Okay, stupid question.

[Snerk]

So I decided to go and pick up a big 5 special today -- Maverick 88.

I've never fired a shotgun before, but I have fired other firearms. I understand the safety and how to load it and cycle rounds.

But my question is, do you want to make sure your finger is off of the slide lock when you fire? If you finger is on the slide lock, will the action snap open upon firing? Or is it just a safety mechanism to ensure that the slide cannot be worked without using both hands?

Thanks.

[olhunter]

Well, your finger has to be on the trigger to fire, so I'm not sure what you're asking.

[Snerk]

Well, your finger has to be on the trigger to fire, so I'm not sure what you're asking.

On the 88, the pump slide release is just behind the trigger guard, so your middle finger rests on it naturally.

I'm asking if I want to make sure my finger is off of the slide release, or if it doesn't matter.

[Johnny Lightning]

You mean the "disconnect". If the pump won't come back it's locked, because the action is cocked and the gun is ready to fire (if it's loaded and the safety is off). When you fire the gun the pump will unlock so that you can pump it again and put another shell in the chamber. You don't use the disconnect at all unless you need to unlock the pump so that you can eject a live shell and render the gun safe. The action will not snap back upon firing, you must pump the action yourself. So, when you fire the gun keep your finger off the disconnect. The Maverick 88 is a decent gun.

[Jet Setter]

IMO, if you are holding it correctly, your middle finger should not hit the release. However, once you fire, the slide automatically releases so you can rack the next round.

With a friend's 870, I always push forward on the handguard when I shoulder and fire. I have yet to accidentally open the action. YMMV

[Johnny Lightning]

Oh, one more thing. There are no stupid questions when it comes to guns. I remember being a teenager and hanging around gun shops desperate to get any knowledge I could, this was in the 70's, pre internet. I never did get a straight answer and those armchair commandos acted bored, indifferent, and irritated. Everybody thinks some answers are obvious, but they are not to everyone and that's ok. We have to all help each other out.

[olhunter]

I think you'll be fine.

When you shoot it, you'll see if it's going to be an issue. It won't.

Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, take a firm grip, chamber a round, fire it, rack the slide, fire another round, etc.

You'll see. It will be fine.

[Snerk]

You mean the "disconnect". If the pump won't come back it's locked, because the action is cocked and the gun is ready to fire (if it's loaded and the safety is off). When you fire the gun the pump will unlock so that you can pump it again and put another shell in the chamber. You don't use the disconnect at all unless you need to unlock the pump so that you can eject a live shell and render the gun safe. The action will not snap back upon firing, you must pump the action yourself. So, when you fire the gun keep your finger off the disconnect. The Maverick 88 is a decent gun.

IMO, if you are holding it correctly, your middle finger should not hit the release. However, once you fire, the slide automatically releases so you can rack the next round.

With a friend's 870, I always push forward on the handguard when I shoulder and fire. I have yet to accidentally open the action. YMMV

Thanks for the tips guys. So keep my middle finger off of it while firing. It felt really natural to hold it and reach that action compared to the Dickinson that I also held, where the disconnect was in front of the trigger guard. It was also $10 cheaper, I like the interchangeability with the 500 parts and this one holds 8+1.

[Snerk]

I think you'll be fine.

When you shoot it, you'll see if it's going to be an issue. It won't.

Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, take a firm grip, chamber a round, fire it, rack the slide, fire another round, etc.

You'll see. It will be fine.

Thank you.

Oh, one more thing. There are no stupid questions when it comes to guns. I remember being a teenager and hanging around gun shops desperate to get any knowledge I could, this was in the 70's, pre internet. I never did get a straight answer and those armchair commandos acted bored, indifferent, and irritated. Everybody thinks some answers are obvious, but they are not to everyone and that's ok. We have to all help each other out.

I have noticed some gun shop guys being kind of dickish. Though the last few places I've gone have been decent. I didn't think to ask the guy at Big 5 -- we were too wrapped up in talking about each of our own interest in milsurp rifles.

[ysr_racer]

Snerk, if you're unsure how to fire your weapon safely, PLEASE ask a range office where you're shooting it.

[Snerk]

Snerk, if you're unsure how to fire your weapon safely, PLEASE ask a range office where you're shooting it.

I haven't received it yet and thus haven't had the chance to read the manual.

Figured I'd ask Calguns so I can get at least a decent idea. Then once I actually get it, read the manual. That's usually enough considering that manuals have all of that information in there. but yes, if I still have questions, I don't hesitate to ask.

[winetoad]

All of the above are good hints. A trip to a range with a good instructor will help you a lot. Nothing like hands on instruction from qualified instructor to help you out. Check out the VOTMTC in Sonoma. Great place, friendly and helpful NRA instructors.

[fffblackmage]

Or maybe go to one of the skeet clinics (it's one of the stickies). There's no better place to learn how to shoot a shotgun.

[Snerk]

Or maybe go to one of the skeet clinics (it's one of the stickies). There's no better place to learn how to shoot a shotgun.

Good idea. Looks like I just missed the last one. I don't go that way often but I can drive to SJ for a full day of shooting and learning how to work this thing.

[Calico1404]

Never a stupid question.... Ask away! And answers you will receive! I have saved time and money asking questions.