Author Topic: Any Win. 88 owners here? (Read 7901 times)

Huntsman1 · « **on:** August 18, 2007, 01:55:23 PM »

I recently inherited my Dads model 88 in .308 and can't wait to use it on some prairie whitetails.
I found a good load using Varget(42grs) and a Rem. 165gr CL bullet. I love how this rifle handles, it points and feels like it was custom fitted to me. I can't believe they discontinued this model either. One thing too that I'd like to get a hold of is a spare mag. Other than that, anyone else sharing the same joy?

Huntsman

old06 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2007, 04:02:54 PM »

We'll enjoy I had a pre 64 some years back the last time I looked at mags I own a M100 Winchester the mags sold for about 60 bucks Good Luck

Rangr44 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2007, 01:56:37 AM »

The "Buy it now" price for this one, on auction, is $56.

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8050466

However, Brownell's has new mags for $48 + S&H.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=13181&title=TWIN+PINE+WINCHESTER+88%2f100+MAGAZINES

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 19, 2007, 06:26:19 PM »

Thanks Rangr44, I think I'll be giving Brownells a call

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #4 on:** August 21, 2007, 05:24:48 AM »

Here are other sources for magazines & parts: http://www.gun-parts.com/winchesterrifle/ & http://www.wisnersinc.com/rifles/winchester/88_100.htm

I have Doug Murray's book on the 88 (http://www.chartingnature.com/books.cfm?book=B15509) which I highly recommend.

My rifle has seen a lot of use when I was up in Alaska (moved to the lower 48 a year ago), and was my primary rifle of choice for deer for the freezer. The trigger pull has a lot of creep which makes for some interesting times when the crunch is on. It just seems like you are squeezing and squeezing and squeezing while the deer is getting ready to make its departure. However, the rifle is plenty accurate and not in the least fussy about what ammo goes through it. For many years I used a Williams Foolproof rear sight with a Sourdough Patridge front, but went to a 2 1/2 X Weaver scope a while back because of my aging eyes.

Be aware that the firing pin went through several engineering changes. The originals were prone to breaking. I had the dickens of a time replacing mine when it broke, though that was before the advent of the Internet. I finally got one of the final iteration in the design process, and it has held up just fine. However, I make sure to use a snap cap whenever I dry fire it, which is almost every day!

Good luck with yours. They are a dandy rifle. The manufacturing process was too costly is what finally drove Winchester to drop them, I believe.

-WH-

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 21, 2007, 06:49:51 PM »

Thank -You Winter Hawk for those links, they will come in handy. I just installed a Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9x40 scope. As well i just ordered a Wisner spare mag from Brownells, thanks to Rangr44

, All i have to do now is taker her to the range and get her sighted in for the upcoming hunting season.
Thanks-All

Davemuzz · « **Reply #6 on:** August 24, 2007, 03:47:40 PM »

The Winchester Model 88 in .308 was the very first rifle that I bot with my own money way back when. It's still in my gun cabnet and like you, my favorite loads are either a 150 grain or a 165 grain over Varget. I never put a scope on that gun as it has the best set of open sights I've ever used or seen on any rifle I've shot. The lever action is smooth, but the trigger is heavy...but for those cold Pa days, that's not a bid thing.

Anything I've ever shot with that gun has dropped. It may have run some, but eventually dropped. I also love the clip on this gun. No unloading your shells in the mud or snow and field loading was done in a few seconds.

Hang on to that one. I don't know too many people who have the 88's that sell 'em.

Dave

TNrifleman · « **Reply #7 on:** August 25, 2007, 03:55:59 AM »

My Model 88 is a post '64 in 308 Winchester. It has a period correct Weaver 4x scope and is a fine hunting rifle. The 88 isn't seen very much any more, but those of us fortunate enough to have one, know what a great rifle it is.

foots · « **Reply #8 on:** August 25, 2007, 06:58:54 PM »

I have a .308 model 88. It has surprised many at the range with its accuracy. The guys at the camp always ask to take it out on a hunt, it seems to have a reputation as a good luck charm. I use 150grain super x ammo and have never lost a deer yet. Usually drop or under 30 yard trail. Wish I had a couple more.

Blowtorch53 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 03, 2007, 06:36:07 AM »

Huntsman,

I am a lever enthusiast (nut) and I just bought my first 88. It is a .308 in the 3000 SN range and is very old. It is not a collector since it is it would be described by most as a beater. The stock has been shortened and has a gouge. The barrel has some pits which have been touched up and the bore doesn't look all that great. The rifling looks very shallow but is not rusted and the bore is nice and shiny. I mounted a good 3 x 9 scope since I can't see good enough to shoot with barrel mounted iron sights anymore.

The surprise came at the range. Three shots will go into an inch every time at 100 yards. I started with Federal Fusion 150 grain because that's all I had. Made up some handloads using 45.0 Gr. H335 (Max. according to Hodgdon #25) with Winchester 150 Gr. PP bullets. Same result. If not for the 50# trigger pull I believe this old gun would shoot 1/2"! It's fine for my shooting and will do well on our Texas whitetails. It's going to be fun taking this old gun to the field in a few months.

I paid $450 cash for this gun drive out at a gun show and I would love to have another in .243. These are getting harder and harder to find and nice ones are very expensive.

Good Luck,

BT53

Davemuzz · « **Reply #10 on:** September 03, 2007, 07:27:37 AM »

I just ran across one at my local gun shop. It's a .308 caliber with the checkering on the stock. He bot it from a woman whose husband died. The shop owner paid $500 to the woman, then later that day one of his employees was looking at it and ask him if he noticed that the stock had been cut. He did a double take!!! He's got it marked for $525 now. It's in good shape....just a darn shame the orginal stock was whacked.

Dave

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 03, 2007, 03:46:01 PM »

I'd love to get one in .243 too Blowtorch53 ,nice story as well

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #12 on:** September 11, 2007, 08:43:36 AM »

Well I finally received my mag from Brownells, it only took 3 weeks, damn customs

Looks like some range time is due

Jim M · « **Reply #13 on:** September 11, 2007, 09:41:50 AM »

I have a 308 that I bought new in 1970 for $145. I found that it is pretty finicky with 165 gr bullets but shoots great with almost any load in 150 gr bullets. I just picked up Bishop stock for it with a beautiful grain and am going to put it on and save the factory stock. Other than the nasty trigger I never had any problems.

John Y Cannuck · « **Reply #14 on:** September 14, 2007, 03:05:52 PM »

A friend gave me an eight round mag from some obscure maker, for my 88. Took a lot of tweeking to get the thing to feed, but it finally does.
It sticks out the bottom of the rifle, and makes one hand carry very awkward. However, for just sitting, it's fine, and, as a spare it works fine too.
Gets some weird looks at the range.

Creedmoor · « **Reply #15 on:** September 28, 2007, 11:47:11 AM »

Love my 88 in 308 too! I want (need) to scope it and really prefer a steel base but all I can find are the aluminum Weaver type. Where can I get say a Redfield or something in steel? I got my 88 at a gun show about a year ago it is in near perfect condition except the stock has been "improved" with a big rubber buttpad. It is a post 64 so has the basket weave checkering and came with two original Winchester mags. I think I paid $325. Boy is this rifle accurate! Inch to inch and a half with open sights and any ammo I put in her. I'm getting ready to work up some handloads, hence the need for a scope (and my ageing eyes). Anyone know where I can get a steel scope base?

jbmi · « **Reply #16 on:** September 28, 2007, 02:24:28 PM »

I took my post 64 308 and had it rebored to a 338-08 and switched to a semi-fancy Fajen. I love this rifle. Other than the triggers, 88's are great guns.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #17 on:** September 29, 2007, 05:17:54 PM »

Hey JBMI,

I think you had better go wipe off the stock. I just drooled all over it!

-Winter Hawk-

Doc T · « **Reply #18 on:** October 02, 2007, 09:37:38 AM »

Mine is a post '64 that started out as a .243 Win. I had it re-barreled with a blackened stainless Douglas barrel in 7mm-08. It shoots great and I have something a little different than everybody else.

Doc T

Jim M · « **Reply #19 on:** October 03, 2007, 02:45:26 PM »

Check on ebay for a Redfield mount and rings for that 88. I had a Weaver mount on mine for 30 years and finally decided to change it last year and got a Redfield base with the nice rings that screw from the bottom. It make a real nice looking mount and I paid $35.00 for the base and rings.

Bill R · « **Reply #20 on:** October 06, 2007, 02:03:17 AM »

I have four (4) extra capacity magazines (8 shots) for Winchester Models 100 and 88. These mags are for 308 and 243 calibers. These magazines are new and still in box. If interested, e-mail birobinson@aol.com. In subject line be sure to note: Winchester Clips.

RangerRiz · « **Reply #21 on:** October 19, 2007, 11:31:40 AM »

I have a second year Winchester 88. I got it on my birthday several years ago. i had been looking for one for about eight years. I found it in a local gun shop and the stock was not in the best shape, but it was only $350. The sling and aftermarket buttpad were rotten. I have since removed them and striped and sanded the stock. My plans are to add an ebony tip, black buttpad spacer, red rubber buttpad, and Packmyer flush fit sling mounts. I will also be having it glass bedded and oil finished. I want to have it rebarreled either to 338 Federal or 358 Winchester. I am leaning toward 358. Even if i do not rebarrel it i will be finishing all the other mods.

Ranger

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 26, 2007, 05:07:20 PM »

Post some pics when your all done RangerRiz

NYH1 · « **Reply #23 on:** December 02, 2007, 09:46:54 AM »

My father gave me his Winchester model 88 308 Win. He bought it new when he was 16 in 1962. I use it as my all round rifle. I have a cheap Tasco Scope on it now that I'm going to replace with a Nikon 3-9x40mm Prostaff Scope. The way it is set up now it will shoot just about an inch at 100 yards with 150 gr. Remington Core Lokts from the bench. I've thought about getting laminated stock for it. Maybe this year I will.

I've shoot two deer with this rifle. I have a great deal of respect for the 308 Winchester after using one. Mine is pretty accurate, recoils lightly, doesn't have to much muzzle blast and if you do your part........the performance is great!

Huntsman1 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 11, 2008, 05:36:20 PM »

Well since the last post I recently purchased a Williams FP88 peep sight from Brownells, it should be here hopefully next week.
My eyes aren't getting any younger so I may as well take advantage while I can.
Cheers

deltecs · « **Reply #25 on:** January 11, 2008, 05:53:21 PM »

I have a pre 64 .308 in the 88 that I brought to Alaska in 1968. I've had several firing pins broken due to dry firing as mentioned in the posts. I even went to the extreme and bought a Fajun custom stock for it and finished it out real nice. Then another pin broke and I sent it back to the factory for replacement. The Fajun stock broke in shipping the rifle back to me, so back to the factory it went again. I complained to Winchester that it was the shipping company and them for not correctly packaging my rifle. Win put a new post 64 factory stock on it and sent it back with their apologies. So much for my money in the Fajun stock. They replaced the firing pin with the updated parts and have never broken a pin since then, 1976. Mine did not shoot as well as I wanted so glass bedded the barrel and base at the rear of the action. Now the stock is accidentally partly glued to the metal, but it will shoot 150 gr. by almost all brands into 1 1/2" all day long. Not a superb tack driver but more than sufficient for hunting purposes. I think I paid $70.00 with a spare mag in 1968 for it. I have shot over 20 deer with this rifle yet now only carry it for nostalgia. I've considered a re bore or barrel to 338 federal or the 260 Rem but haven't decided to either yet.

jim huntington · « **Reply #26 on:** January 19, 2008, 04:47:03 PM »

I picked one up at a gun show back in 1989. Paid about $400.00 for it. Not sure how old it was but was in beautiful shape.It had oak leaf checkering and a Tasco 3x9 scope on it. Did not have to do any adjusting to the scope.It hit dead on for me. Picked up an extra clip for it and took it to Alaska in 1990. Shot a nice bull caribou with it. Alas I got hard up for money and my car neaded new tires.End of story! I am still kicking myself to this day about it. I wish I still had it!Oh, by the way, it was in .308 cal.

The Gamemaster · « **Reply #27 on:** January 19, 2008, 05:38:44 PM »

I bought one off a guy who's father died and bought it brand new back in the 50's.

It's serial number was 363X

Like a fool, I sold it for $500 one day - because I thought that I was being smart.

Last time I heard about it - the last owner sold it here for $1000.00

Mint condition with no marks!

-- Rubs his head!

Davemuzz · « **Reply #28 on:** January 20, 2008, 06:47:59 AM »

Gamemaster......I won't say anything to rub more salt in an obvious wound. Nah, I won't say a thing. Nothing at all. I'll just be quiet.

Dave

flhshvlhed · « **Reply #29 on:** January 23, 2008, 10:48:14 PM »

I have a Model 88 308 w/ a 13XX serial number (1st yr production). It's like new. I bought it and a Model 100 308 (it's younger auto cousin), w/ a 23XXX number (again 1st yr production), also in like new condition, at a shop for $450 each about 2-3 yrs ago.

While at a show this weekend, I found a '62 Model 100 in near perfect condition for $325 with a spare magazine, that needed some extractor work. I pulled it apart, and cleaned the gas piston and the hole in the screw cap - hopefully, this should take care of the problem. Now - if I can just find the hammer spring that shot across the living room!!!

My Dad has had a Model 100 308 for about 40 yrs. Last yr, I found a Model 100 243, and bought it for him, due to him getting up in age a little, and I was trying to minimize the recoil for him

They are great looking guns, however, as previously stated, there is quite a bit of creep in the trigger.

Enjoy

Mike