Comparing values of, pre-64 and post 64, similar condition Model 88's the pre-64 has cut checkering while the post 64 has the impressed basket weave design giving the pre-64 a minimum of at least $100 premium. Also the pre-64 came with a much better magazine.. . The first year 88 had a few issues that were quickly resolved and the pre-64 change to the oval receiver end stopped any stock cracking. . It was touted as a bolt gun operated by a lever.
Model 88.............?
- Thread starter kamlooky
- Start date
madtrapper143
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Steep Rock Lake NWO
Pre '64 models 88 have levers of forgings. Post '64 models levers were cast. Not a big deal but I would pay more for a checkered (cut) model 88 with a lever made from a forging.
Darryl
Darryl
Just updated the optics on it.
Sweet old Scope Chief VI ……… 1.5x4.5-20
Looky pritty hip now...………………………………………….
So begs the question, what would this thing be worth if changed the
reloading of ammo to .358win?
Have all the supplies and then I could git rid …...errrr, pass forth
a .358win in a lever and bolt.
This action is some slick.
Don't even pinch me mittzs……………………..
Sweet old Scope Chief VI ……… 1.5x4.5-20
Looky pritty hip now...………………………………………….
So begs the question, what would this thing be worth if changed the
reloading of ammo to .358win?
Have all the supplies and then I could git rid …...errrr, pass forth
a .358win in a lever and bolt.
This action is some slick.
Don't even pinch me mittzs……………………..
Which gunshop bubba told you this? The Winchester beancounters took control of production and all of their quality firearms became crap overnight.
If in the same condition as the .308 pictures you posted you could expect to add ~25% to the value. (This is for an original.358 NOT a rebarreled one.)
Reboring is only practical if you're planning on keeping and using it. If you're going to flip it you'll never get back the money you'd sink into it for gunsmithing. I'd throw those mounts away, put a nice Leupold on it, and use it.
Pre 64 Model 88's have the cut checkering which many like. They had the issues with the magazines, but worse were the triggers.
Post 64's have the pressed checkering, which many do not like. But they did have better triggers and better magazines. The ones with serial numbers higher than 189000 have the most improved triggers (and were recommended by gunsmiths in the US who were specializing in Model 88's).
I agree, your rifle as it sits should fetch $650-750 plus $100 for the magazine. Yours does have a very nice stock.
The Model 88 in 358 was only built pre-64 (1956-62) and is the rarest of the 88's. Expect to pay significantly more for these. The Winchester book (2016) I have says to add 300% to the value of a 308, for the 358. (200% more for the 284), but does not give any difference in value between pre and post 64 88's.
Reboring to the 358 will not make it worth more unless you find a buyer looking specifically for that. No different than a used car with an expensive stereo does not add to the value of the vehicle, unless the buyer is willing to pay for it.
As for reboring your barrel to 358, it isn't just that simple. There are changes not only in the magazines between the 308, 284 and 358, there are also differences in the internal action parts' design for feeding the larger caliber cartridges (358) and the fatter cases (284). If you rebore or rebarrel to 358, you will need the different magazines (expect to over $200 and probably more like $250 for these if you can find them; aftermarket are a bit less) and the action altered (more costs) in order to get the larger caliber to feed reliably. I found this out with my rebarrelled 88 to 338 Federal. It is still being worked on the alter the action for reliable feeding. Should be finished soon.
Post 64's have the pressed checkering, which many do not like. But they did have better triggers and better magazines. The ones with serial numbers higher than 189000 have the most improved triggers (and were recommended by gunsmiths in the US who were specializing in Model 88's).
I agree, your rifle as it sits should fetch $650-750 plus $100 for the magazine. Yours does have a very nice stock.
The Model 88 in 358 was only built pre-64 (1956-62) and is the rarest of the 88's. Expect to pay significantly more for these. The Winchester book (2016) I have says to add 300% to the value of a 308, for the 358. (200% more for the 284), but does not give any difference in value between pre and post 64 88's.
Reboring to the 358 will not make it worth more unless you find a buyer looking specifically for that. No different than a used car with an expensive stereo does not add to the value of the vehicle, unless the buyer is willing to pay for it.
As for reboring your barrel to 358, it isn't just that simple. There are changes not only in the magazines between the 308, 284 and 358, there are also differences in the internal action parts' design for feeding the larger caliber cartridges (358) and the fatter cases (284). If you rebore or rebarrel to 358, you will need the different magazines (expect to over $200 and probably more like $250 for these if you can find them; aftermarket are a bit less) and the action altered (more costs) in order to get the larger caliber to feed reliably. I found this out with my rebarrelled 88 to 338 Federal. It is still being worked on the alter the action for reliable feeding. Should be finished soon.
FreedomIsn'tFree
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Republic of Buffalo.
The way it sits, as a total package could fetch up to $900 to the right person, but $750- $800 may be a more reasonable value.
Thanks for this informative info.
I sure didn't realize the mags were different as well.
Like I mentioned, someone else has done this and has poster in the EE, maybe ask them what else needed to be done, somethings feed fine, some need work with these rechamberings.
Im surprised to hear that the 338 federal is an issue.
Im surprised to hear that the 338 federal is an issue.
Last edited:
You are absolutely correct with that statement pre 64 means nothing when it comes to 88’s and 100’s all working parts are identical to each model of coarse all the experts will jump all over this with there internet knowledge but looking at my original 1960 Winchester parts catalog and comparing to my 1978 factory parts catolog all part numbers are the same . 7 yrs experience as a Winchester gunsmith along with other firearm manufacturers .
Last edited:
gunrunner100
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- NW Ontario
Parts have changed over the span of the model life. Whether this can be attributed to Pre and Post 1964 being the magic year is speculation that requires expert knowledge. What is known is that certain common parts will not swap in a few models made prior to and post 1964. This occurs in more than just the model 70, the common one being the Model 94, due to manufacturing changes.
This happened with the Model 88 as well.
This happened with the Model 88 as well.
I have had many 88's... including a .284 and a .358, but I also had a 1958 model .308 that was in better condition than yours with nicer wood and better bluing and two mags... I started the sale on that one at $1100 shipped, down to $950, down to $850, down to $750, and it sold locally for $700... this was within the past year... so don't get too ambitious on the pricing... I would say that $650 is fair and $750 is great (for the seller)… most buyers were preoccupied with whether the checkering was cut or pressed, so I would say that it is definitely a pricing factor.
- Location
- The Conservative part of Ontario
Taking down the rifle requires slave pins and a bit of technical know how, but it's doable I have taken mine down a few times.
I paid $600 for mine a good 20 years back no second mag. Great rifle.
- Location
- The Conservative part of Ontario
Well, no, it also applies to '94's
