How do you load a maverick 12 gauge?

Answer 1

You should definitely download the owner's manual for a Mossberg Model 500 (which is essentially the same gun, mechanically) from the Mossberg website, or the manual for the Maverick Model 88 from the Maverick Arms website. You could also use the "Contact" info on either site to call them and request an original (for free !!). That said, and having opened the action to make sure the chamber is empty, close the action, turn the gun upside-down and look into the front of the loading-port. You will see a round "plug" which is spring-loaded (give it a push with your finger, just to be sure it's moving freely). Insert a cartridge, plastic-end first, and push it in until the base is past the "catch". Repeat as required. The tubular magazine will hold five cartridges, but is usually "blocked" to hold only two, so as to be in compliance with hunting regulations. The owner's manual explains how to easily remove this plug to achieve full capacity. Once the magazine is loaded, you must depress the slide-lock, located at the rear of the triggerguard, and cycle ("pump") the slide, once, to load the chamber. Immediately engage the safety until ready to fire.

Hope this answers your question.

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