Pre-64 Winchester Model 88 .358 Win 22” Lever Action Rifle, 1959 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,026
LSB#: 240109GJ003
Make: Winchester
Model: 88
Serial Number: 84411
Year of Manufacture: 1959, C&R
Caliber: .358 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle fed by Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a ramped serrated base fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is an elevation-adjustable U-notch insert with a white diamond reference in a flip-up mount dovetailed to the top rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled to accommodate mounts for optics (not included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut featuring a capped semi-pistol grip, a fluted straight comb, two sling loops and a Pachmayr orange rubber buttpad. The stock shows light wear from handling and storage. There are some minor compression marks, scuffs and scratches. The bottom of the forend shows a couple of deeper scratches. The LOP measures 13 ¾” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. This stock rates in about Very Good to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The metal shows a couple of light handling and storage marks. The screw heads are sharp, some show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes one magazine. The mag shows light wear and finish loss, appearing in good usable condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 88 lever-action rifle chambered in .358 Win. This model was made from 1955 to 1973, and was about the only lever-action model chambered in a rifle cartridge without an external hammer that Winchester ever made, and had a removable magazine vs. the tubular magazine used on its other lever-action rifles – a descendent of the Winchester Model 1895. The overall appearance is very similar to the Model 100, and this is essentially a lever-action version of its semi-automatic cousin. This example is in Nice condition, showing honest wear consistent with light use, very good care, or both. Anyone who hunts in the woods will appreciate its short 22” barrel and fast handling characteristics for fast shots on running game. That said, this pre-64 production rifle would also make a nice addition to a Winchester collection missing the 88. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding!
-Robert
