Make: Winchester
Model: 88
Serial Number: 140468A
Year of Manufacture: 1963 (Winchester Serial Lookup pg. 33)
Caliber: .284 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle fed by Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a ramped serrated base fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is a flip up U notch that is dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled to accommodate mounts for optics (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a capped semi-pistol grip, a straight comb, sling swivels at the forend and belly, and a checkered black plastic buttplate. The stock has light nicks, scratches, and handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has minor scuffs with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some light nicks, scratches, and handling marks. The “A” suffix in the serial number denotes a design/production change by Winchester during the manufacturing process of the Model 88. The screw heads are well-defined. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action 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 3 round magazine, which is marked “M-88” on the top follower, and stamped “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK” on the bottom floorplate. The mag features intact feed lips and a strong follower spring.
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 used on its other lever-action rifles, making it a descendent of the Winchester 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 .284 Winchester, the rarest caliber for this model to encounter today. Additionally, of the various pre-’64 Model 88s produced, those chambered in .284 are by far the rarest, with only 2,925 made in 1963, as that was the first year of the caliber itself. Introduced in 1963, the .284 was Winchester’s answer to the .280 Remington cartridge. Designed to fit in the Model 88 lever action and Model 100 semi automatic rifles, the .284 can be regarded historically as an early short magnum. It was unique, featuring a short, fat case with a rebated rim. This rifle 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