Winchester Model 88 Carbine .284 Win. 19″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,024.99
LSB#: LSB260323CL111
Make: Winchester
Model: 88 Carbine
Serial Number: 214159A
Year of Manufacture: 1968 / C&R Eligible
Caliber: .284 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER – MODEL 88 – CAL. 284 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 mounted with a one-piece scope base for optics.
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 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 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few minor superficial imperfections throughout the metal surfaces, along with one small spot of corrosion on the back of the receiver. There is very minor thinning of the finish on the edges of the lever. Otherwise, the bluing is deep, dark, and intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are lightly tooled, but all 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 and the scope mount as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 88 Carbine is one of the more distinctive postwar Winchester sporting rifles, combining lever-action operation with a rotating bolt and detachable box magazine. The Carbine configuration shortened the standard Model 88 into a handier 19″ package, while the .284 Winchester chambering gave the rifle a flat-shooting cartridge specifically designed to deliver near-long-action performance from a shorter receiver. That combination of compact handling, uncommon chambering, and late-1960s production gives this example particular interest among Winchester collectors and hunters who appreciate the Model 88 platform.
This rifle is in Very Good to Fine condition overall, retaining about 95% of its original blue finish with only minor superficial imperfections, slight edge thinning on the lever, and one small spot of corrosion on the rear of the receiver. The smooth walnut stock remains in Very Good condition with light scratches and compressions, an 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 Very Good condition factory four-round magazine and the installed scope base. The .284 Winchester chambering and compact Carbine configuration make this a particularly appealing and comparatively uncommon Model 88 variation. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.