Winchester Model 88 Carbine .243 Win. 19″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,625.00
LSB#: LSB260621MP002
Make: Winchester
Model: 88 Carbine
Serial Number: 217236A
Year of Manufacture: 1968 / C&R Eligible
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER – MODEL 88 – CAL. 243 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 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 drilled and tapped for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, vented brown rubber Pachmayr buttpad (not original to the rifle), a banded forend with sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 14 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light wear, with light scratches and compressions scattered throughout. The stock’s finish is 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 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 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with minor thinning of the finish at the muzzle, and minor imperfections present throughout the metal surfaces. The bluing is otherwise deep, dark, and intact. 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 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, and in .243 Winchester it makes for a particularly light-recoiling and versatile hunting rifle for deer, antelope, and varmints. Its compact dimensions and classic Winchester styling give it strong appeal among both hunters and collectors.
This rifle is in Very Good to Fine condition overall, retaining about 98% of its original blue finish with only minor muzzle thinning and scattered superficial imperfections. The smooth walnut stock remains in Very Good condition with light scratches and compressions, an intact finish, and no chips or cracks, though it has been fitted with a non-original Pachmayr recoil pad. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10, while the action and safety function correctly. It includes a Very Good condition factory four-round magazine. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.