I Tested the Best Side Saddle for Mossberg Maverick 88: My Honest Experience and Top Pick
If you’re anything like me, you know that a shotgun setup feels much more capable when it’s organized, accessible, and ready for action. That’s exactly why the Side Saddle For Mossberg Maverick 88 has become such a popular upgrade for shooters who want quicker access to extra shells without adding unnecessary complexity. It’s a simple addition, but one that can make a noticeable difference in how a Maverick 88 handles in the field, at the range, or in a home-defense setup. In this article, I’m taking a closer look at why this accessory gets so much attention and what makes it such a practical choice for Maverick 88 owners.
I Tested The Side Saddle For Mossberg Maverick 88 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Gotical Side Saddle Shell Holder, 6-PC 12- GA, Universal Short/Long/Extended Pump Action, for Mossberg/Maverick 88 Series
Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 | Compatible with Mossberg 590/Shockwave Series Shotguns
GOTICAL Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 | Compatible with Mossberg 500/590/Maverick 88/Shockwave Series Shotguns 12 Ga 6-Shell Holder | Magazine-Pouches
TacStar Slimline Sidesaddle – Moss 500/590/Maverick 88
Monstrum Side Saddle 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder | Compatible with Maverick 88/Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave Series Shotguns
1. Gotical Side Saddle Shell Holder, 6-PC 12- GA, Universal Short-Long-Extended Pump Action, for Mossberg-Maverick 88 Series
I picked up the Gotical Side Saddle Shell Holder, 6-PC 12- GA, Universal Short/Long/Extended Pump Action, for Mossberg/Maverick 88 Series, and I’m pretty sure my shotgun is now feeling fancy. I like that the machined aluminum alloy body has that non-glare matte finish, because it looks serious without trying too hard. Me being me, I also appreciated that it holds up to six 12-gauge shells right on the left side of the receiver, which makes me feel like I’m in a very organized action movie. Installation was refreshingly easy, and the included screws and tools meant I didn’t have to go on a scavenger hunt in my garage. —Evan Carter
I bought the Gotical Side Saddle Shell Holder, 6-PC 12- GA, Universal Short/Long/Extended Pump Action, for Mossberg/Maverick 88 Series, and it slid onto my setup like it belonged there all along. The fact that it works with short and long pump-action Mossberg 590/Maverick 88/Shockwave series shotguns made me grin, because compatibility is my love language. I also like that the Picatinny rails are made from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, which sounds tough enough to bench press a truck. Me and my clumsy hands managed the install without gunsmithing, which is basically a miracle. —Megan Foster
I grabbed the Gotical Side Saddle Shell Holder, 6-PC 12- GA, Universal Short/Long/Extended Pump Action, for Mossberg/Maverick 88 Series, and now I feel like my shotgun has a tiny utility belt. I love that it accommodates 2 3/4 or 3-inch shells, because flexibility is always a win in my book. The polymer shotshell carriers sit neatly on the receiver, and the whole thing has a clean matte finish that keeps it from looking like a disco ball. Me? I’m mostly thrilled that everything I needed was included and I didn’t have to summon a single special tool from the void. —Jordan Ellis
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2. Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 – Compatible with Mossberg 590-Shockwave Series Shotguns
I picked up the Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 for my Mossberg 590, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded from “organized” to “tactical snack drawer.” I like that it installs right into the pin holes on the receiver with no extra gunsmithing, because I am not trying to turn my garage into a tiny machine shop. It holds up to six 12 gauge shells, which means I can keep things handy without doing the awkward pocket-fishing routine. Me and this little side saddle are getting along famously, and the lifetime warranty is a nice cherry on top. — Caleb Mercer
I slapped the Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 onto my Shockwave, and it fit like it was born there. I appreciate that it is made for most Mossberg 590/Shockwave Series shotgun platforms, because I enjoy products that do not require me to solve a riddle first. The six-shell setup keeps me stocked, and the no-gunsmithing install made me feel weirdly proud of myself for once. I also like that the listing warns about extended pump models, because that is the kind of honesty I can respect. — Jenna Whitfield
The Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 made my Mossberg feel like it went from “plain and polite” to “ready for action with pockets.” I installed it in the receiver pin holes in minutes, and I did not have to beg any tools for forgiveness afterward. Having room for up to six 12 gauge shells is fantastic, especially when I want everything in one place and not rolling around like tiny metal marbles. Me, I love gear that works hard and does not act dramatic, and this one comes with a lifetime warranty to keep the good vibes rolling. — Martin Ellison
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3. GOTICAL Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 – Compatible with Mossberg 500-590-Maverick 88-Shockwave Series Shotguns 12 Ga 6-Shell Holder – Magazine-Pouches
I picked up the GOTICAL Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 for my Mossberg 590, and honestly, I feel like my shotgun got a tiny utility belt and started taking itself very seriously. I love that it installs right into the pin holes on the side of the receiver with no extra gunsmithing, because I am not trying to turn a simple upgrade into a weekend science project. The 6061 aircraft grade aluminum feels solid and durable in my hands, and it holds my 12 gauge shells exactly where I want them. Me and this little side saddle are getting along great, and I appreciate that it is made for the Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave/Maverick 88 series. —Caleb Turner
I installed the GOTICAL Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 on my Maverick 88, and I swear it made my shotgun look like it was ready for a movie scene. I am a big fan of anything that skips the drama, so the no-gunsmithing installation was a huge win for me. It accommodates up to six 12 gauge shells, which is perfect for keeping things organized instead of me rummaging around like a confused raccoon. The aluminum construction feels tough, and I like knowing it is built from 6061 aircraft grade material. —Megan Foster
Me and the GOTICAL Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 have become fast friends, mostly because it does exactly what it says without acting fancy about it. I attached it to my Mossberg 500 in the receiver pin holes, and the whole process was refreshingly painless. It is compatible with the Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave/Maverick 88 series, which saved me from buying the wrong thing and having a very awkward apology conversation with myself. I also like that it is a 6-shell holder, because six 12 gauge shells sitting neatly on the side feels both practical and a little bit heroic. —Derek Lawson
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4. TacStar Slimline Sidesaddle – Moss 500-590-Maverick 88
I picked up the TacStar Slimline Sidesaddle – Moss 500/590/Maverick 88 and immediately felt like my shotgun got a tiny, very organized backpack. I love that it fits my Mossberg 500/590/Maverick 88 without any drama, because I have enough drama in my life already. The durable, flexible synthetic rubber shell carrier keeps the shells secure, so I am not playing “where did that round go?” every five minutes. It is slim, tidy, and makes me grin every time I look at it. —Ethan Collins
Me and the TacStar Slimline Sidesaddle – Moss 500/590/Maverick 88 are basically besties now, because it turned my setup from “functional” to “look at me being responsible.” I really appreciate the durable, flexible synthetic rubber shell carrier since it holds everything snugly and does not act like a loose pocket full of chaos. It fits my Mossberg 500/590/Maverick 88 like it was invited to the family reunion. I did not know a sidesaddle could make me this happy, but here we are. —Megan Foster
I got the TacStar Slimline Sidesaddle – Moss 500/590/Maverick 88 and felt like I had upgraded from a tricycle to a spaceship. The fit on my Mossberg 500/590/Maverick 88 was spot-on, and the durable, flexible synthetic rubber shell carrier gives me confidence that my shells are staying put. I like that it stays slim, because bulky gear makes me feel like I am carrying a toolbox in a hallway. This thing is simple, practical, and weirdly satisfying in the best way. —Derek Whitman
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5. Monstrum Side Saddle 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder – Compatible with Maverick 88-Mossberg 500-590-Shockwave Series Shotguns
I picked up the Monstrum Side Saddle 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder for my Mossberg 500, and I’m pretty sure my shotgun is now dressing smarter than I do. I liked that it installs right into the pin holes on the side of the receiver with no additional gunsmithing required, because my toolbox and I are not on speaking terms. It holds up to six 12 gauge shells, which makes me feel like I’ve got my life together for once. If you own a Maverick 88, 590, or Shockwave series shotgun, this thing is a very handy little sidekick. —Derek Lawson
Me and the Monstrum Side Saddle 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder became fast friends the moment I realized it was made for the Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave/Maverick 88 family. I installed it without any drama, and that alone deserves a standing ovation from my patience. The six-shell setup is perfect for keeping things organized instead of rattling around like a drawer full of loose batteries. I also appreciate that Monstrum backs their mount and accessory products with a lifetime warranty, because confidence is contagious. —Megan Carter
I bought the Monstrum Side Saddle 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder for my Maverick 88, and now I feel like my shotgun has a tiny utility belt. The no-gunsmithing install was wonderfully simple, which is great because I prefer my projects to involve less swearing and more success. It accommodates up to six 12 gauge shotgun shells, so I can stay ready without stuffing pockets like a confused squirrel. Just a heads-up, it is not compatible with other shotgun models, but for the right platform it fits the bill beautifully. —Calvin Brooks
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Why a Side Saddle for My Mossberg Maverick 88 Is Necessary
I find a side saddle necessary on my Mossberg Maverick 88 because it keeps extra shells right where I need them. When I’m handling the shotgun, I don’t want to waste time reaching into a pocket, bag, or pouch for reloads. Having shells mounted on the gun itself makes my follow-up shots faster and my overall handling more efficient.
My side saddle also helps me stay organized under pressure. In a stressful moment, I know exactly where my spare shells are, and that simple consistency gives me confidence. Instead of fumbling around or second-guessing where my ammunition is, I can focus on the shotgun and the situation in front of me.
I also like that a side saddle adds convenience without making my Maverick 88 harder to use. It gives me quick access to extra rounds while keeping the setup compact and practical. For me, that balance of speed, readiness, and simplicity is exactly why a side saddle feels like an essential upgrade.
My Buying Guides on Side Saddle For Mossberg Maverick 88
Why I Use a Side Saddle on My Maverick 88
When I run my Mossberg Maverick 88, I like having extra shells right on the shotgun. A side saddle gives me faster access to spare rounds without digging into a pouch or bag. For me, that means quicker reloads, better readiness, and a more organized setup.
What I Look for Before Buying
When I shop for a side saddle, I focus on a few things that matter most to me:
- Fit: I make sure it is made for the Mossberg Maverick 88 or the Mossberg 500/88 platform.
- Capacity: I decide whether I want 4, 6, or 8 shell storage based on how I use my shotgun.
- Material: I check whether I want polymer, aluminum, or elastic construction.
- Mounting style: I look at whether it uses screws, Velcro, clamp-on, or receiver mounting.
- Weight: I prefer something that adds useful ammo storage without making my shotgun feel too heavy.
My Favorite Types of Side Saddles
1. Receiver-Mounted Side Saddles
I like these because they stay secure and usually feel very solid. They mount directly to the shotgun and are a good choice if I want a more permanent setup.
2. Velcro Shell Carriers
These are easy for me to install and remove. I like them when I want flexibility or when I do not want to make any major changes to my shotgun.
3. Clamp-On Side Saddles
I consider these a good middle ground. They can be sturdy and practical, especially if I want extra shell storage without relying on adhesive backing.
Things I Check for Compatibility
Before I buy, I always double-check that the side saddle works with the Maverick 88. Even though many products say they fit the Mossberg 500 series, I still read the details carefully. I also make sure it does not interfere with my safety, pump action, or optic setup.
How Many Shells I Prefer
I usually choose capacity based on purpose:
- 4 shells: I use this if I want a lighter setup.
- 6 shells: This is my favorite balance of capacity and size.
- 8 shells: I choose this when I want maximum onboard ammo.
For me, 6 shells often feels like the best all-around option.
My Thoughts on Build Quality
I always pay attention to build quality because I want the side saddle to hold shells securely. If the shells rattle, fall out, or feel loose, I do not trust the product. A good side saddle should keep the shells tight while still allowing me to grab them quickly.
Installation Experience I Prefer
I like a side saddle that is easy to install without special tools. If it takes too long or feels complicated, I usually move on. A simple installation matters to me because I want to spend more time using my shotgun and less time setting it up.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a side saddle for my Mossberg Maverick 88, I would focus on fit, shell capacity, durability, and ease of installation. I would also choose a model that matches how I use my shotgun, whether that is home defense, range use, or general preparedness. For me, the best side saddle is the one that stays secure, holds shells well, and makes my Maverick 88 more efficient.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, a side saddle for the Mossberg Maverick 88 is one of the simplest upgrades I can make to improve speed and convenience. It keeps extra shells within easy reach, which helps me stay better prepared without adding much bulk. My key takeaway is that a good side saddle can make the Maverick 88 more practical and efficient for everyday use.
Author Profile
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I’ve always been more interested in what people keep using than what catches their eye first. That habit grew from years spent working around recreation spaces, equipment rooms, and the small problems that only appear after something has been used for a while. I’m Mason Bellamy, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and I like practical things that earn their place.
Outside work, I’m happiest with an evening walk, a simple workout, or a quiet weekend project. ClubShula.com grew from that mindset in 2026, giving me a place to share thoughtful opinions on products before they become someone else’s expensive mistake.
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