Mossberg Maverick 88 20 gauge cruiser project. Home defense on a budget, with a common shotgun.

Published on December 30, 2021
Duration: 18:07

This video details a budget-friendly DIY project to convert a standard Maverick 88 20 gauge shotgun into a 'cruiser' style home defense firearm. The presenter demonstrates how to shorten the barrel to 18.5 inches by cutting and filing, remove the vent rib, and apply cold bluing for a finished look. The project also covers installing aftermarket grips and accessories like a side saddle, emphasizing cost-effectiveness for a functional home defense weapon.

Quick Summary

Converting a Maverick 88 20 gauge into a budget home defense shotgun involves shortening the barrel to 18.5 inches, removing the vent rib, and applying cold bluing. This DIY approach, along with adding a pistol grip and side saddle, offers a cost-effective way to create a functional defensive firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Disclaimer and Introduction
  2. 00:20Unboxing the Maverick 88
  3. 01:38Initial Assessment of the Shotgun
  4. 01:50Project Plans: Cruiser Conversion
  5. 03:01Barrel Modification Strategy
  6. 03:58Measuring the Original Barrel
  7. 04:16Vent Rib Removal Process
  8. 05:03Barrel Cutting and Reaming Techniques
  9. 05:29Example of a Previous Barrel Modification (410)
  10. 06:43Vent Rib Removal Challenges
  11. 07:07Finished Barrel After Filing and Bluing
  12. 07:44Final Barrel Appearance
  13. 08:36Culmination of the Project: Cruiser Shotgun
  14. 09:30Detailed Breakdown of Modifications
  15. 10:12Barrel Cutting and Filing Process Explained
  16. 11:01Comparison to Previous 410 Modification
  17. 11:35Sights for Cruiser Shotguns
  18. 11:45Installing the Truglo Fiber Optic Sight
  19. 12:34Grip and Ammunition Configuration
  20. 13:24Magazine Capacity and Ammunition Types
  21. 14:20Hogue Tamer Grip Features
  22. 14:42Considering a Bird's Head Grip
  23. 15:08Total Project Cost Breakdown
  24. 16:23Forearm Options and Decision
  25. 17:07Final Shotgun Configuration
  26. 17:24Closing Remarks and Political Commentary

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I convert a Maverick 88 20 gauge into a home defense shotgun on a budget?

You can convert a Maverick 88 20 gauge into a budget home defense shotgun by shortening the barrel to 18.5 inches, removing the vent rib, and applying cold bluing. Adding a pistol grip or bird's head grip and a side saddle further enhances its home defense capabilities while keeping costs low.

What is the legal minimum barrel length for a shotgun in the US?

In the United States, the legal minimum barrel length for a shotgun to not be classified as a Short Barreled Shotgun (SBS) under the National Firearms Act (NFA) is 18 inches. However, many states adopt 18.5 inches as the practical minimum for civilian ownership without special registration.

Is it difficult to remove the vent rib from a shotgun barrel?

Removing a vent rib can range in difficulty. Some methods involve brute force, channel locks, or careful chiseling. The process can leave marks on the barrel, which can then be filed smooth and re-blued for a finished appearance.

What are the advantages of a bird's head grip on a shotgun?

Bird's head grips are often preferred for their perceived reduction in felt recoil compared to pistol grips. They are designed to push the shooter's hand backward with the gun's motion, potentially making the shotgun more manageable during recoil.

Related News

All News →

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Cranky Gun Reviews

View all →