Post 64 Model 88 - Stock Checkering??
- Thread starter ronecol
- Start date
I agree, as that was one of the bench marks to discern a pre 64 from a post. Pre's had cut checkering, post stamped basket weave.
Was always my understanding and belief also. However, there is an 88 listed for sale and described as post 64 and photos clearly show cut checkering???
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1144983-308-winchester-model-88-lever-action
I have both pre-64 and post-64 Winchester model 100s both in 308 Win.
The model 100 is the semi version of the model 88 levergun.
The pre-64 has cut checkering and the post-64 has a pressed basket weave pattern on the tang cheeks and forearm.
There is no other discernible difference between the 2 rifles.
I think the model 88 leverguns followed the same paradigm.
I actually prefer the post-64 pressed basket weave.
They both shoot different hand loads 1 MOA (3-shot groups) or less at 100 yards.
And they don't like each others hand loads.
If I switch ammo the groups open up to almost 3".
Be careful with the stocks because they are next to impossible to find and are as expensive as the whole rifle if and when one is found and I don't know of any custom stock-maker that makes either 88 or 100 stocks.
The model 100 is the semi version of the model 88 levergun.
The pre-64 has cut checkering and the post-64 has a pressed basket weave pattern on the tang cheeks and forearm.
There is no other discernible difference between the 2 rifles.
I think the model 88 leverguns followed the same paradigm.
I actually prefer the post-64 pressed basket weave.
They both shoot different hand loads 1 MOA (3-shot groups) or less at 100 yards.
And they don't like each others hand loads.
If I switch ammo the groups open up to almost 3".
Be careful with the stocks because they are next to impossible to find and are as expensive as the whole rifle if and when one is found and I don't know of any custom stock-maker that makes either 88 or 100 stocks.
As I mentioned earlier get the serial number and check to see if it really is a post '64 Model 88. The seller might be mistaken.
If it is a post '64,then its a replacement stock or at the very least a 'found' early stock if the serial number indicates a Model 88 made at the end of the production run. Could be that Winchester had leftover stocks to use up.
Replacement after market stocks were made (by Boyds I think). I have seen an ad for such on the EE. But that was some time ago.
The 88 cracks at the magwell because the wood is thin there. It also cracks at the wrist on the early pre '64 88s that have the 'four leaf clover' receiver. From his pics the seller's 88 doesn't seem to have that type of receiver.
If it is a post '64,then its a replacement stock or at the very least a 'found' early stock if the serial number indicates a Model 88 made at the end of the production run. Could be that Winchester had leftover stocks to use up.
Replacement after market stocks were made (by Boyds I think). I have seen an ad for such on the EE. But that was some time ago.
The 88 cracks at the magwell because the wood is thin there. It also cracks at the wrist on the early pre '64 88s that have the 'four leaf clover' receiver. From his pics the seller's 88 doesn't seem to have that type of receiver.
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I will let you know when I get it lol ... The seller said it was the original stock .. Beautiful rifle regardless . It will be a gift for my old man it is to be here on Monday
The Winchester model 88 was produced from 1955 - 1973 and it's semi auto running mate the model 100 was produced from 1961 - 1973.
I owned a model 88 in 308 Win back in the 80s and sold it when I was experiencing a financial crunch.
I currently own 2 model 100s.
The 88s and 100s are beautiful guns in the eyes of us "walnut and blue steel" luddites.
Very first post 64 Winchester 88's had carry over cut chequering stocks, as mentioned by Fugawi the pre 64 had the narrow tang extension off the end of the receiver at the stock wrist which was changed over to the wide extension on the post 64 models to correct a design issue that was causing stocks to crack and split at the tang.
BTW, I have handled both pre and post and besides the couple of design changes they are both finished and made to the same quaility level, that's part of the reason they stopped making them as they were a low profit margin gun. The guns with the post and pre quality issues were more the model 70's and 94's where shortcuts in production were taken to raise profit margins.
Also their are a number of cheap replacement stocks available (Boyd's is one) and one seller of stocks in the US even has left over originals for sale. Just google Winchester 88 stocks.
BTW, I have handled both pre and post and besides the couple of design changes they are both finished and made to the same quaility level, that's part of the reason they stopped making them as they were a low profit margin gun. The guns with the post and pre quality issues were more the model 70's and 94's where shortcuts in production were taken to raise profit margins.
Also their are a number of cheap replacement stocks available (Boyd's is one) and one seller of stocks in the US even has left over originals for sale. Just google Winchester 88 stocks.
