Tag Archives: security

Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 12gauge

February 12, 2026Product review, Shooting hardware12 gauge, maverick, maverick 88, mossberg, securitycoldboremiracle

Introduction

Among the many popular entry level shotguns you will find the venerable Mossberg Maverick 88. Maverick is a subsidiary of O.F. Mossberg, The brand offers lower cost firearms than the parent company, giving a more affordable option to many. Today we are looking at the Maverick 88 Security model, we will review the gun and see how it measures up to our expectations.

mossberg, maverick, maverick 88, 12 gauge, security — Fresh out of the box!

Mossberg Maverick 88 Specifications

Gauge	12-Gauge
Action Type	Pump-Action
Chamber	3-inch
Barrel Length	20-inch
Finish	Blued
Choke	Cylinder Bore
Capacity	7+1
Length	41-inches
Length of Pull	14.5-inches
Sight	Single Bead
Stock Material	Synthetic Black Polymer
Weight	6.5 Pounds

Mossberg Maverick 88 History

The 88 comes from the year 1988 when it started production. Copying the design of Mossberg’s model 500, the Maverick 88 shares a great deal of parts with it. Mossberg design goes back much further than the fabulous 1980’s, all the way to the company’s founding in 1919. Based in Connecticut, the O.F. Mossberg company manufactured a variety of firearms and parts over the many years. Including during the war periods making parts for firearms beyond their own.

During the post-war period, Mossberg made a big name for itself manufacturing various shotguns. This included new designs such as bolt-action and lever action shotguns. It was during this time the incredibly successful Model 500 was released. Since 1962 the Model 500 has been a stalwart in the lineup of pump-action shotguns, arguably a rival against the extremely popular Remington 870. With more models sold over a shorter period of time.

mossberg, maverick, maverick 88, 12 gauge, security, stock, trigger guard, — the compact Maverick 88 was quick to get on target

In more recent history during my own lifetime, Mossberg has rekindled their production of rifles. They have manufactured both lever-action rifles as well as bolt-action rifles like the very popular Mossberg Patriot line of rifles. But true to their shotgun roots, they also in recent decades brought the Model 930 semi-auto shotgun to market as well. It’s all quite the pedigree for Mossberg, and an American legacy I hope continues on.

Maverick 88 Features

Pump-Action- reliable and simple operation for everyday use
7+1 or 5+1 capacity- high capacity tube magazine for defensive situations
Compatible with Model 500- Allowing users to use the huge aftermarket support
Compact size- the short length and weight makes it very portable
Three-Inch Chamber- to accept a wide variety of ammunition
Improved Cylinder Barrel- Simple barrel with versatile shot pattern

note controls around trigger guard

Additional Maverick 88 Models

The Maverick 88 is available in a variety of models, in both 12 and 20-gauge. And there are also 6 and 8-shot magazine lengths though it appears the barrels aren’t interchangeable between the 6-round and 8-round models.

mossberg, maverick, maverick 88, 12 gauge, security, stock, trigger guard, muzzle, magazine tube, — muzzle details, including the front sling stud

Various patterns are available across the different models as well, with camouflage and other colored synthetic stocks. There is also a folding stock security and slug-gun models.

Mossberg Maverick 88 Review

As a copy of the Mossberg 500, I was expecting the Maverick 88 to be both reliable and familiar. There is plenty of other data on the 88, in fact it has been tested and even tortured extensively over the last few decades. All this to say, I expected the Maverick to perform well.

My experience shooting the Maverick involved a variety of typical shotgun drills. We shot some airborne clays, as well as stationary targets. Both on the range and in the field the Maverick was fun and easy to enjoy.

Shootability

The Maverick 88’s controls are simple and easy. The cross block safety is at the front of the trigger guard, and the action release is just behind it. Both are easily reached with the trigger finger. Out of the box the Maverick was a touch stiffer than I expected, but it didn’t take long to get it broken in.

mossberg, maverick, maverick 88, 12 gauge, security, stock, trigger guard, youth,

The compact size of the 88 made it easy to handle and get on target, even for some of the kids. The same could be said for the light weight of the Maverick. Airborne targets proved to be slightly harder than I was used to, probably because I am used to looking down a rib. The shorter barrel made the Maverick seem louder than the other guns we were shooting, but I expect that is just from the shooter’s perspective.

Reliability

There is a huge spread of millions of Mavericks in circulation, I don’t expect it is due to poor function. On our first trip out, we shot nearly half a case of ammo through the Maverick 88, both Winchester and Remington 1-⅛ ounce loads. Everything shot equally well, and we had zero malfunctions of any kind. Loading the gun through the ejection port singly or feeding from the mag the gun worked flawlessly. I did shoot just a few 3-inch loads that I had, and they also cycled fine.

mossberg, maverick, maverick 88, 12 gauge, security, stock, trigger guard, disassembly,

Accuracy

Accuracy with shotguns is more about patterns than groups. The fixed choke of the barrel as an improved cylinder took away some ability to customize patterns. But this is mainly a defensive shotgun, which is less likely to be used for bird hunting or other typical shotgun practices. The standard versions of the Maverick 88 are sure to use the standard interchangeable choke like the Mossberg 500. So it’s not entirely surprising or unreasonable. We did use some heavier loads, with bigger shot like one would use in a defensive situation. And at inside-the-house ranges they were quite potent, putting all the BB’s into what would be a defensive target. God help those on the other end of a shotgun.

Ergonomics

The simple stock of the Maverick is comfortable and useful, there’s not a lot of frills involved. The rubber recoil pad does well reducing the felt recoil, but there’s not much else to it. The foregrip has an easy texture to hold on to with deep grooves. Though I think I would prefer something slightly less aggressive.The brass bead on top of the muzzle was easy to find with my cheek on the stock.

Value

The Maverick 88 offers exceptional value. The market for sub-four-hundred dollar shotguns is filled with a wide variety of options, and the Maverick is quite a contender with its price.The MSRP is only $290, and can often be had for much less. I’m surprised you can even make a gun for that cheap, much less make any money on it.

Not only is the Maverick low-cost, it still has the decade tested and proven design that churns through shotshells. This makes the Maverick a strong option for those looking to spend less, but still want a shotgun they can rely on and use heavily.

mossberg, maverick, maverick 88, 12 gauge, security, stock, trigger guard, trap, clays,

Pros and Cons

I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised by some of the finished parts and coating of the Maverick based on its price. You know you are looking at a low cost shotgun, and that’s not to knock the Maverick. But you know what you got when it comes to cost.

That said, the gun just works, as designed and it does it well, cycling through box after box of ammunition. Its simple and reliable function promise years of service. Disassembling the Maverick 88 after shooting was quite simple, and it helped give good insight to how the gun is both made and assembled. The steel stamped and machined parts all looked uniform and good quality.

Report Card

Shootability (B+) Its simple and straight to the point, not a lot of embellishments

Reliability (A) Its a pump shotgun, it either works or is broken

Accuracy (A-) For defensive use, its great (not really a bird gun)

Ergonomics (B+) Very simple, not much to play with or adjust

Value (A) Hard to beat this for a defensive shotgun

Preferred Ammunition

We shot a variety of Remington Gun Club and Winchester trap loads through the Maverick. As a defensive shotgun you are more likely to shoot defensive loads like Fiocchi Defense Dynamics or Hornady Black, both using buckshot. But the Maverick seemed to chew through everything we put in it.

Upgrades and Accessories

A defensive shotgun like the Maverick 88 should probably have a good sling to keep it close. The front and rear sling mounting studs allow you to use just about any one you’d like. One like this Specter Gear 2-point sling might be perfect.

Another popular accessory for defensive shotguns is an extra shell holder. This six round shell holder from GG&G appears to be quite nice, but there are other more affordable options.

Last Thoughts on the Mossberg Maverick 88

Whether used as a defense weapon or as just a recreational shotgun, the Maverick 88 is a handy and fun little gun to shoot. It is quite reliable, and inexpensive to boot. It’s easily customized with aftermarket support for both the 88 and its Mossberg 500 relative. With so many of them out there, you can rest assured that it will be around for a while too.

-CBM

Onnais Defender EDC SE Wall Mount Gun Lock Pistol Handgun Safe

July 24, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewdefender edc, defender edc se, gun lock, gun safe, onnais, safe, securitycoldboremiracle

Preface

If you read my previous article about the Onnais Security Safe, you might feel a little bit of Deja vu. All these amazing little technological gadgets keep working their way into our lives, simplifying tasks and supposedly improving things. Today I am bringing you another one of those products from Onnais, but this one is a little different. The Onnais Defender EDC SE gun lock is designed to keep your handgun close and ready should you need it.

ONNAIS Defender EDC SE Wall Mount Gun Lock Pistol Handgun Safe,

The Onnais Defender

Much like the other products made by Onnais, the Defender EDC gun lock is made to keep handguns secure. Lets be honest though, most of these devices can be circumvented or destroyed. This product is the same way, someone with the right tools and time could break into this product. But in my opinion that isn’t what it’s for.

The Onnais Defender in my opinion is made to keep honest people honest, and keep kids away from danger. It might not keep a dedicated thief from doing his thing. But it will certainly keep kids and other unauthorized users from accessing your gun.

The Defender functions much like a holster, it uses a rubber lined cradle to support your handgun. A set of metal claws secure the pistol by its trigger-guard, covering both the trigger, mag-release, and slide lock (on most guns). It is made to be attached to a wall or other firm foundation to prevent moving.

ONNAIS Defender EDC SE Wall Mount Gun Lock Pistol Handgun Safe, mounting bracket, shadow systems, dr920, — the Defender mounted to a bed-frame, keeping my **Shadow Systems DR920** handy

The electronic components of the Defender uses some great technology to grant you quick access. With triple security points using electronic key-pad, a fingerprint scan, and a manual key to allow access. With programmable code, and multiple fingerprint scans from multiple users, you are in control of who can remove the pistol. And the fall back security of a key should the electronics fail.

Setup Of the Onnais Defender

It took me a moment to get the controls figured out, but the included instructions are handy. And if that’s not enough, there are some great videos on youtube explaining how to do it. You can start by setting up a code for the keypad, you can select and change the code any time.

After setting the code, you can add a fingerprint scan for even quicker access. I entered one finger from both hands so I don’t even have to put down my drink while gaining access. I also added my wife’s fingerprint as well so she too has access.

Mounting

The mounting bracket is included with the device. And allows you to screw the bracket to a large piece of furniture, bed frame or wall. Again, much like the device itself, the bracket is robust enough to prevent unauthorized access. But probably won’t stop the crowbar of a thief. Once the bracket is mounted, you can attach the Defender to it. It can be removed and attached with ease as it slides into a dovetail mount, making it a quick job to charge the battery every few months.

Operation

To lock your pistol, you simply set it in the rubber cradle, then push down on the locking lever on the left side. This compressed the pistol slightly into the rubber while the jaws pull tight against the trigger guard.

ONNAIS Defender EDC SE Wall Mount Gun Lock Pistol Handgun Safe, ruger, rxm pistol, — The Ruger RXM and several other Glock 19 clones fit well

To remove the pistol, you use either of the three unlocking methods. The fingerprint is the fastest, with a gentle touch there is a beep and a green light illuminates around the pad. The keypad also beeps and illuminated blue while entering the code. When the last number is keyed, a green light is shown and the locking jaws snap open.

The key entry is done from the bottom of the device, and releases the jaws with no beeps or lights. Just a click as the jaws release.

Pros and Cons

The pros of this device are pretty clear; it gives you incredibly fast access to your firearm while preventing others from the same. It allows you the ability to safely leave a pistol in condition 1 or better, so its ready if you need it. It fits a wide variety of handguns, and is affordable enough you can get more than one unit for various locations in your home or vehicles if desired. It’s easy to set up, and has redundancy built in for access. The buttons to reset and program the device are obscured under the pistol unless it is unlocked.

There are a couple things I guess you could call down sides though I think its fair to say they are good compromises. While it does secure your handgun, a serious delinquent could defeat the device with enough time and a few tools. So I guess I would only want to use this device in controlled conditions like a home, office, or personal vehicle.

Another thing I wish the Defender EDC would allow is the use of a weapon light. I expect many people outfit their EDC pistol with a light, and it would make sense for a home defensive pistol to have one. But I also understand that allowing the use of a weapon light with the Defender would add a layer of complexity or compromise. Making it either far more expensive with various options for different light models, or compromising it’s ability to secure the pistol if a specific weapon light wasn’t used.

Conclusion

All in all I think the Onnais Defender EDC SE gun lock is a great security device. While there are a few compromises, I think they are well worth it. Making it an affordable security option for folks who are always on the move, and usually with a handgun on them. It gives you the option to have immediate access to a hot handgun while also having the confidence that only you can get to it. That is well worth the $109 price in my opinion. Onnais was even kind enough to offer our readers a discount, so enter the code: Thecoldboremiracle when checking out.

-CBM

Onnais Iron SE Security Safe

March 9, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewgun safe, iron se, onnais, safe, securitycoldboremiracle

Introduction

Firearm security has always been an important subject, but these days it is more than just a safety issue. Our society has become both more sick and litigious, with ambulance chasing lawyers going after gun owners and manufacturers alike. Nobody likes hearing about firearm related accidents or thefts, and the best way to combat these issues is security and education. Today we are going to talk about a security product that makes keeping your handgun both ready and secure. The Onnais Iron SE security safe is a lockbox to keep your handgun safe and secure without giving up readiness.

large handguns like this **Staccato XC** fit snuggly in the Iron SE safe

Having a quick access to your firearm can be a life or death situation, but so can having an unsecured firearm. Products like the Iron SE are made to balance that situation, making it both simple to access your gun, but extremely difficult for the wrong person to gain access.

The Onnais Iron SE Security Safe

The Iron SE safe from Onnais is a steel lock box that uses both a biometric fingerprint to unlock, or a code you can punch in to gain access. It also comes with a hard set of keys that can also be used. The steel box is lined with foam to prevent scratching your firearms, and also has a nice little built-in night light for when its dark.

The electronic parts of the safe are pretty simple, and easily set up using either the included instruction booklet or you can scan a QR code to watch a video on how to do it. Also included is a cable you can use to secure the safe to something to prevent it being moved. There are also holes through the bottom of the box, that allow you to attach the safe to another surface with bolts or something.

security cable allows you to attach the safe to something imobile

The box has a nice durable finish, and is fairly low profile. It would easily tuck under your bed or nightstand. Or anywhere else like a vehicle or tool box.

Security Safe Setup

It literally took me a couple minutes to get the safe programmed and setup to my liking. Following the directions to setup are simple, and there are audible beeps to let you know when you’ve done the process right or wrong. It requires installing four AA batteries inside for operation, but there is also a USB-C jack in the front that you can use to power the safe should the batteries go dead.

Having three ways to get into the safe is a good feeling, using your fingerprint is the fastest with just a beep before the lid slowly springs open. Or you can punch in a 5-15 digit code into the keypad with the same result. And the keys are always a failsafe option should the others fail.

Once set up, I was quite pleased with how easy it is to quickly get into the safe.

Pros and Cons

As someone who has a lot of guns, (an indeterminant amount of guns for any ATF agent reading this) I can really appreciate having a safe like this around. If you have children or untrustworthy adults around, its nice to have the ability to quickly secure and gain access to your pistol. The Iron SE safe gives you the ability to have a pistol in firing condition handy and yet secure. If you are talking about Glock 19 size pistols or smaller, you can even fit multiple pistols in the safe.

the **Ruger RXM** and **PSA Dagger pistols** fit together in the safe

The access and setup are easy enough for even folks without a lot of tech experience, but you’ll need at least one finger. I wouldn’t mind having the larger version of the safe, so there is room for both his and her pistols inside. But perhaps having more than one safe would be better.

If I had to critique anything on the safe, I’d first throw out this caveat. I’ve often heard people say; padlocks only keep honest people honest. And I think that’s the idea behind this safe. Anyone with time and a few tools could break into this box with enough effort. But it is more than enough to keep children or nosey adults out of your business.

All that said, I think for the $66 dollars that you can purchase this safe, its easily a good buy. Well worth the money knowing that your pistol is out of reach to casual passers by. The manufacturer was even kind enough to offer you a discount if you are reading this.

enter code: Thecoldboremiracle at checkout for a discount

Final Thoughts

Part of me wants to get a couple more of these safes, to be able to secure hot pistols wherever I want in my home and office. Easy and secure access to a pistol is a way of life for many people, and this safe makes it even easier. With various ways of access that are all pretty easy, and you can buy it at a very reasonable cost.