Hi peeps. I just got a wicked (well, I think it's wicked!) deal on a used Winchester Model 88 chambered in .308. Excellent condition, $600. I haven't bought it yet, just put a deposit on it. My question is, is this a good calibre for deer/moose? I love the look and feel of this lever action rifle, but I don't want to buy it if it's not enough pop for the above mentioned species. And are they accurate guns? I was thinking of mounting a scope on it as well. Thanks y'all!
Winchester Model 88
- Thread starter GameTaker
- Start date
.308 are great for deer and moose, and having it on a lever can make for a good second shot it you need it fast. As for accuracy, the round itself is great. The rifle's limitations will be any previous damage, and the fact that its made by Winchester, take that as you may. At least Winchester makes a better firearm than they do rifle ammunition!
I wonder if you got the chance to shoot it, before you committed yourself to it? I have shot the 88 in 308 calibre, and I consider it a hard kicker. By hard, I mean the shape of the stock allows the rifle to rise on recoil and it hits me, hard, in the cheek.
You didn't say in what year was it made. If it is pre 64, $600 may be acceptable, if it is in pristine condition. If it is post 64 a price of 450 would seem to me to be about right.
You didn't say in what year was it made. If it is pre 64, $600 may be acceptable, if it is in pristine condition. If it is post 64 a price of 450 would seem to me to be about right.
- Location
- marmora ontario
The largest bull we ever shot 59" spread was killed with one shot from an88> Jim
In terms of hunting capability, a 308 and a 30-06 are nearly ballistic twins. The 30-06 has a slight edge, but not much. FWIW - dan
pre-64s go for about 700 and post-64s are worth about 600 in excellent condition. You'd be hard-pressed to find a post-64 88 in excellent condition for 450.
"...they are nuts!..." And then some.
"...where does a .308 fit in..." It's the ballistic twin of the .30-06 in a half inch shorter case. About 100 fps difference with like bullet weights. Think 165 grain bullets for any game you care to hunt.
"...Winchester Model 88..." Discontinued in 1973(at serial number 283,913) and like H4831 says, considered to have uncomfortable felt recoil in .308.
Have a look here. http://www.gun-data.com/winchester88.htm
"...where does a .308 fit in..." It's the ballistic twin of the .30-06 in a half inch shorter case. About 100 fps difference with like bullet weights. Think 165 grain bullets for any game you care to hunt.
"...Winchester Model 88..." Discontinued in 1973(at serial number 283,913) and like H4831 says, considered to have uncomfortable felt recoil in .308.
Have a look here. http://www.gun-data.com/winchester88.htm
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
.308 is very small, even for coyote sized game. I highly recommend a .338 LM , it just touches on having enough power for moose. 
Eye don't know about those high numbers.
Sold a basket weave a few years back in good
condition and it was tough to get $450 for it, even
with a 4X Weaver on it.
Finger pinching thing it was.
Hated it from the git go.
The Model 100 shortly there after followed the same path
as the 88.
Don't know why people crave these beasts.......
Sold a basket weave a few years back in good
condition and it was tough to get $450 for it, even
with a 4X Weaver on it.
Finger pinching thing it was.
Hated it from the git go.
The Model 100 shortly there after followed the same path
as the 88.
Don't know why people crave these beasts.......
My experience with Mod. 88s has been limited to two:
A tack-driving 308 that kicked like hell and a 284 that shot patterns - not groups.
Both were in mint condition but were exact opposites in the accuracy department.
A tack-driving 308 that kicked like hell and a 284 that shot patterns - not groups.
Both were in mint condition but were exact opposites in the accuracy department.
I have a pre-64 Model 88 in 308 that I can shoot all day long. No complaints about the kick. Hell I have a Savage F/W, in 308, and they're both about the same.
This is the first time I've heard about them kicking hard or slapping in the cheek; the other complaint I heard was the trigger pull is excessive. I have no problem with either.
If it's a pre-64 in nice shape, maybe see if you can shoot it first and you can make up your mind.
Regards:
Rod
This is the first time I've heard about them kicking hard or slapping in the cheek; the other complaint I heard was the trigger pull is excessive. I have no problem with either.
If it's a pre-64 in nice shape, maybe see if you can shoot it first and you can make up your mind.
Regards:
Rod
