Early Pre-64 Winchester Model 88 .358 Win 22” Lever Action Rifle, 1958 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,225.00
LSB#: WY250314FH008
Make: Winchester
Model: 88
Serial Number: 71446
Year of Manufacture: 1958, 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 dovetailed to a ramped serrated base fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. The base is slotted for a hood (none present). The rear sight is an elevation-adjustable U-notch insert with a white diamond reference in a flip-up mount dovetailed to the top rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled to accommodate mounts for optics (not included). The left side of the receiver is mounted with a Lyman adjustable aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut featuring a capped semi-pistol grip, a fluted straight comb, two sling loops and a Winchester checkered plastic buttplate. There are a few very faint handling marks. The checkering is crisp. The LOP measures 13 ¾” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This stock rates in about Excellent overall 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 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The metal shows a couple of light handling and storage marks but overall is minty. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes one magazine in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 88 lever-action rifle chambered in .358 Win. This model was made from 1955 to 1973, and was about the only lever-action model chambered in a rifle cartridge without an external hammer that Winchester ever made, and had a removable magazine vs. the tubular magazine used on its other lever-action rifles – 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 example is in Excellent condition, showing very good care. Anyone who hunts in the woods will appreciate its short 22” barrel and fast handling characteristics for fast shots on running game. That said, this pre-64 production rifle would also make a nice addition to a Winchester collection missing the 88. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
