Winchester 88

[257Robt]

I am curious if anyone has any thoughts about a Winchester 88. I am thinking about buying one from a friends grandpa in 308. The rifle is in awesome condition. I know that they are notorious for having a spongy trigger, but after that, I am curious to hear what others have to say about them.

[NYH1]

257Robt, I have a Winchester model 88 in 308 Winchester. My dad gave it to me. He bought it new in 1963 when he was 17. I have a Tasco 3-9x40mm scope on it, I'm gonna put a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40mm on it soon. I shoot Remington 150 grain Pointed Soft Point Core-Lokt ammo in it. On a good day, if I'm up to it, it will shoot one inch groups! My trigger's not bad at all, but I have heard some guys complain about them. This is the best all round "deer rifle" I have, hands down! :-)

[leverfan]

The first gun I ever fired was a 1956 Winchester 88 in .308.  I also took my first deer with it, and I learned how to reload for rifles with it.  My 88 is a very accurate rifle, and the trigger never bothered me.  How could it, when I learned how to pull a trigger by pulling that one?   It's not an "ideal" trigger pull, if there is such a thing, and you can't do much about it, but the rifle will still be more accurate than 98% of the people using it.  It's my dad's main hunting rifle right now, topped with a Nikon scope (the 88 is one of the few lever guns that doesn't look terrible with a scope on it).  Although the .308 chambered 88s are not the most valuable 88s for collectors, that's probably one of the best cartridges that the 88 was chambered for (neck and neck with the 358).

It's very hard to go wrong buying an 88.  They're great rifles that were made before their time.  If the price is right, go for it.

[Jim M]

I have a 308 model 88 bought new in 1971.  The trigger pull is heavy and the kick is pretty sharp ( sharper than my 338 magnum ).  I'e killed several deer with it.  I found that it prefers 150 grain bullets after wasting a lot of time and energy trying to work up loads for 165 grain bullets.  I retired it 15 year ago and started using a Browning BBR in 270 which I really like.  I still shoot it at the range and lately have been thinking of using it for deer occasionally.  If you get used to the trigger, it's a mighty fine rifle.

[hawkin50]

Hello.Yes I have a win 88,one fine rifle.Chamberd for 308.Best gun I ever had and hunted with.I have no and I mean no complaintes None at all.Had mine since 1962 serial# 189xxx.I never had a problem with accuracy or with the trigger either,after all its a hunting rifle NOT a target rifle.This thing has always been a excellent shooter either with reloads or factory.Shoots almost the same with either 150 or 165 grain bullets Hornaday mosty.If she dont shoot play with the tension on the barrel screw at the far end of the stockloosen or tighten 1/2 turn out or snugged right up tight.She will shoot.And yes buy it man they dont  and have not built them like that anymore.Hawkin

[Bill T]

I also have one in .308 and it's a nice accurate piece. I bought it from "a friend of a friend" for $250.00 about 8 years ago. It only had around 1 box of shells thru it, and came with a older steel tube Weaver KV-60 6X scope with pivot mounts. I was going to buy a better scope, but after 1 trip to the range, there was no need for it. It shoots fine the way it is. If your going to get one, make sure the magazine feeds properly. Original magazines are very hard to come by and can cost upwards of $100.00. Brownells sells aftermarket mags. that are made of all steel on the original tooling for around $45.00. Something good to know.  Bill T.

[Hopalong7]

Simply THE best lever action rifle ever built.  And before the uproar starts, let me just say that I am a great fan of, and own several '99's too.
Hawkin50 we might be kin.  I got mine in 1962...serial number???..yep...189xxx.  It was a good year!  
Go for it and ENJOY!   GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt  :grin: