My Dad's Gun (With Pic. If I Do It Right)

[Wyatt Burp]

I inherited my dad's guns last September. His all time favorite was a pre 64 Winchester 88. It's a 284. It took a few months to be able to look at this rifle without getting a little misty. It doesn't seem right that I have it. It's his. I swear I can smell his cigar smoke on it. He carried this gun all over the west. He never read those articles about the "terrible" trigger pull, or how it isn't as accurate as a bolt action. All those deer in our freezer over the years didn't read those articles,either. He left tons of this obsolete but highly effective ammo, dies, and thirty five years worth of brass. This gun ain't done yet.

 

[David LaPell]

That is a beautiful gun, I always did like the Model 88, I see them once and again, but usually at very high prices. As for a family gun, I have a hard time looking at my Grandfather's Colt Woodsman, I know he carried that gun for nearly 50 years before I got it. I have somewhat semi retired the gun, but it does get out now and again. What has been bothering me lately is all of the old guns I have been seeing that family members are just turning in. This Saturday, I saw a Colt Woodsman, and a pair of Ruger Single Sixes (OM's) that were brought in from an estate. Relative didn't care. In another place I spotted a pair of Winchester self loading rifles, one in .351 and .401 (daughter in law hates guns). This and the economy, well, I think you will see more of this.

 

[gregintenn]

That is one fine classic rifle. It appears to be in good hands. Enjoy it and the memories it brings.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Nice gun, better memories. Don't remember anyone ever calling the .308 obsolete for hunting before though.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Originally posted by Bullet Bob:
Nice gun, better memories. Don't remember anyone ever calling the .308 obsolete for hunting before though.

This rifle is a .284 Winchester. It's a lever gun that swears it's a 270. I do have his .308 Model 88, though. And a 1958 .243, too. They just aren't as sentimental as this one and they might go.

 

[pharmer]

Those guns are priceless. Keep them all until you get a little nearer to the end of the road. It's never "right" getting someone's treasures. But who better than you? Joe

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Ya know, there are pricey guns and then there are priceless guns. That one is obviously the latter. You will always think of your Dad when you look at it. Very cool.

WG840

 

[m657]

I had an 88 in 243 but somehow a buddy talked me out of it...wonderful rifle. The only people I ever heard bad mouthing them never had one.

You've got some grand memories there. Nice rifles too.

 

[Blackcloud2]

Wyatt, there really isn't any debate about the rifle you're holding in the photo, it is THE BEST rifle ever....Hey, it was your dad's.

Glad you have it man, but I'm sorry you lost your father, treat it well.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Wyatt; I have a post 64 Model 88 in .308. Took it in a trade about 1981 or so. Taken 10 bucks & 2 Elk with it so far. Don'tlet them knock a Model 88 as it's a fine rifle.

 

[gunsmith11]

I also have an 88 in .308, with aperature sight, a great rifle. Belonged to my step father.

 

[Homie]

Every time you handle one of your father's guns you'll have a flood of great memories- I know I do!

Pretty rare as well - a "first year" .284 and a V9!

Good shooting.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Originally posted by Homie:
Every time you handle one of your father's guns you'll have a flood of great memories- I know I do!

Pretty rare as well - a "first year" .284 and a V9!

Good shooting.

Good eye on that scope! Is that old Weaver considered an especially good scope? I had told my Dad a couple of times that his .284 was a scarse gun, having been made for only one year prior to '64. He didn't care. One time I was viviting him and I was looking at it. When I checked it first I found it loaded. I showed him the loaded clip and he said, "Hey! Who loaded this?!"

 

[keith44spl]

That's great,

wish I had some of my Dad's ol' guns...

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[Homie]

Wyatt,
When they came out, the V9 was a great scope for the money. Living in El Paso I had one then due to the fact that Weaver would take trade-ins at the factory, and used it for several years. After moving to Denver I became a Redfield fan. Kind of odd that there both gone, although the brand lives on.

If the scope works, keep using it.

Good shooting.

 

[Spotteddog]

Fine rifle!
Your Dad had great taste in weapons. And I suspect, he had pretty good taste in Sons too!

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Originally posted by Spotteddog:
Fine rifle!
Your Dad had great taste in weapons. And I suspect, he had pretty good taste in Sons too!

Thanks a lot. I appreciate all the warm thoughts. Not to mention recognition of the good ol' Winchester 88. And the poor .284 Winchester cartridge. Born a little too soon to take advantage of the logical short action craze.

 

[parallel]

Very nice post... your Dad will live forever in your heart.

 

[mississippi revolverman]

Fine weapon and a lot of memories. I have a 100 Winchester in 284 that will go to my son and grandson one day. I know he will be as proud as you are

 

[minuteman]

Great rifles, those 88s. Mines a 308.
Dad didn't leave it to me, but he did leave several shotguns and a couple mausers. They are priceless to me.
Enjoy it.