Winchester Model 88 Carbine .308 Win. 19″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,555.00
LSB#: LSB260323CL089
Make: Winchester
Model: 88 Carbine
Serial Number: H242031
Year of Manufacture: 1970 / 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 -“. The top of the barrel is marked with a circled “WP” proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 19″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated ramp base, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding adjustable U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics. The top of the receiver is also mounted with an adjustable Redfield aperture peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered plastic buttplate, a banded forend with sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light wear, with light scratches and compressions scattered throughout. The stock’s finish is largely intact, and the stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 4rd factory magazine, in Good to Very Good 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 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few light scratches and imperfections throughout the metal surfaces. There is light oxidation and thinning of the finish on the magazine, and minor thinning and minor pitting on the lever. Otherwise, the bluing is largely intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the 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 magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 88 Carbine is a distinctive postwar sporting rifle that combines lever-action operation with a rotating bolt and detachable box magazine, allowing it to use modern high-pressure cartridges and pointed bullets while retaining the fast handling associated with a lever gun. The Carbine configuration shortened the standard Model 88 to a handy 19″ barrel, making this .308 Winchester example particularly well suited for woods hunting and general field use. Its factory iron sights are supplemented by an adjustable Redfield receiver-mounted aperture sight, giving the rifle a practical sighting arrangement while preserving its compact proportions.
This rifle is in Very Good condition overall, retaining about 90% of its original blue finish with scattered light scratches and imperfections, light oxidation and finish thinning on the magazine, and minor thinning and pitting on the lever. The smooth walnut stock remains in Very Good condition with light scratches and compressions, a largely intact finish, and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10, while the action and safety function correctly. It includes a Good to Very Good condition factory four-round magazine. The combination of the compact Carbine configuration, versatile .308 Winchester chambering, and C&R-era Winchester production makes this an appealing example of the Model 88. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.