Rare Winchester 88 .358 Win. 22″ Lever Action Hunting Rifle, MFD 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,500.00
LSB#: LSB260625WM033
Make: Winchester
Model: 88
Serial Number: 112678
Year of Manufacture: 1961 / C&R Eligible
Caliber: .358 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “- WINCHESTER – MODEL 88 – CAL. .358 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 ramp 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 Weaver base for optics.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, plastic checkered buttplate, a checkered forend, and 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 handling wear, with a few light surface-level scratches and a few minor compressions 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: 2x 4rd factory magazines, 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 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling wear, with light operational marks on the bolt, and very minor freckling of surface corrosion starting to form on the back of the top of the receiver, and on the bottom metal. Otherwise, the bluing is deep, dark, and intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in 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 scope base, and the two magazines as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 88 was one of Winchester’s most innovative postwar sporting rifles, combining lever-action operation with a rotating bolt and detachable box magazine that allowed the use of modern high-pressure cartridges and pointed bullets. This 1961 example is chambered in .358 Winchester, one of the more sought-after Model 88 chamberings and a cartridge developed to provide substantial short- to medium-range performance from a compact .308 Winchester-based case. With its 22″ barrel, factory iron sights, walnut stock, and detachable magazines, this rifle represents a particularly appealing hunting configuration from the early production period of the Model 88.
This rifle is in Fine condition overall, retaining about 98% of its original blue finish with only light operational marks on the bolt and very minor surface-corrosion freckling beginning at the rear of the receiver and on the bottom metal. The checkered walnut stock remains in Fine to Excellent condition with only light scratches and minor compressions, well-defined checkering, 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 one-piece Weaver scope base and two Fine to Excellent condition factory 4-round magazines. The desirable .358 Winchester chambering and strong overall condition make this a particularly attractive C&R-era Model 88. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.