Winchester Model 88 .308 Win. Detachable Mag Lever Rifle, 1955 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,225.00

LSB#: LSB260505JM002

Make: Winchester

Model: 88

Serial Number: 969

Year of Manufacture: 1955 C&R

Caliber: .308 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. .308 WIN.- / -WIN. PROOF STEEL-”, and a stamp “WP” proof. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base soldered 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 a scope base. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. There is a Redfield peep sight installed.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with capped pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered plastic buttplate. The LOP is 13 3/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There are sling rings installed. The stock has been refinished. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. The toe is chipped. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Fair condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some stubborn copper fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its original finish. There is handling and operational wear. There are scratches and corrosion stains throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Fair to 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. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One, 4 round detachable magazine.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 88 was introduced in 1955 as a thoroughly modern lever-action sporting rifle, combining the fast handling of a lever gun with a rotating bolt, detachable box magazine, and high-intensity rifle cartridges. Chambered in .308 Winchester, the Model 88 offered performance comparable to contemporary bolt-action hunting rifles while retaining the familiar lever-operated format. With serial number 969, this rifle is an exceptionally early first-year-production example, giving it added collector interest as one of the earliest Model 88 rifles manufactured.

This rifle retains approximately 75% of its original blue finish, with handling and operational wear, scratches, and scattered corrosion staining. The refinished walnut stock is in Fair condition, showing scratches, compression dents, and a chipped toe, though no structural cracks are noted. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, earning a 9/10 rating despite some stubborn copper fouling. Mechanically, the action is tight and operates smoothly and correctly, and the rifle retains its four-round detachable magazine. The installed Redfield receiver sight adds practical utility, while the low serial number gives this well-used rifle notable first-year Model 88 appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF