The Winchester Model 88 lever action...

[Texas Star]

I think the M-88 probably inspired the Sako Finnwolf. I've seen only one or two, but they had Sako's fine finish and may be the ultimate lever action rifle for modern cartridges.

I was never too interested, as I prefer bolt actions.

I knew a guy many years ago who had a .284 M-88. He liked it and it shot very well. I fired it a few times.

 

[model70hunter]

I bought my 1st Deer rifle at about 18, it was a Win M-100 Carbine in 308 and killed many deer until I started chasing smaller groups with bolt action rifles. Shoulda kept it. But I always looked for an 88 in 284, never run across one until the last few years when prices for it have gone crazy.

I saw an 88 rifle, not carbine, in 308 at a gun show a couple of weeks ago. If it had been a carbine and or in 284 I would have jumped on the $500.00 tag.

John life must be rough when you have to find neat old guns and make yourself write an article on them. Ha.

 

[ispcapt]

Bought my pre-64 Model 88 in .308 in 1967. It had been sitting in the dealer's rack for a couple of years. High power rifles aren't big movers in this part of the country. The dealer had ordered it for a guy who fired 4 rds of W-W Silvertips thru it, said it kicked too much, and traded it for something else. I happened to stop in one evening and spotted it. $95 for the Model 88, a Weaver 4X scope, the remainder of the W-W Silvertips, and a leather case. Like Trout mine will shoot within 1" at 100 yds with my handloaded 150 gr SP. I don't find the recoil all that much.
I consider it one of my better buys.

 

[greenmachine]

You did well my friend. They are really nice rifles. I don't understand all the complaints about the Model 88. Enjoy yours, I love mine.

 

[Homie]

Nice write-up on a "gone but not forgotten" rifle, particularly those of us who've had a particularly memorable event with one. The longest shot I've ever made on a whitetail was a doe running straight away from me across a North Dakota stubble field- Post'64 .308 with a K-4.

Regarding 88 trigger complaints, IIRC, in the recent past writer Craig Boddington mentioned a 'smith that he was involved with that had a modification for the 88 triggers that greatly enhanced them. Maybe someone else will remember who it was. It may have been the "Rigby" outfit in CA.

 

[hkcavalier]

If I ever stumble across an 88 or Savage 99 in .358 I'll get it. Perfect woods rifle around here.

 

[ispcapt]

Sorry. Forgot Internet Rule # 1 - If there's no pictures then it didn't happen.
Here's my pre-64 Model 88 in .308.
Today, magazines cost as much as I paid for this rifle, 4X Weaver, 16 rds remaining in the box of W-W Silvertips, sling and case. The Weaver bit the dust several years ago.