Re-barrel a Winchester Model 88?

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shotcup

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Has anyone done this before?
I was thinking of converting my Winchester Model 88 to 260 Remington - is it possible with a new barrel?
I suppose a 243 barrel from another 88 could be bored out to 264 but mine is 308.
Any comments pro or con?
I recall seing a thread a while back with a Model 88 in a new laminate stock - are these readily available?
I know, lots of questions, but I've been home since Dec 23 getting too many ideas.
 
Yes I have done it. I have a 338 fed built off of a mod 88 action with a brand new barrel. I know Boyds use to make 88 stocks but I`m not sure if they still do.
 
24" Octagon King barrel Chambered in 260 Rem
882788.jpg
 
shotcup said:
Has anyone done this before?
I was thinking of converting my Winchester Model 88 to 260 Remington - is it possible with a new barrel?
I suppose a 243 barrel from another 88 could be bored out to 264 but mine is 308.
Any comments pro or con?
I recall seing a thread a while back with a Model 88 in a new laminate stock - are these readily available?
I know, lots of questions, but I've been home since Dec 23 getting too many ideas.
Click to expand...
About 10 years ago I bought Win mod 88 in 308 with bulged barrel and badly cracked stock, then I bought takeout Remington 35 Whelen barrel, cut the threads off, threaded fitted and chambered it in 358 Win "thumper" at 20" long. The rifle now has laminate stock, ball bearing mounts and black epoxy with grit coating. It weights 8 lbs on the nose ready for hunting (laminate is litle heavier than walnut). Perfect for me. You don't want lightweight rifle in this caliber. This is my favorite rifle if I am hunting alone in bush here in B.C.
 
88

RR said:
24" Octagon King barrel Chambered in 260 Rem
882788.jpg
Click to expand...

Ya, that's what I had in mind - with maybe a stainless, fluted barrel(just for looks).
I added weight to my 88's wood stock so a laminate is ok with me.
I take it you do your own work?
If you do could you pm me with options, costs, time frame, etcetera?

Thanks for all the replies guys - it's good to see I'm not the only one with ideas.
 
Gunrunner Do you have a pic of yours?
Bovine I am thinking of another in 338.It depends on whether I find another screwed up 88.
Shortcup I only do the wood PM sent
 
RR said:
Gunrunner Do you have a pic of yours?
Bovine I am thinking of another in 338.It depends on whether I find another screwed up 88.
Shortcup I only do the wood PM sent
Click to expand...
RR, I am not able to post the pictures, lacking the digital camera and all. My Boyd stock was just like yours, but I raised the top of butstock about 3/4" for better scope alignment. 338 Federal is excelent choice and back then if existed I would consider it to. MY "thumper" wears 2 3/4X Redfield Widefield TV scope, because FOV is more important for me than power.
 
RR said:
I remember #### asking me where I got my stock as He was concerned about the fit and finish of yours.
Click to expand...
OMG it's been 3 years that #### is no longer with us. His ashes are scattered in his happy hunting place west of Kamloops. Yes the inletting of my Boyds stock was about 1/16" off center and very loose, but I was able to build up one side with glass matt and epoxy and now the stock fits tighter and is stronger than any factory stock that I ever seen before and now I can shoot less than 3moa at 200 yds all day long with my 250gr Speer HC bullets.
 
shotcup said:
gunrunner8 what color of stock did you go with?
I will be going with brown or brown/green if possible.
Click to expand...
Mine was like RR's "pepper" something, it came with hard plastic recoil pad which I discarded promptly and exchanged with solid 1/2" black rubber one. After like zillions of hours to fit everything, I painted mine with matt black epoxy with gritt, it is more functional that way, sealed against moisture and hides imperfections. I would recomend laminate stock for 308W and heavier caliber, it is much more stable and stronger than weak original walnut and keeps zero no matter the weather. The mod 88 in 7mm-08 or smaller cal would benefit in my opinion to be stocked in fibreglass from MPI for instance to lighten it to less than 7lbs all ready for hunt. My Win mod 100 in 308 has fiberglass stock from MPI and I can highly recomend it.
 
Crazy.kayaker said:
Wow glad my M88 (.308) is a strait shooter but when I shoot out the barrel I know I'm gonna get it Re-barreled in to something with a little more OOMPH.
Click to expand...

I have a pre 64 that see's a awful lot of use the barrel still look's like new. If you are waiting till the 308 barrel gets shot out you may become to old to use it with the new barrel.;)
 
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