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Author Topic: Model 88 .358 prototype  (Read 1107 times)

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Offline Grandpa Winchester

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Model 88 .358 prototype
« on: June 23, 2012, 05:21:54 PM »
My father and I aquired my grandfathers model 88 .358 . He worked at Winchester from 1950 to 1981 . He was a test shooter and a gunsmith . He tested this model in 1955 before the factory produced them in .358 magnum. I'm trying to find a value on it and can't seem to come up with anything . We ran the serial numbers on it and it said model 88 .358 win mag produced 1955 . The .358 magnum model 88 wasn't produced until 1956. If someone could help me I would greatly appreciate it !  Thank you ...
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Offline muznut 54

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Re: Model 88 .358 prototype
« Reply #1 on: June 24, 2012, 12:31:54 AM »
Was that a Winchester cartridge and what did it look like longer or fatter than a 358win?
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Offline Grandpa Winchester

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Re: Model 88 .358 prototype
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2012, 06:47:54 AM »
Yes it was a Winchester cartridge . It's longer than the regular .358 Winchester because it has a magnum load.
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Offline Winter Hawk

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Re: Model 88 .358 prototype
« Reply #3 on: July 08, 2012, 03:01:39 PM »
I have never heard of a .358 Win Mag.  The 88 was offered in .308W, .358W, .243 and .284W.  It was a stout action but probably not strong enough for any magnum loads.  The first years the back of the thrust block was in a clover leaf shape which weakened the wrist of the stock, causing numerous failures.  This was rectified in 1959, but I still don't see the strength being there for a magnum cartridge, even if one were available back then.

I would suggest making a casting of the chamber and measuring it - I would be very surprised if it was anything other than the .358 Winchester.

-Kees-
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Offline muznut 54

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Re: Model 88 .358 prototype
« Reply #4 on: July 09, 2012, 02:39:05 AM »
Also I thought the 88 was for short action cartridges only? That's what had me thinking a fatter case if its a magnum.
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Offline Rangr44

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Re: Model 88 .358 prototype
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2012, 03:36:27 AM »
It's not chambered for a short Magnum case - unheard of in 1955.  The Model 88 is a short-action, designed for .308 Winchester length cartridges only, and I would think the OP's simply assuming it's a magnum.
 
Unless you can obtain a factory letter, stating it was a prototype, your .358W Model 88 would most likely be valued the same as any other pre-64 .358 M88 in like condition ( Remaining % of original factory finiish w/o mods) - about $3500 in excellent condition.
 
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Offline tanoose

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Re: Model 88 .358 prototype
« Reply #6 on: September 04, 2012, 09:33:37 AM »
give winchester a call and get the phone # of the winchester historian give him a call and if you get his ansering machine ,leave your name and # he will get back to you. if anyone knows he will. good luck and keep us informed
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