Winchester Model 88 .308 Win. 22″ Lever Action Hunting Rifle, 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,925.00
LSB#: LSB260509TW055
Make: Winchester
Model: 88
Serial Number: 21688
Year of Manufacture: 1956 / C&R Eligible.
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “- WINCHESTER-MODEL 88-CAL. .308 WIN.- / -TRADE MARK- -MADE IN U.S.A.-WIN. PROOF STEEL-“, along with a circled “WP” proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked with a circled “WP” proof mark, and the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramped base, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable folding U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a one-piece base for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered plastic Winchester buttplate, a checkered forend, and sling rings front and rear. There is a leather sling attached to the stock. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light handling wear, with a few minor compression marks and a few minor superficial imperfections scattered throughout. The checkering is well defined, and the stock’s finish is intact. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Fine to Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 4rd factory magazine, in Fine to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with light thinning of the finish at the muzzle, on the lever/trigger guard, and a few small spots of minor finish wear on the rest of the barrel. Minor freckling of surface corrosion is present on the bolt. The bluing is largely intact, otherwise. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are lightly tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the cross-bolt safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope base, sling, and magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 88 was introduced in 1955 as a distinctly modern sporting lever action, using its short-throw lever to operate a three-lug rotating bolt and feeding from a detachable box magazine. This arrangement provided the strength and pointed-bullet capability of a contemporary bolt action rifle while retaining fast lever operation and a sleek, hammerless profile. The .308 Winchester was the model’s original chambering, making this 1956 example an appealing second-year, pre-1964 rifle with particular interest for Winchester collectors.
This rifle retains approximately 95% of its original blue finish, with light thinning at the muzzle and lever assembly, a few localized areas of exterior barrel wear, and minor surface-corrosion freckling on the bolt. The checkered walnut stock is especially well preserved, showing only minor handling marks while retaining its finish, sharply defined checkering, and a tight fit without chips or cracks. Its bore is excellent, remaining bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, and both the action and cross-bolt safety function correctly. The rifle includes one factory four-round magazine, a leather sling, and a receiver-mounted scope base, though no optic is present. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.