Make: Winchester

Model: 88

Serial Number: 125161A

Year of Manufacture: 1961

Caliber: .243 Winchester

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle fed by Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 22” Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a ramped serrated base fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is an elevation-adjustable “U”-notch insert with a white diamond reference in a flip-up mount dovetailed to the top rear of the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled to accommodate mounts for optics (none included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a steel capped semi-pistol grip, a fluted straight comb, two sling loops, and a checkered plastic buttplate. There are a few faint scuffs on the bottom of the forend. The checkering is crisp. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock rates in about Excellent 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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The metal shows a couple light handling and storage marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes one vintage original Winchester blued 4-round magazine in Excellent Condition, and stamped “WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK” on the bottom floorplate.

Our Assessment:Introduced in 1955 for the (at the time) new .308 Winchester cartridge, the streamlined, hammerless Winchester Model 88 was entirely different and technically more advanced than any of their previous lever action rifles. Within a year, the .243 Winchester and .358 Winchester cartridges were added to the Model 88, and in 1963, the .284 Winchester cartridge became available. The Model 88 boasted a solid frame, front locking 3-lug rotating bolt, side ejection, short throw lever, crossbolt safety, one-piece walnut pistol grip stock, black plastic buttplate, and a steel 4-shot detachable box magazine (three shot in .284 Win.). Produced from 1955-1973, the overall appearance was very similar to the Model 100, and the Model 88 was essentially a lever-action version of its semi-automatic cousin. Much of the preceding information courtesy of the gunwriter Chuck Hawks.

This Winchester Model 88 Lever Action Rifle was made in 1961 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 22” barrel, 99% of its crisp, original blued finish, a gorgeous one-piece checkered walnut stock with a steel capped semi-pistol grip, a fluted straight comb, and a checkered plastic buttplate, a beautiful original Winchester blued 4-round mag, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion. Anyone who hunts in the woods will appreciate this rifle’s short barrel and fast handling characteristics for quick shots on running game. That said, this Pre-64 Model 88 would also make a fine addition to a Winchester collection.