Make: Winchester
Model: 88
Serial Number: 13218
Year of Manufacture: 1955, First Year (Winchester Serial Lookup pg. 33)
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle fed by Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 22” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, ramped base fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is a flip-up "U"-notch with white triangle aiming reference and the notch fine adjustable for elevation, dovetailed to the rear of 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 featuring a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, sling swivels at the forend and belly, and a checkered black plastic Winchester buttplate. The stock has some light nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The checkering has a few imperfections but overall remains distinct. There are some patches of finish wear in areas of frequent handling. The LOP measures 13 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has scattered dings and minor wear with well-defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Fine 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 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no notable wear or damage, just a few light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. 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 4 round magazine, which is lightly marked “ctgs. only” in black 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 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 Winchester Model 88 lever-action rifle was made in 1955, the first year of production, and is in Fine Plus condition. It’s chambered in .308 Winchester, and features 99% of its original lustrous blued finish, a 22” barrel, and a bright bore with sharp rifling. Anyone who hunts in the woods will appreciate its short 22” barrel and quick handling characteristics for fast shots on running game. With its low serial number, this first year production Model 88 would also make a wonderful addition to a Winchester collection.
RIFLE