r/canadaguns May 15 '26

Gun and gear reviews Maverick 88 capacity restriction

I’m new to shotguns so forgive my ignorance. Why is there a wooden stick inside the loading tube to restrict the amount of shells you can load? As I understand it, at its full capacity, it’s legal. Do the overwhelming amount of people buying them want the capacity limited to 2+1?

24 Upvotes

10 comments sorted by

52

u/Lpokie May 15 '26

It's a plug for hunting. Most (or a lot) of jurisdictions limit to 2rounds in the magazine for bird hunting.

1

u/Jimlobster May 15 '26

In Ontario it’s required for all hunting if you’re using a shotgun

35

u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 May 15 '26

If you are not hunting, take it out.

If you are hunting, put the stick back in.

10

u/BigheadReddit May 15 '26

This. Hunting for waterfowl / migratory game birds is restricted to 2+1 for semi-auto and pump action shotguns. It’s generally lawful to use a plastic or wooden “plug” in the magazine tube to restrict the load wile hunting. This dates back to early 20th century in North America when ducks/ geese were hunted without restrictions. As stated earlier, many jurisdictions in Canada/ US use the 2+1 restriction. If you aren’t hunting, there are no restrictions for the magazine tube capacity for a pump action shotgun. However, the limit for semiautomatics is 5 in the magazine/ tube. I’m not sure about mag fed shotguns but it’s also likely 5.

2

u/Illustrious_Gene_284 May 15 '26

Thanks. Makes sense

15

u/-rifle-is-fine- May 15 '26

You got your answers, but I wanted to suggest taking Hunters Ed in your province.

Even if you don't hunt, I found it far more educational than the PAL course and it is certification in your pocket in case the Liberals come up with more stupid laws and everybody rushes to try and get certified before a particular date like the handgun freeze and RPAL.

I caught mine on sale along with getting my boat license I will probably never use but now have if I do.

1

u/swift_gilford May 15 '26

Short answer: hunting.