Make: Winchester
Model: 88
Serial Number: 75716
Year of Manufacture: 1959, C&R
Caliber: .358 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle Fed By Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade that is dovetailed to a ramped base. The rear sight is a flip up adjustable U notch that is dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The one-piece checkered walnut stock has a capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb, two sling loops, and a hard rubber buttplate. The wood shows scattered light scratches, minor compressions, and scuff marks. There are no chips or cracks present. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows light wear. The wood to metal fit is tight. This stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light freckling and some fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97-98% of its original metal finish. The metal shows some light handling and storage marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cross bolt safety functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes one Vintage Winchester blued 4 round magazine, which shows light wear but remains in Very Good condition. The mag is stamped “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK” on the bottom floorplate.
Our Assessment: The Model 88 was made from 1955-1973, and was about the only lever-action model chambered in a rifle cartridge without an external hammer that Winchester ever made. It also had a removable magazine as opposed to the tubular magazine that Winchester used on its other lever-action rifles, making it a descendent of the Model 1895. The overall appearance is very similar to the Model 100, and this is essentially a lever-action version of its semi-automatic cousin.
This is a Winchester Model 88 lever-action rifle chambered in .358 Win., the second rarest caliber for this model to encounter today. The Model 88s chambered in .358 Win. did not sell all that well at the time, and thus relatively few were made. This example is in Fine Plus condition, showing little use combined with very good care over the years. Anyone who hunts in the woods will appreciate its short 22” barrel and quick handling characteristics for fast shots on running game. With its scarce caliber, this pre-64 production Model 88 would also make a wonderful addition to a Winchester collection.
RIFLE