Model 88 dilemma...

[savage express]

I’ve got an excellent condition 1964 Win model 88 with the basket weave in .243.
The length of pull is around 14.5” with only a butt plate. I’m thinking to chop off 2.5” and add a 1” LimbSaver as the wife and kids will be shooting it, but cutting up a 56 year old beauty is tough. I’d probably lose 10-20% in value as well as wood but I’m not looking to sell it anyway.
There doesn’t seem to be any aftermarket stocks available. And finding a used stock to “Bubba” seems unlikely. Any suggestions?

 

[Bill Bracher]

Buy a Boyds stalk out of the USA. You can request the length of pull. Then you have not lost any value of the rifle.

 

[savage express]

I did a Richards stock years ago for a Savage. I had to machine it for the mag well and final fit as well as finishing. I wasn’t really wanting to invest that time / money into the 88 but after having a look on Boyd’s and Richards web sites, they don’t appear to offer for the model 88 anymore

 

[357Maximum]

Watch the EE for a youth size rifle. Savage Weatherby etc they won't be anymore money then a replacement 88 stock.

 

[savage express]

Good point!

 

[357Maximum]

As well it's relatively easy and economical to purchase a used full size stock as the youngster grow.

 

[marshall]

If you wanted to do a bit of work, you could buy a semi finished stock , from a builder I know , for way less money, and make that a short or adjustable one.
Common models ,he may have already made up.
You could also ask Western Gun Parts in Edmonton, may have one.

 

[kamlooky]

I'd leave that old 88 alone.
I know where there is a Remington Model 7 in .243win if it is still in inventory.
This would be a better fit than chopping up a piece of history.

Then again, wtf do I know...............?................... leaf that 88 alone.

 

[savage express]

I'd leave that old 88 alone.
I know where there is a Remington Model 7 in .243win if it is still in inventory.
This would be a better fit than chopping up a piece of history.

Then again, wtf do I know...............?................... leaf that 88 alone.

I feel the same, which is why it hasn’t met my table saw yet.

 

[gunrunner100]

I purchased an 88 with no stock from a member here. It took me close to 3 years to find a stock. My suggestion is not to cut it.
If you do, cut enough off that you can put a thin plastic butt plate on for fit, then when the shooter grows, you can add a recoil pad (and spacers if needed) to lengthen the stock.

 

[TheCoachZed]

I’ve got an excellent condition 1964 Win model 88 with the basket weave in .243.
The length of pull is around 14.5” with only a butt plate. I’m thinking to chop off 2.5” and add a 1” LimbSaver as the wife and kids will be shooting it, but cutting up a 56 year old beauty is tough. I’d probably lose 10-20% in value as well as wood but I’m not looking to sell it anyway.
There doesn’t seem to be any aftermarket stocks available. And finding a used stock to “Bubba” seems unlikely. Any suggestions?

You can buy a decent Savage 340 in .30-30 or a bolt action .243 for $400 or less, and sell for same when done. Or if you can't, because the wife/kids trashed it and devalued it ... wouldn't you rather that was done to a budget gun, instead of a Winchester 88?