Pre-64 Winchester Model 88 22” .358 Win Box Mag Lever Action Rifle 1958 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,000.00
WOA#: WY240618CH006
Make: Winchester
Model: 88
Serial#: 58320
Year of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .358 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with 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-” and features a Winchester proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked with the same proof and the serial number “58320”.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch sight with white triangle aiming reference dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece optic bases installed. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Redfield receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, sling swivels front and rear, straight comb, and a checkered black plastic Winchester buttplate. The stock has general light handling wear with some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The left below the comb has some odd finish wear with an “island” of finish in the middle and there is some finish wear around the rear edge of the butt. The checkering is well defined. There is a minor surface crack at the top-right edge just in front of the receiver. There are no chips. The LOP measures 13 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn copper fouling on the lands. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There are a few minor nicks and light handling marks, most notable on the top-rear of the receiver near the right edge. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The rifle comes in a single 4-round magazine and a leather sling.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 88 lever action rifle with a 22” barrel 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. This rifle is in about Fine condition with the vast majority of its original finish remaining and scattered light wear in the stock. The .358 Win. cartridge is based on the .308, necked up to use heavier projectiles. Basically, as the .35 Whelen is to the .30-06, the .358 Winchester is to .308. Anyone who hunts in the woods will appreciate its short 22” barrel and fast handling characteristics for fast shots on running game in brush. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
