Opinion on an 88 in 284

[Rimfire McNutjob]

I've occassionally been on the lookout for an 88 in 284. Here on Gunbroker, one sold for $1275 the other day. The gun was described as 97% but there were not really any extensive closeups of the barrel, etc. This was a pre-64 and the only problem that I could see outright were the apparent scrapes on the inside of the lever loop from wearing a ring perhaps. Also, I'm sure that if the scope base were removed there might very well be some marrings from that metal to metal contact on the receiver.

So was this a good buy? I'm in no way an 88 expert but I like the style and would like to own a pre-64 version. Anyone who's ever looked for them probably knows you can have on in 308 easier than fallin' out of bed but the 284s and 358s are a bit harder to come by. I would have thought that this one would have gone higher. Perhaps I should have bid.

I'd like a 284 to replace my current deer gun ... a BAR Lightweight 20" in 270 Win.

[adirondakjack]

I dunno about the dollar value, but they can be made to shoot very well with proper handloading.

My dad had one he bought as a "leftover" for $100 in 1965 or 6. He went all out to create awesome loads for it. Seated .003 off the lands (they had to be single fed as OAL was too long, neck turned and balance marked cases, etc, etc. I witnessed a .275" three shot 100 yard group fired with that rifle, using a 4X scope.

[Charles]

How much deader will a 284 kill a deer than a .308?
How much farther will a 284 kill a deer than a .308?
Is the difference, if any, worth 2.5 times the price?

[O.S.O.K.]

A very subjective thing.

As far as the fair market value of a Winchester M88 in that chambering... I don't know - other's here can tell you better than me. I will say that if they sell for that regularly on gunbroker then that's the going price for that venue.

I personally find the 88's to be a bit clunky in my hands and I'm not really fond of em, so I wouldn't pay that.

Now, the Savage 99's on the other hand.... I like those and would pay a good price for one in vg shape.

A very subjective thing.

[Rimfire McNutjob]

How much deader will a 284 kill a deer than a .308?
How much farther will a 284 kill a deer than a .308?
Is the difference, if any, worth 2.5 times the price?

I guess I should have mentioned that I don't have a "practical" bone in my body. I like the 7mm caiber but I hate the metric system. I think a cartridge with a rebated rim is cool. I like paying more for ammo that's hard to find. I have 4000 rounds of 17 HMR on my shelf and I don't own a rifle in 17 HMR currently. I have more than one Winchester 71 but I live in a part of Florida where a big deer will dress out about 110lbs. So now you know ... I just WANT one, but I don't want to overpay.

I guess I could sell off some of my 17 HMR stash and the BAR and buy one. Or perhaps dump a few Diamondbacks, etc.

[Charles]

I understand what it means to "have the wants". Reason and logic fly out the window when a fellow has a "cravin". I have been there more than once myself and not always about guns.

[scr83jp]

I just went to the 08 Blue Book 100% $500 add $150 for 284 ; 98% $450 + $150 Here's some more info : http://www.wisnersinc.com on mod 88 & 100's

[Sixgun]

Its all about supply and demand and who can tell their buddies, I have a so and so in the weird caliber.". The guns that were made with the off the wall calibers were made in limited numbers because well, they were not as good as the standard calibers. Just look at the Model 53 S&W in .22 Jet. They are bringing a mint and they are near worthless. I've had 'em and shot 'em and they are a pain in the butt. .22 mag is almost as good.

284's use a rebated rim and brass is not the easiest or cheapest to come by. But Sammy Joe can tell his buddies, "Ha. I have a .284 and I bet you don't".\

The .358 is another story. Its an excellent round but kicks more and does not have the flatness of a .308. Its limited more to knowlegable shooters and "niche hunting"----close range busting------------------------------------Sixgun

[BenT]

Gentlemen dont' confuse " wants " and "needs" , they are to different things.

I seen one locally for around $1400 if I remember. The 88 has more of a bolt gun feel than the BLR.

[Rimfire McNutjob]

... Just look at the Model 53 S&W in .22 Jet. They are bringing a mint and they are near worthless. I've had 'em and shot 'em and they are a pain in the butt. .22 mag is almost as good. -----Sixgun

Uh oh, I also have a coupleof 53's. One shoots just fine but the other suffers a setback at least every 10 rounds. The "good" one seems to have rougher chambers or at least less polish and a few machining marks. I took a small ball hone to the fat part of the chambers on the "bad" one but I never did follow up to see if that solved the issue.

Here's a 99M in 284. It looks at though it's probably a tang safety version (later as one would expect in 284) with a press checkered stock ... welcome to the age of bell bottom corduroys. Still, it's got a lever.

[SmokeEater2]

Ain't nuttin' wrong with just wanting a certain caliber or type of gun. I think thats what the anti-gun crowd get so confused over. Heck, I want a winny '73 in .38-40 and a Colt Alaskan so bad I can taste 'em,I really don't need either one or half the guns I own (I hope my wife doesn't read this ) but I like shooting them,they make me happy and probably keep me out of trouble. But, that's just one of the things to love about the good ol' USA, if I want another lever gun or sixshooter and I can afford it, I can have one of my very own for no particular reason.

[arjunky]

I've wanted one for 25 years, just never made myself buy one. The .284 is a great caliber that just never caught on. I've always thought they were overpriced for what they were.
Pre-64's 90% or better usually will bring $1200 up, one sold on Gunbroker not too long ago for $1800. Post-64's should bring a couple hundred less.

Byron

[Mike D.]

If I "needed" guns, I surely wouldn't have so many. I do "need" more pre-war Winchesters, though. Much better than any 401K plan, especially the 1886s.

[Modoc ED]

How much deader will a 284 kill a deer than a .308?
How much farther will a 284 kill a deer than a .308?
Is the difference, if any, worth 2.5 times the price?

Yes, if you want a .284 and nothing else will do.

[t.r.]

Seems like a a lot of cash for a rifle that has no gold leaf or embedded jewels.

I suggest a less costly rifle and spend difference on a fallow deer hunt. They're outstanding trophies, indeed. The larger ranches offer ethical hunts for born-in-the-wild fallow deer. Smaller outfits, well, you know.

TR

[natedontgo]

This is a levergun forum,so I'll give short shrift to the most economical way into a 284 W Rifle..(A BOLT GUN) ...Give equal condition a Clip loading Sav.9 (99-C) should sell about equal in one the BLR 284's..the Rotary Mag.99's are beginning to pressure the post 64 Win 88's,and then come the pre-64's..I've one or more of all of the above fttt,and still have the majority...brought a 99-C in 90%++ condition and a BSA custom bolter 99% home with me from our local gun show this PM..did not walk @ $875 and $495 respectively... will be $25 higher at the Spring show.... Nate

[Sixgun]

Ain't nuttin' wrong with just wanting a certain caliber or type of gun. I think thats what the anti-gun crowd get so confused over. Heck, I want a winny '73 in .38-40 and a Colt Alaskan so bad I can taste 'em,I really don't need either one or half the guns I own (I hope my wife doesn't read this ) but I like shooting them,they make me happy and probably keep me out of trouble. But, that's just one of the things to love about the good ol' USA, if I want another lever gun or sixshooter and I can afford it, I can have one of my very own for no particular reason.

SmokeEater, This one shoots beer cans at 100 yards. Its a solid 60-70% with a mint bore with excellent mechanics. What do you have to trade?--------------Sixgun

[Old Savage]

Friend of mine had one for a long time - I think he used the 150 factory ammo. Traded it off a lot cheaper than the talk here. Interesting combination. It is a little flatter shooting than the 308. Good all around choice for the West.

[SmokeEater2]

Ain't nuttin' wrong with just wanting a certain caliber or type of gun. I think thats what the anti-gun crowd get so confused over. Heck, I want a winny '73 in .38-40 and a Colt Alaskan so bad I can taste 'em,I really don't need either one or half the guns I own (I hope my wife doesn't read this ) but I like shooting them,they make me happy and probably keep me out of trouble. But, that's just one of the things to love about the good ol' USA, if I want another lever gun or sixshooter and I can afford it, I can have one of my very own for no particular reason.

SmokeEater, This one shoots beer cans at 100 yards. Its a solid 60-70% with a mint bore with excellent mechanics. What do you have to trade?--------------Sixgun

NICE!! Anything in particular You're looking for? I've got a little of everything from FAL's to levers.

[Pete44ru]

You fellas ought to finish yore courtship over in the classifieds or by PM - Yore almost gettin' syrupy, here !

.

[guido4198]

It's NEVER about NEED....