Winchester Model 88 .243 Win. Carbine 18 1/2″ Lever Rifle 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,475.00
LSB#: LSB251027RC004
Make: Winchester
Model: 88
Serial Number: H263440
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-”, “-MODEL 88- / -MADE IN U.S.A.-”, “-CAL. .243 WIN.- / -WIN. PROOF STEEL-”. The top of the barrel at the receiver and the top front of the receiver are marked with a circled “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 18 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding “U”-notch with white triangle aiming reference and the notch fine adjustable for elevation, dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for an optic. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with capped pistol grip, straight comb, black plastic checkered buttplate. There are handling marks, scratches, and a couple chips scattered throughout. The most notable being on the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock is in about Good 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, but there is some light fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish.There is light thinning near the muzzle. There are a couple scattered scratches. There is a little wear on the bottom of the trigger guard. The screw heads are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, the rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions smoothly and correctly. The action is tight. This rifle has a cross-bolt safety located at the front of the trigger guard that works correctly. 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 standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with one 4rd magazine.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 88 carbine represents one of the most forward-looking lever-action designs of the postwar era, blending traditional lever handling with modern rifle engineering. Introduced in the mid-1950s, the Model 88 departed dramatically from Winchester’s earlier tubular-magazine designs by incorporating a solid, rotating bolt and a detachable box magazine, allowing it to safely chamber high-pressure, spitzer-bullet cartridges. By the time of this 1971 production example, the Model 88 had firmly established itself as a bridge between classic lever guns and contemporary bolt-action hunting rifles.
Chambered in .243 Winchester, the carbine configuration pairs a flat-shooting, mild-recoiling cartridge with a compact 18 1/2 inch barrel, making it especially well suited to deer and varmint hunting in varied terrain. The .243 Winchester, introduced in the 1950s, quickly gained favor for its accuracy and versatility, and the Model 88’s rigid receiver and detachable magazine allowed it to exploit the cartridge’s full ballistic potential. The bright bore with sharp rifling and lack of erosion reflect limited wear, while the factory iron sights and drilled receiver provide flexibility for either traditional or optic-equipped use.
Overall, this rifle presents in very good condition, retaining approximately 95 percent of its original blued finish with only light thinning near the muzzle and minor handling marks. The walnut stock shows honest use with scattered scratches and a few small chips, most notably on the buttstock, yet remains sound and visually appropriate for a working carbine. Mechanically tight and smooth, with a properly functioning cross-bolt safety and included magazine, this Model 88 stands as a strong late-production example of Winchester’s most modern lever-action sporting rifle from Winchester Repeating Arms. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
