Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors If you never owned a Model 88

You could do a lot worse, then starting with this one.

First Stop is a great gun shop in my opinion.

I know some of you guys like the post 64 Model 88s. And $600 is pretty fair for this one.

Just trying to offer a heads up.

https://www.gunsamerica.com/940031544/Winchester-Model-88-308Win-Lever-Action.htm

I'll endorse the Model 88.

My first M/88 was a basketweave checkered .243 that I bought from a fraternity brother while in college. I later traded it for an early model in .308 which I used to take the first and biggest deer of my hunting career. The only criticism of the rifle is that the stock has enough drop so as to accentuate felt recoil. Surprising that Winchester did not equip such a fine rifle with a stock with a straighter comb.

I can't find where it says Savage on it. WTH???

Both the Savage 99 and Winchester 88 are fine rifles in their own respect. The 88's trigger that travels with the lever and one piece stock that seldom splits are features most evident in the 88's more modern design. I have owned both and each holds a special attraction for me.

Brother had one, a .243, that he gifted to his grandson. The grandson is not a rifle looney and has used it to take lots of game. Last time I talked to him, he was headed out to hunt Aoudad.

The rifle has served it's custodians well. Since I am the family gun cleaner, I confess grateful the 88 is the one rifle that I had to borrow a gun smith manual to get the contraption put back together after a deep cleaning.

Best wishes,

Jack

Off back porch of the house. Before her strokes. When she could handle a rifle a bit easier. She loved her 88

I'm a fan of the Model 88.

I have owned and shot both, but never for hunting.

Although I am a big Model 70 fan, my nod would go the Model 99 for a lever gun. Just seemed a lot smoother operation.

domsm70

I luv 88's. Happy Thanksgiving.

Here are pictures of that 88.





That one has basket weave 'checkering'!

Also the 88 is only push feed and not control round feeding like the M 99, Mausers etc.

Never had a feeding issue with mine, been hunting with it for years. If you have feeding issues with a M88 check the magazine first, usually that's the culprit. Control round feed and push feed, both work equally well in rifles that are properly designed and built. I've hunted with both over the last four decades and can't tell any difference in reliability with a good rifle in good condition. Odessa

To me they are just a classy rifle, love the curves and such.

The 88.......

Handles like a 2x6, and has a trigger like a Daisy Red Ryder.

Winchester screwed the pooch with this one.

The Model 70 is perfect.

If you want a Winchester Lever Rifle, get one with a hammer.

If you want a hammerless lever rifle, get a Savags 99.

Ditto.. Bought a beauty there myself.. Ever been in their basement? WOW.

Can anyone point me in the direction of a model 88 stock, I have a barreled action in search of a stock?
Thank you,

Boyds makes them or at least they have made them within the past year.

My first 88 was a 243 carbine. I only have 5 88s now, the 243 carbine plus 2 more carbines and 2 rifles in 284.

Wifey has one of them too! 99F. 243 Win. Was her fav deer rifle. But unfortunately she cannot hunt or really shoot anymore.