bolt and bolt slide", "ejector" ] }, { "assembly": "Bolt", "removes": [ "bolt lock pin and bolt lock", "extractor pins, extractors and springs", "firing pin retaining pin, firing pin, washer and spring" ] }, { "assembly": "Trigger housing", "removes": [ "hammer, trigger, sear and disconnector group on their pins (only if the housing itself is being coated; Mossberg advises" ] }, { "assembly": "Stock / grip", "removes": [ "recoil pad screws and pad", "stock bolt, lock washer and washer" ], "tools": [ "long 1/2 in. or 13 mm socket on extension" ] } ], "hardware": { "pins": 1, "springs": 1, "detents": 0, "basis": "counted from the manufacturer's parts list (one per key number unless a quantity is given)" }, "specialTools": [ { "tool": "Tube nut tool", "usedFor": "Forend action slide tube nut" }, { "tool": "Strap wrench and padded vise", "usedFor": "Magazine tube off the receiver" }, { "tool": "Long socket extension", "usedFor": "Stock bolt deep in the buttstock" }, { "tool": "Roll/pin punches 1/16-1/8 in.", "usedFor": "Bolt extractor and firing pin pins" } ], "fitOnRebuild": [ { "check": "Magazine tube torqued and aligned to the barrel lug", "why": "Tube carries the barrel; it is refitted hand-tight-plus with a strap wrench and must line up with the takedown screw or cap.", "source": { "title": "TM 9-1005-338-13&P", "publisher": "Department of the Army", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://archive.org/download/16-manuali-duso-e-manutenzione-per-armi-specifiche-use-and-maintenance-manuals-f_20230430/ARMY%20TM%209-1005-338-13%26P%20Technical%20Manual%20for%20Mossberg%2012-Gauge%20Shotgun%20Model%20500%2C%20590%20-%20May%202005.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Place strap style pipe wrench around magazine tube assembly (2) and turn to the left (counterclockwise)," } }, { "check": "Function check: safety, trigger/sear release, disconnector and feeding with dummy rounds", "why": "Standard after any detail strip; a mis-assembled sear or disconnector can double or fail to fire.", "source": null } ], "assessed": "2026-10-29" }, "videos": [], "configurations": [], "tools": [], "phases": [ { "id": "clear", "title": "Clear and make safe", "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Push the crossbolt safety button in the trigger guard to the safe position." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Press the action lock lever and pull the forend rearward to open the action.", "partsFreed": [ "Chambered shell, if present" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Cycle the action repeatedly, catching each shell as it ejects, until no more shells feed from the magazine tube." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "With the action open, inspect the chamber and look up the magazine tube with a light.", "warning": "The chamber AND the tube. A shell hung up in the tube is easy to miss." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Physically confirm the chamber is empty and remove all live ammunition from the work area." } ], "videos": [] }, { "id": "disassemble", "title": "Disassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "field-strip", "title": "Field Strip", "level": "field-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Close the action and unscrew the magazine cap from the end of the magazine tube.", "partsFreed": [ "Magazine cap" ] }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Pull the barrel straight forward off the magazine tube.", "partsFreed": [ "Barrel" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Push out the trigger housing pin and lift the trigger housing assembly out.", "partsFreed": [ "Trigger housing pin", "Trigger housing assembly" ] }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Slide the forend assembly forward and withdraw the bolt and bolt slide out the front of the receiver.", "warning": "Do not bend the cartridge stops.", "partsFreed": [ "Forend and action slide assembly", "Bolt", "Bolt slide" ] } ] } ] }, { "id": "refinish", "title": "Refinish", "components": [ { "name": "Magazine cap", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 2 }, { "name": "Barrel", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 3 }, { "name": "Trigger housing pin", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 4 }, { "name": "Trigger housing assembly", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 4 }, { "name": "Forend and action slide assembly", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 5 }, { "name": "Bolt", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 5 }, { "name": "Bolt slide", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 5 } ], "manufacturerPartsList": { "parts": 27, "scope": "Single shared \"PARTS LIST\" for the Maverick 88 and 91; rows 12 (M 88) and 12a (M 91) are model-specific. Names only, no part numbers. Exploded view \"88™ and 91™ Models\" is on p. 23." }, "partsDiagrams": [], "materials": [], "note": "The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks \"factory fit\" should not be swapped or reworked." }, { "id": "reassemble", "title": "Reassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "reassembly", "title": "Reassembly", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Set the bolt slide into the bolt and feed the assembly into the receiver, both action bars in their grooves." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Slide the forend rearward until the bolt is fully in the receiver." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Install the trigger housing and its pin." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Seat the barrel and hand-tighten the magazine cap firmly." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Cycle the action several times and perform the function check." } ], "instruction": null } ] }, { "id": "torque", "title": "Torque", "coverage": "sourced", "manufacturer": [ { "fastener": "FLEX stock adapter socket-cap screw (to rear of receiver), FLEX conversion kit", "appliesTo": "Mossberg FLEX conversion of a Model 500 or Maverick 88 (optional Mossberg accessory kit, not the standard stock bolt)", "qualifier": "exact", "value": 150, "valueMax": null, "unit": "in-lb", "converted": { "value": { "N-m": 16.9, "in-lb": 150, "ft-lb": 12.5 }, "valueMax": null }, "sequence": "Remove recoil pad and stock bolt; fit lock washer cup side toward the receiver; thread the Nylock-patch screw in with a 5/32 Allen wrench 'hand tight', then torque wrench 'set to 150 inch pounds'; then install the lock assembly and roll pin.", "threadlocker": "Nylock patch on the screw (factory)", "source": { "title": "How to Install The FLEX Stock Adapter (Mossberg Journal, video transcript)", "publisher": "O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://resources.mossberg.com/journal/how-to-install-flex", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Going to crank it down hand tight, then we're going to take our Torque Wrench. So the Torque Wrench is set to 150 inch pounds." } } ], "reported": [ { "fastener": "Sling mount clamp screw (through sling mount halves, on extended magazine tube)", "appliesTo": "Magpul Forward Sling Mount (MAG508) on a Maverick 88 with an extended magazine tube", "qualifier": "maximum", "value": 25, "valueMax": null, "unit": "in-lb", "converted": { "value": { "N-m": 2.8, "in-lb": 25, "ft-lb": 2.1 }, "valueMax": null }, "sequence": null, "threadlocker": null, "source": { "title": "Magpul MAG508 Forward Sling Mount – Remington 870 & Mossberg 500/590 — Installation Instructions", "publisher": "Magpul Industries", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://magpul.com/media/wysiwyg/Instructions/MAG508_SGA_Forward_Sling_Mount_Rem_Moss_INSRT.pdf", "page": "PDF p. 1 (single page)", "pdfPage": 1, "pageUrl": "https://magpul.com/media/wysiwyg/Instructions/MAG508_SGA_Forward_Sling_Mount_Rem_Moss_INSRT.pdf#page=1", "quote": "Maximum Torque 25 in-lbs." } }, { "fastener": "Sling mount clamp screw (through sling mount halves, on extended magazine tube)", "appliesTo": "Magpul Forward Sling Mount (MAG508) on a Maverick 88 with an extended magazine tube", "qualifier": "exact", "value": 23, "valueMax": null, "unit": "in-lb", "converted": { "value": { "N-m": 2.6, "in-lb": 23, "ft-lb": 1.9 }, "valueMax": null }, "sequence": null, "threadlocker": null, "source": { "title": "Magpul MAG508 Forward Sling Mount – Remington 870 & Mossberg 500/590 — Installation Instructions", "publisher": "Magpul Industries", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://magpul.com/media/wysiwyg/Instructions/MAG508_SGA_Forward_Sling_Mount_Rem_Moss_INSRT.pdf", "page": "PDF p. 1 (single page)", "pdfPage": 1, "pageUrl": "https://magpul.com/media/wysiwyg/Instructions/MAG508_SGA_Forward_Sling_Mount_Rem_Moss_INSRT.pdf#page=1", "quote": "For best operation and compatibility, torque to 23 in-lbs and place sling clamps within 2.25 inches of the end of the magazine tube or extension." } }, { "fastener": "Stock adapter receiver screw (socket head bolt into rear of receiver)", "appliesTo": "Mesa Tactical telescoping stock adapter (High-tube or LEO) on a Maverick 88 (Mesa lists 'Mossberg 500, 590 and Maverick 88')", "qualifier": "exact", "value": 20, "valueMax": null, "unit": "ft-lb", "converted": { "value": { "N-m": 27.1, "in-lb": 240, "ft-lb": 20 }, "valueMax": null }, "sequence": null, "threadlocker": null, "source": { "title": "Mesa Tactical Telescoping Stock & Adapter Shotgun Conversion Kit — Assembly Guide (#47371 Rev II)", "publisher": "Mesa Tactical", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://mesatactical.com/content/manuals/47371_Stock_Adapter_Manual_rev_ii.pdf", "page": "PDF p. 10 of 16", "pdfPage": 10, "pageUrl": "https://mesatactical.com/content/manuals/47371_Stock_Adapter_Manual_rev_ii.pdf#page=10", "quote": "Mossberg 500: 20 foot pounds" } }, { "fastener": "Pistol grip screw (1/4-28 pan head, grip to adapter)", "appliesTo": "Mesa Tactical telescoping stock adapter kit on a Maverick 88", "qualifier": "exact", "value": 10, "valueMax": null, "unit": "ft-lb", "converted": { "value": { "N-m": 13.6, "in-lb": 120, "ft-lb": 10 }, "valueMax": null }, "sequence": null, "threadlocker": "None — 'Do not use Loctite on the pistol grip screw.'", "source": { "title": "Mesa Tactical Telescoping Stock & Adapter Shotgun Conversion Kit — Assembly Guide (#47371 Rev II)", "publisher": "Mesa Tactical", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://mesatactical.com/content/manuals/47371_Stock_Adapter_Manual_rev_ii.pdf", "page": "PDF p. 9 of 16", "pdfPage": 9, "pageUrl": "https://mesatactical.com/content/manuals/47371_Stock_Adapter_Manual_rev_ii.pdf#page=9", "quote": "If you have a torque wrench, tighten the fastener to 10 foot pounds." } } ], "notes": "The manufacturer's documents give no torque value. They say: \"Slide the barrel into the receiver and tighten the takedown screw, finger tight only. DO NOT use pliers or a wrench to tighten the takedown screw.\" (Owner's Manual for Maverick 88 and 91 Models (doc 13002), PDF p. 5) \"Using Allen wrench supplied, tighten bolt very snugly.\" (Owner's Manual for Maverick 88 and 91 Models (doc 13002), PDF p. 20)" }, { "id": "function-check", "title": "Function check", "checks": [ "Verify the shotgun is unloaded — chamber and magazine tube — before each step.", "Cycle the action fully. It should run smoothly without binding and lock closed.", "With the action closed and the hammer cocked, engage the safety and press the trigger. The hammer must not fall.", "Disengage the safety and press the trigger. The hammer should fall.", "With the hammer down, confirm the action will not open until the action release is pressed.", "Load two dummy shells into the magazine and confirm they feed and eject cleanly, one per cycle." ], "videos": [] } ], "troubleshooting": [], "sources": [ { "n": 1, "id": null, "title": "Maverick Model 88 Owner’s Manual", "publisher": "Maverick Arms / O.F. Mossberg & Sons", "reliability": "primary", "url": null, "accessed": null }, { "n": 2, "id": "o-f-mossberg-sons-inc-766cf3", "title": "How to Install The FLEX Stock Adapter (Mossberg Journal, video transcript)", "publisher": "O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://resources.mossberg.com/journal/how-to-install-flex", "accessed": "2026-09-27" }, { "n": 3, "id": "o-f-mossberg-sons-inc-3dc74f", "title": "Owner's Manual for Maverick 88 and 91 Models (doc 13002)", "publisher": "O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/manuals/13002-Maverick-88-91.pdf", "accessed": "2026-09-27" }, { "n": 4, "id": "magpul-industries-f95f9b", "title": "Magpul MAG508 Forward Sling Mount – Remington 870 & Mossberg 500/590 — Installation Instructions", "publisher": "Magpul Industries", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://magpul.com/media/wysiwyg/Instructions/MAG508_SGA_Forward_Sling_Mount_Rem_Moss_INSRT.pdf", "accessed": "2026-10-11" }, { "n": 5, "id": "mesa-tactical-a8b755", "title": "Mesa Tactical Telescoping Stock & Adapter Shotgun Conversion Kit — Assembly Guide (#47371 Rev II)", "publisher": "Mesa Tactical", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://mesatactical.com/content/manuals/47371_Stock_Adapter_Manual_rev_ii.pdf", "accessed": "2026-10-11" }, { "n": 6, "id": "tier-df7173c3", "title": "Seeking help from someone who owns a Mossberg 500 in the Bay Area", "publisher": "Calguns.net", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://www.calguns.net/forum/general-discussion/general-gun-discussions/910351-seeking-help-someone-own-mossberg-500-in-bay-area?p=21089362", "accessed": "2026-10-29" }, { "n": 7, "id": "tier-d572986f", "title": "The Mossberg Model 500: History & Disassembly", "publisher": "American Rifleman (NRA)", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/the-mossberg-model-500-history-disassembly", "accessed": "2026-10-29" }, { "n": 8, "id": "tier-9e8a8a63", "title": "TM 9-1005-338-13&P", "publisher": "Department of the Army", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://archive.org/download/16-manuali-duso-e-manutenzione-per-armi-specifiche-use-and-maintenance-manuals-f_20230430/ARMY%20TM%209-1005-338-13%26P%20Technical%20Manual%20for%20Mossberg%2012-Gauge%20Shotgun%20Model%20500%2C%20590%20-%20May%202005.pdf", "accessed": "2026-10-29" } ] }