Winchester 88

[Charles]

I finally got around to taking out my new Win. 88 (.308). The innerds were dry and had some old oil varnish. The ejectors were frozen with varnish and it took some new lube and pressure from the flat of a screw driver to get them working again. The rifle now cycles, loads and ejects smooth as glass. This rifle has been sitting around unused for many years.

I cleaned the barrel and it is as bright and shiney as a new mint dime.

I have another 88 in 308 with a 4X El Paso Weaver scope on it, and this new one came with a 4X Jap scope with the brand name Red Arrow. Anyway, I removed the scope, mount and filled the holes with plug screws. I see no need for two rifles the same.

Rating around in my sight box, I came up with a good click adjustable Lyman receiver sight. It was a simple matter to remove the plug screws and install the Lyman. No changes in the stock were necessary.

Now, the fly in the ointment with the Winnie 88 was the stock with much drop at the heel. It made made the rifle thump more than necessary and caused the shooter to hold his head higher on the butt stock to see through a scope. But the stock is perfect for a reciver sight.

This rig makes a light, well balanced, quick rifle. This one and it scoped brother makes a fine a pair of deer rifles and I could every hope to have.

The plastic butt plate has shrunk a mite and the wood stand a little proud over the plate. I will install a steel butt plate and refinish the wood to take out the few dings and scrapes. After all this rifle is 44 years old.

Now to take it to the range and see what it will do..but I can predict the outcome. These 88s are remarkably consistant turning in about 1.5 MOA of accuracy.

Heck of a fine rifle! The 88 in .308 was John Wooters favorite Texas deer rifle and with just reason.

The Win. 88 was produced in .243, .308, 284, and .358 with the first two by far being the most common.

[Wes]

I have one of these too. I really like this rifle. Like you say, they shoot very well and are slick and handy. They are so streamlined and functional to boot. Mine likes RL-15.

[Rimfire McNutjob]

An 88 with a receiver sight and no pictures posted. Someone should issue a citation. I love the sleek look of the 88. I always wanted a 284 or 358 until the prices went out of control a few years back. Would love to have one, but holy cow on the $ for the 358's.

[Pete44ru]

[An 88 with a receiver sight and no pictures posted.] +1

We need to see the siblings.

[Ben_Rumson]

A friend has one in .243...It's really a sweet rifle to shoot..Course he'd never part with it..Oh well I'll keep a lookin...

[AndyM]

My first deer rifle was a pre-64 Winchester 88 in 308 - I killed a handleful of PA deer with that rifle and still try to hunt with it a day or 2 each year. Last year 2006 - killed a nice fat doe with it and recently put a much nicer scope on it - a Leupold 2x-7x Var-I now rides on top of the receiver. They are indeed great rifles - I would love to find one priced right in .243 - that would make for a great groundhog/coyote gun.

I am glad you like yours...

[natedontgo]

Charles,if/when you come West to shoot with us,I'll be sure to bring some 284's and maybe even a 358,with the thought that we should do what we can to relieve you of some of that Texas money..OR,should Two(2)308's not suffice your wants/needs,I have 2-3 spares that would likely do you well.......always looking to help....Nate

[Rimfire McNutjob]

Wow ... all of those 88's but no digital camera. I say that, of course, because if you had a camera you surely would have shared with those of us in need.