Winchester Model 88

sean18mb

sean18mb

CGN Regular
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Location
Turner Valley, AB
Anyone here use a Winchester Model 88, .308 cal? I borrowed my uncles this deer season, and boy, I love this little rifle! He has a 4x scope mounted on it, and for whatever reason I can shoot really well with this gun. It seems to balance very well for me. Too bad they don't make them anymore, I'd certainly like to have one!

Does anyone know how much they are worth nowadays? I saw earlier today they originally sold for about $150 back when they first came out, in the '60s, I think. I think this particular rifle was originally my dads, and that's about what he paid for it brand new. Eventually he gave it to my uncle.

-Sean
 
I paid $600 for a mint condition one in 243 win. I have seen a few in 308 for around the 500-550$ range. Extra mags arent cheap though.
 
sean18mb said:
Anyone here use a Winchester Model 88, .308 cal?

Does anyone know how much they are worth nowadays?

-Sean
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One of our local shops still has two for sale in the rack. Both $425 each & both with some kinda 4x scope on them. Looked at them a few times. Used to have one myself. Nice rifles but I prefer a Browning BLR for a lever in .308 Win these days myself.
 
I have one in .308 made in 1967 with a Leupold 4X scope on it. Not for sale too good a hunting rifle. When I bought mine there was a Win 88 collector standing at the gun counter and he told me at the time that it would be the mildest recoiling .308 that I ever shot. He was right.

The triggers aren't great but my gunwill shoot a 1 inch three shot group at 100 yards with Factory ammo (Fed 180 grain).

There is some good info postied on the 34 hour campfire website under Lever guns

sluice
 
Triggers are no hell for sure but I love mine.I took my first moose with it.
Mine was made in 1956 and is chambered in 308.I believe the pre 64's with the cut checkering are a much more handsome and desirable rifle than the basket weave oak leaf post 64's.
 
I have a model 88 in .308 and would never give it up. It has taken many many deer and moose and is an excellent fast handling gun.
 
I only shot one once and I found the initial extraction phase of the lever pull to be quite heavy. Was that rifle just gummed up, inadequately lubed or are they all like that?
 
The one-piece stock of the 88 makes it more attractive to me, others may see that differently. If you can find one in 284 for a decent price, grab it! Regards, Eagleye.
 
The one-piece stock of the 88 makes it more attractive to me, others may see that differently. If you can find one in 284 for a decent price, grab it! Regards, Eagleye.
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........................x2, although i have owned two BLR's and enjoyed them both very much.
 
Was that rifle just gummed up, inadequately lubed or are they all like that?
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My 88 is slick and as fast as aunt Fanny's farts after a feast of figs.

Your's must have been bunged up. Either that or you were fighting the lever lock - use the lever as a lever instead of pushing on the trigger guard to open it.
 
When I was looking for my first big game rifle (looong ago) a friend of my dad had a Win 88 in .308 with a 4x scope for sale. IIRC he wanted $150 and I thought it was too much :rolleyes: I handled one at a gunshow a while back (.243) and if the seller was more willing to deal, I would have bought it as the "feel" was smooth and it handled great. Nice rifles...some day ;) :)
 
762shooter said:
I only shot one once and I found the initial extraction phase of the lever pull to be quite heavy. Was that rifle just gummed up, inadequately lubed or are they all like that?
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Mine did that this year. I took a quick look, and found a piece of cleaning jag stuck in the lever mechanism. He likely needs to clean it. Once removed, it's once again, a very slick action.
 
I received mine (a pre 64 308) as a gift from my dad on my 16th birthday (friggin' spoiled eh?). That was twenty years ago. I have taken a pile of deer with it over the years, but for the last 5 or so I have been shooting other rifles, partly because I am a lefty and I hate that button safety on the lever of the 88 goes the wrong way.

My uncle had ordered an 88 from winchester before the model was generally available, it was lemon. He sent it back and they sent him a new one which he has used ever since; many deer, moose, elk and bears can attest to the 308's effectiveness.

My uncle is out hunting pheasants with me this year and asks why I don't hunt with my 88 much anymore. When I ##### about the back-assward safety, he says "why don't you turn it around?":mad:

I've had the gun and hunted with him for 20 years, he was even present when my dad gave it to me, and now he tells me I can just flip it around! In about five minutes we have it changed over.

Well now I'll have to go whack something with it.
 
Had a few over the years but the one I miss the most is the 284.Traded it for a Ruger Light weight 257R pencil barrel and NO its not for sale.DAN>>>
 
You Model 88 fans... Do you know where I can get an extra mag in .308? I put an ad in the parts and bits and got no bights. Thanks...Y
 
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