my grandpa gave me a model 88 chambered in 308 for Christmas. he bought it new in 1968 or 1969. impeccably well maintained over 50 years. mine is just so smooth to operate, no slop, but no hiccups either.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns yes he is. since that Christmas he has sold me a winchester model 70 and a browning A-bolt. both chambered in 7mm rem mag, both perfectly maintained both as smooth as fine Kentucky bourbon. thank you for your kind worlds.
Mike, I never had the pleasure of handling an 88, but do have an early 100 in .308. It came to me from my father and I thoroughly enjoy using it. Always a pleasure and full of memories of hunts gone by.
I recently picked up a pre 64' receiver. I forgot to mention before one the biggest differences in the receivers. Look at the front of the bolt carrier when they are in the locked position. Both your post 64' 88 and the model 100 show part of the bolt when locked. The ejection port is shorter on the older receivers and all you see is the bolt carrier. I believe that this started with the model 100, but am not sure. All the .284 rifles should be like this so you can eject an unfired round with out it jamming on the receiver. You make good, down to earth videos.
Unlike the 70’s which were cheapened post 64 the 88’s went thru some small design modifications which were considered enhancements. In any year beautiful rifles!
Very interesting video! My uncle actually gave me his 88 last hunting season as my first deer rifle. It’s a little rough, I actually refinished the wood. I guess he used it as a saddle gun when he’d hunt on horseback. But I never knew there was a lot of interest in them, I will definitely have to pull it out and learn some more about it!
I have a model 88 that register as a 1963 but is have pressed checkering on the stock. However its a really nice black walnut stock. Never seen this anywhere
Interesting video. I've seen a dozen of these over the years but have never picked one up just because I tend to like their 94's. We have a gun show in a few weeks so I'll keep my eyes open for one of these and take a close look at it.
I have a post 64 model 88 .308win. in pristine condition that I inherited from my Grandpa. I wanted to learn a little more about it via this video. Action works great, and I can’t wait to go shoot it at the range.
Hello, I have the 88 in .308 that was manufactured in 1956 (second year production model) with the original cloverleaf rear receiver lug. It is in 97% condition with no cracks and like my Remington model 8, I only use it at the range. A very well made firearm although not quite as good as the Sako finnwolf. Truly an under-appreciated American classic. Cheers, Steve
I had the pleasure of using a model 88 from 56 I believe. The ejection port is shorter, which makes ejecting a loaded cartridge difficult depending on what your shooting. I was shooting a .308. The magazine also had no caliber marking and a different follower in it. It’s a very fun rifle to shoot.
Mike, I always enjoy your videos, always informative. Am reading A RIFLEMAN GOES TO WAR by McBride. WW1 Canadian. Talks a lot about how accurate the Ross Rifles were. The Canadian Sniper teams used them with good results.
I'm currently looking at a model 88 in 308, manufactured in 1955. I think it will be a great addition to my winchester collection. I don't have any post 64 Besides one a model 70 in 7mm rem mag but it is still excellent quality! Oldest is a 1897 manufactured in 1899 and have never been fired!!!
You're right - you'll like that 88; always a buy but even more so for a 1955; a great addition to your fine collection....that 1897 is a very valuable item as you know. Cheers
Mike thanks for the Video! I’m glad to hear your thoughts on the model 88s. I purchased a beautiful model 88 chambered in .308 manufactured in 1960 at a gun show yesterday. I didn’t really know anything about them, I just really loved the look and feel of the rifle and its in excellent condition can’t wait to go fire it.
Hi Stan - Congrats on the 88 purchase! The 88 is a legendary rifle and in high condition - very, very scarce. They keep going up in value. Mine have always been accurate. Good shooting and thanks for the note!
I am not sure of the cut off dates, but there are quite a few changes over the years. The recoil block at the rear of the receiver on early models was way different. It tended to split the stock , so the modification looked like the rifles you have. The internals on the receiver were changed more than once. Early bolt carriers will not interchange with later receivers , but again, I don't know the time frame. Some later bolts went to two ejectors in the bolt face. There was a factory recall on the firing pin because of design, but it may have been near the end of production. There may be more I don't remember or don't know about. It has been a while since I worked on one. They seem to be mostly a collector item now instead of a hunting tool. Great light little rifles. You really have some good examples on your table. Original stocks go really high because they were fragile and often cracked.
Hi Super Zuki - Great that you have that rifle. I wonder if it has cut chekering or pressed. The pressed pattern is fancier. The cut checkering usually means the rifle was made before 1964. Either way - excellent!
Nice rifles My Friend , I have never seen one of those models in real life that's one of the things I like most about Your channel. The opportunity to take an in depth view, as well as a history lesson on firearms that are unique. Good job Sir.
I had a friend in High School that had a Model 88 in 308,it was a nice looking rifle, but it had the worst trigger pull I had ever seen,caused the rifle to not be very accurate,or at least we could not get good groups with it.Being kids we knew nothing about how to work on triggers!
Thanks for the video! I ended up buying one of these rifles after watching this video. Shoots straight and I am mostly happy, but the capacity for the magazine is not good and the weapon jams if I load more than 3 rounds. I am looking for an after market replacement magazine for this rifle. I found a polymer magazine compatible with AICS-spec, but don't think it fits my Win88. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Have you heard of any after market magazines that would work with this rifle?
Honest wear on a firearm is something I see as a feature and not a bug. Not only does it add character, but it means that a person can shoot the firearm without fear of hurting its financial value! The 88 was certainly a bold move by Winchester in 1955 to try and fill the niche between the 94 and 70 and its sales record indicates that it did so successfully. Anyways, it looks to me like they would be a great gun for hunting deer back east and a good varmint/deer rifle out west.
My Dad gave me his pre- 64 model 88 .I found a few features I didn,t like .The trigger was incredibly complicated with no adjustment which affected accuracy,secondly,the stock was very flimsy due to the inletting necessary for the lever housinng and magazine.Flimsy is pobaly not the right word -the stock was considerably weaker due to the inletting. i,m a long time viewer and have great respect for your knowledge and opinions.
Hi Nello - Thanks for the note. I welcome and am always interested in every opinion. For sure there are aspects to the 88 that many people question. All the best.
My first rifle was 1973 model 88 .308 carbine which I still have. Never an issue. Killed most of my bucks with it. Always used a Tasco World Class 4X scope.
Mike. Thank you for your videos. Nicely done. An old friend of mine recently gave me several rifles, among them include a pre 1964 model 88 and 100, both chambered in .284 that belonged to his father who hunted them internationally. The bores in each rifle are in very nice shape but the bluing needs to be replaced and, to fit my size body, the stocks need to be returned back to factory. I'd like to have both rifles re-blued and the stocks replaced. I am personally done with hunting but Ron Spomer has me intrigued regarding that specific caliber for distance targets. I think they might be fun. Anyway, I reload and shoot quite a lot here in the Pacific Northwest but I don't know of any gunsmith that can do the bluing. Can you or others here on your channel recommend someone worth their salt for that? Thank you kindly and my best to you.
One of my favorites to hunt with. I feel like a true gentleman walking in the woods with this firearm. Excellent content sir. Can you do a review on the caliber. 35 Remington it is a forgotten caliber sometimes. It is a true all around great caliber. Great work God bless!
I own two Winchester model 88's in 308 win. The one is a recent purchase that was made in 1957 is exceptional condition while the other is 308 was made in 1964. The 1964 is my go to deer rifle since I've purchased a couple years ago. I feel very fortunate to own such beautiful rifles...
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns the 1957 rifle was difficult to resist & I just had to have it! I watch & throughly enjoy watching video content that you put out! Thank you, so much for all the informative videos content!
There is a clover leaf tang on older pre 64 models. Can’t remember the year where they quit that but my dads 308 pre 64 had the clover leaf receiver. Not a huge difference but something to note
A dry gun will stick and I always lube or wax the follower in the mag so it does not bind against the bolt that helps the most you can feel the difference.. taking the mag out for storage is good for keeping the spring in order I put in a ziplock bag and hang on the swivel of the gun or poke a hole and hang over the barrel keeps it with the gun that way...
If you store that magazine in a zip lock bag I hope you put a pack of dessicant inside to absorb moisture. If not it is very likely that it will develop rust from being inside a plastic bag. Not if it does, but when. It is also highly unlikely that a magazine spring will loose tension or become fatigued if left in the gun. We are not talking about a fully loaded mag here compressing the follower and spring and left over extended periods of time. But rather an empty mag where depending on the rifle you can leave the action open by opening the bolt or removing it for storage, or opening the lever for storage, not a bad idea considering the rifle can be seen to be clear and safe at a glance. However it's not recommended for a semiautomatic due to compression of the return spring. But if left in and the action is closed ( hammer down/ un cocked) the bolts body pushing on the top of the follower and spring will be of such negligible difference as to be meaningless and of little concern. I would prefer to keep the magazine with the gun, in the gun, instead of removed where the chance of loss increases dramatically over time. I personally have made the time and effort to pick up as many spare magazines for every firearm that takes one so as to avoid the loss of one putting the firearm out of action. I see no downside to having 10 magazines for the 88 or 100. And not only will you be glad you did 20, 30 or more years from now, but so will whomever gets the firearm after it has departed you. Bare in mind that mags are like gold , they never devalue and are always sought out. Especially in out of production firearms.
@@bobgarr6246 Re-read my comment... I poke a hole in the bag to hang on the gun not sealed...did not specify that on the swivel but anyway I do not seal the bag...
You're right - more and smaller/thinner parts. I take pictures with my phone before and during work on all of the more intricate actions. Thanks for the note.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Mine locked open solid just because it had dust in it. Took me trips to five different smiths to find one that would touch it lol.
By far the best modern lever action designed period! Yes the quality of the wood IS the biggest factor of the difference between the Pre and Post 64s. I have a couple of 88's myself a 55 and a 57. Both .308s as well. Some things you never brought out about the 88's is the fact that it is the first lever action to utilize a full length stock as a bolt action rifle does (bolt guys don't get bent out of shape), giving you superb accuracy. 3 lug front locking rotating bolt. Actually a faster operating lever action as you dont have to fidgit with your fingers when cycling it. 5 round detachable magazine. Drilled and tapped for scope. It was the best modern lever action period. As someone stated cost killed it! And of course that the biggest reason pre-64s will always hold more value and collectability because Winchester owned then by Olin chinsed on anything they could anywhere they could.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns you are welcome. I like your videos and you do a good job representing the firearms at hand. Just found your channel and I subscribed!
I found one at a local shop. Carbine model chambered in 308 .It’s in decent condition. No cracks in stock and blueing is fading. Very minor surface rust on receiver. What would be considered a fair value.
Update. I finally got it and I’m fairly certain I got a good deal. 1961 chambered in 308. Not a carbine. Barrel is in a lot better shape than I thought. Stock has a few scratches but nothing that’s deep. $460.
There are still companies that sell 90% finished walnut stocks, but then you still have the same cracking problem. I have seen laminated stocks for sale. These may handle the recoil better, but I have never dealt with them. Anybody reading this have one?
I was wondering if there is a safety mechanism on the pre-64 M88 and can you tell when the firing pin is cocked and ready to fire as it is a hammerless design, correct ? Thanks in advance .
Practically speaking, it's _always cocked!_ There's an internal hammer, but no way to de-cock it besides pulling the trigger. If you open the lever far enough to feed a new round the hammer is automagically cocked again. The only safety is the cross block button safety.
The big difference is in the rear lug. The Pre-64 model has a larger rear lug which decreases the amount of wood at the wrist (and prone to breaking the stock) the Post 64 long is clover leaf shaped. There's some dimensional differences in the ejection port and I think the firing pin is a different design I've got 1x Pre 64 and 2x Post 64 88's. love them
@@oldgoat1890 Please, oh please don't make me pull one of them apart to double check. Great rifles, but aside from dropping the action out of the stock, an absolute MF to do a complete strip on!
@@SnoopReddogg There are many, many changes to the internal parts and the receiver over the years. Not so much a pre or post 64 as progressive changes to fix problems. Internal parts will NOT interchange in some years due to receiver and bolt carrier changes. The recoil blocks DO interchange on the receivers, but the stock will not fit. The elongated ejection port came about because of the length of the .284 , and some feed ramp changes. After that, all receivers had the extended ejection port. I had a list of changes in these posts a while back.
No one can seem to answer a question I have. I have a post 64 model 88 chambered in 284 Win, Will the magazines interchange with other calibers of this model?
I have a post 64 M100; love the gun's functionality and performance in the field but I would be lying if I said the triggerpull was nice! Stiff and heavy isn't for me.
I had a first year production model 88 1955 in 308win wish I still had it would have probably kept it if it wasn't a 308 243or 284 win I'd have kept it
Can you tell me the serial number the year they swiched. Inherited one and now looking for some information about my grandfathers first rifle he was gifted from an american friend of the familiy in the 1974s. Serial number is around 105.000. (still in hunting use) Greetings from Germany
Those are really good looking rifles. I've never owned one but I do own a Savage 99 in .300 savage. It's one of my favorites. How does the Winchester compare to the Savage?
Hi Brian - the Winchester locks at the front and always has a removable magazine. The Savage is a classic with a wedge bolt locking system - also extremely strong. Some Savage 99 models have removable magazines. Both the 99 and the 88 are superb.
One difference is the trigger stays in place with the savage. In the model 88 the trigger stays with the lever. On paper it's supposed to be better because you don't need to move your finger from the trigger on the Win #88 but I always removed my finger anyway .
I don't have a WINCHESTER 88....but do have a Savage 99 with a removable magazine.....it is chambered in .243.......... many people here mention the hard trigger on the 88......not so on the Savage....I would say it has a very good trigger.. at least the one I have.
I have shot both the model # 88 and the #100. They both had the worst triggers I ever shot, Including an old Mosin Nagant. From what I understand they can't be improved very much either.
Hi John - I know what you mean - some guns are like that as you know. I wish there was a way to improve but quite a few people wrote me that they tried and made things worse or found out there is nothing to be done. I use them as is and find that it isn't too bad once one gets used to it - like everything : )
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns If you shoot it much you can get used to anything. I have a Glenfield .22 that when I got it new I could pick the whole gun off the ground by the trigger without it going off. After checking, there was a spring that's only purpose as far as I could tell was to make the trigger harder to pull. I took out the spring and have used the gun for more than 40 years. Never a misfire. It still doesn't have the best trigger but I'm used to it. I don't want to mess with the sear. Thats really where people get in trouble if they don't know what they are doing.
I have a 1962 M88 chambered in .308 Win. Unfortunately, Ive always had some trouble getting it to shoot how I want it. It’s not terrible at 100 yards but I’d like for it to be better, does anybody here have any suggestions as to what factory ammo/loads shoot the best out of their M88? Any help would be much appreciated!
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Thank you for the reply USOG. Next trip to the range I’m going to try out a few different kinds of 150 grain loads and see if she smartens up.
Bore snake for 88s. Trust me on this, disassembly in order to use a pull through via the chamber is the mother of all PIAs on an 88 (you'll need slave pins and the patience of a saint to get it back together)
my grandpa gave me a model 88 chambered in 308 for Christmas. he bought it new in 1968 or 1969. impeccably well maintained over 50 years. mine is just so smooth to operate, no slop, but no hiccups either.
Awesome Jake - great grandpa : )
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns yes he is. since that Christmas he has sold me a winchester model 70 and a browning A-bolt. both chambered in 7mm rem mag, both perfectly maintained both as smooth as fine Kentucky bourbon. thank you for your kind worlds.
Mike, I never had the pleasure of handling an 88, but do have an early 100 in .308. It came to me from my father and I thoroughly enjoy using it. Always a pleasure and full of memories of hunts gone by.
Buy one I had a couple for years just hunted hogs with a 308 it's my new favorite
I recently picked up a pre 64' receiver. I forgot to mention before one the biggest differences in the receivers. Look at the front of the bolt carrier when they are in the locked position. Both your post 64' 88 and the model 100 show part of the bolt when locked. The ejection port is shorter on the older receivers and all you see is the bolt carrier. I believe that this started with the model 100, but am not sure. All the .284 rifles should be like this so you can eject an unfired round with out it jamming on the receiver. You make good, down to earth videos.
My first rifle was a Winchester 88 in .308, it’s still my favorite firearm of mine to shoot
Hi Purple - Quite a few similar messages from people like yours. Great rifle to buy.
Mine too
Unlike the 70’s which were cheapened post 64 the 88’s went thru some small design modifications which were considered enhancements. In any year beautiful rifles!
Very interesting video! My uncle actually gave me his 88 last hunting season as my first deer rifle. It’s a little rough, I actually refinished the wood. I guess he used it as a saddle gun when he’d hunt on horseback. But I never knew there was a lot of interest in them, I will definitely have to pull it out and learn some more about it!
One of the few guns I didn't receive from my father was his model 88. Breaks my heart.
I have a model 88 that register as a 1963 but is have pressed checkering on the stock. However its a really nice black walnut stock. Never seen this anywhere
Interesting video. I've seen a dozen of these over the years but have never picked one up just because I tend to like their 94's. We have a gun show in a few weeks so I'll keep my eyes open for one of these and take a close look at it.
You'll like the 88 - very fine.
I have a post 64 model 88 .308win. in pristine condition that I inherited from my Grandpa. I wanted to learn a little more about it via this video. Action works great, and I can’t wait to go shoot it at the range.
Hello,
I have the 88 in .308 that was manufactured in 1956 (second year production model) with the original cloverleaf rear receiver lug. It is in 97% condition with no cracks and like my Remington model 8, I only use it at the range. A very well made firearm although not quite as good as the Sako finnwolf. Truly an under-appreciated American classic. Cheers, Steve
That's the vintage everyone wants - and at 97% - you probably have one of a kind.
Great video as always! Never had a 88, but I love the 100. Have a 308 and a .284. Never found a decent 88 for sale.
Lucky man! .284 is the choice cartridge in the 100 for collectors.
I had the pleasure of using a model 88 from 56 I believe. The ejection port is shorter, which makes ejecting a loaded cartridge difficult depending on what your shooting. I was shooting a .308. The magazine also had no caliber marking and a different follower in it. It’s a very fun rifle to shoot.
The 88 is one of those fine rifles that could have gone on for a long time and with some improvements - even longer. Oh well... collectors gems now.
Mike, I always enjoy your videos, always informative. Am reading A RIFLEMAN GOES TO WAR by McBride. WW1 Canadian. Talks a lot about how accurate the Ross Rifles were. The Canadian Sniper teams used them with good results.
Thanks Randall - I'll find a copy. Much appreciated.
I'm currently looking at a model 88 in 308, manufactured in 1955. I think it will be a great addition to my winchester collection. I don't have any post 64 Besides one a model 70 in 7mm rem mag but it is still excellent quality! Oldest is a 1897 manufactured in 1899 and have never been fired!!!
You're right - you'll like that 88; always a buy but even more so for a 1955; a great addition to your fine collection....that 1897 is a very valuable item as you know. Cheers
Mike thanks for the Video! I’m glad to hear your thoughts on the model 88s. I purchased a beautiful model 88 chambered in .308 manufactured in 1960 at a gun show yesterday. I didn’t really know anything about them, I just really loved the look and feel of the rifle and its in excellent condition can’t wait to go fire it.
Hi Stan - Congrats on the 88 purchase! The 88 is a legendary rifle and in high condition - very, very scarce. They keep going up in value. Mine have always been accurate. Good shooting and thanks for the note!
Great content!
I am not sure of the cut off dates, but there are quite a few changes over the years. The recoil block at the rear of the receiver on early models was way different. It tended to split the stock , so the modification looked like the rifles you have. The internals on the receiver were changed more than once. Early bolt carriers will not interchange with later receivers , but again, I don't know the time frame. Some later bolts went to two ejectors in the bolt face. There was a factory recall on the firing pin because of design, but it may have been near the end of production. There may be more I don't remember or don't know about. It has been a while since I worked on one. They seem to be mostly a collector item now instead of a hunting tool. Great light little rifles. You really have some good examples on your table. Original stocks go really high because they were fragile and often cracked.
You're right! The pre 64 had a lighter trigger and the hand cut checkering is far better also.
I'm lucky enough to have one in .308,grandpa's gun. It shoots very good. I've taken many deer with it.
Hi Super Zuki - Great that you have that rifle. I wonder if it has cut chekering or pressed. The pressed pattern is fancier. The cut checkering usually means the rifle was made before 1964. Either way - excellent!
As always, thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge!
Most welcome Rob
Another great review/chat !
Thanks Tilbily!
Nice rifles My Friend , I have never seen one of those models in real life that's one of the things I like most about Your channel.
The opportunity to take an in depth view, as well as a history lesson on firearms that are unique.
Good job Sir.
Hi Rick! They are really nice and the 88 is an especially fine hunting rifle. God Bless.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns God Bless You My Friend
It was a very nice looking gun, One day I hope to get one
had mine for years super gun loved it more than the BLR its just nice sorry I love it
I had a friend in High School that had a Model 88 in 308,it was a nice looking rifle, but it had the worst trigger pull I had ever seen,caused the rifle to not be very accurate,or at least we could not get good groups with it.Being kids we knew nothing about how to work on triggers!
It can happen - I still like the 88 though : )
Nice looking rifles but that action looks a little rough. Another one I've never owned but wouldn't mind trying. Thanks for sharing!
Its true - needs a shot of Ballistol.
Thanks for the video! I ended up buying one of these rifles after watching this video. Shoots straight and I am mostly happy, but the capacity for the magazine is not good and the weapon jams if I load more than 3 rounds. I am looking for an after market replacement magazine for this rifle. I found a polymer magazine compatible with AICS-spec, but don't think it fits my Win88. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Have you heard of any after market magazines that would work with this rifle?
Honest wear on a firearm is something I see as a feature and not a bug. Not only does it add character, but it means that a person can shoot the firearm without fear of hurting its financial value!
The 88 was certainly a bold move by Winchester in 1955 to try and fill the niche between the 94 and 70 and its sales record indicates that it did so successfully. Anyways, it looks to me like they would be a great gun for hunting deer back east and a good varmint/deer rifle out west.
Good analysis - sort of lever activated bolts - I like them a lot.
The 88 is my favorite rifle I have 2 always looking for another
That makes sense - superb rifles and carbines.
Great video. Thank you. I have an 88 and a 100 both in 308. Great guns.
That's an excellent pair Greg - they're both getting so hard to find.
My Dad gave me his pre- 64 model 88 .I found a few features I didn,t like .The trigger was incredibly complicated with no adjustment which affected accuracy,secondly,the stock was very flimsy due to the inletting necessary for the lever housinng and magazine.Flimsy is pobaly not the right word -the stock was considerably weaker due to the inletting. i,m a long time viewer and have great respect for your knowledge and opinions.
Hi Nello - Thanks for the note. I welcome and am always interested in every opinion. For sure there are aspects to the 88 that many people question. All the best.
My first rifle was 1973 model 88 .308 carbine which I still have. Never an issue. Killed most of my bucks with it. Always used a Tasco World Class 4X scope.
Perfect carbine
Mike. Thank you for your videos. Nicely done. An old friend of mine recently gave me several rifles, among them include a pre 1964 model 88 and 100, both chambered in .284 that belonged to his father who hunted them internationally. The bores in each rifle are in very nice shape but the bluing needs to be replaced and, to fit my size body, the stocks need to be returned back to factory. I'd like to have both rifles re-blued and the stocks replaced. I am personally done with hunting but Ron Spomer has me intrigued regarding that specific caliber for distance targets. I think they might be fun. Anyway, I reload and shoot quite a lot here in the Pacific Northwest but I don't know of any gunsmith that can do the bluing. Can you or others here on your channel recommend someone worth their salt for that? Thank you kindly and my best to you.
One of my favorites to hunt with. I feel like a true gentleman walking in the woods with this firearm. Excellent content sir. Can you do a review on the caliber. 35 Remington it is a forgotten caliber sometimes. It is a true all around great caliber. Great work God bless!
Good idea James - I'll make a video on the .35 Remington - one of my favorite calibers. Take care and thanks for the kind words.
I think I've asked someone before. Have you noticed that the model 88 and the later Savage model 99 looked very similar?? Which was better??
I own two Winchester model 88's in 308 win.
The one is a recent purchase that was made in 1957 is exceptional condition while the other is 308 was made in 1964.
The 1964 is my go to deer rifle since I've purchased a couple years ago.
I feel very fortunate to own such beautiful rifles...
Great call buying 2 Bill. Not easy to find just one these days.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns the 1957 rifle was difficult to resist & I just had to have it!
I watch & throughly enjoy watching video content that you put out!
Thank you, so much for all the informative videos content!
Do you know of anyone that can build me a winchester model 88 stock?
I have one of these and use it for lighter game hunting, it has a scope on it. I believe it is accutaly a stock scope. (from what i know it is pre-64)
There is a clover leaf tang on older pre 64 models. Can’t remember the year where they quit that but my dads 308 pre 64 had the clover leaf receiver. Not a huge difference but something to note
Correct. From 1955 year one production to maybe 1958 or 60? For the life of me I can’t remember the year they went away from that either
A dry gun will stick and I always lube or wax the follower in the mag so it does not bind against the bolt that helps the most you can feel the difference.. taking the mag out for storage is good for keeping the spring in order I put in a ziplock bag and hang on the swivel of the gun or poke a hole and hang over the barrel keeps it with the gun that way...
Thanks Daniel - that is ultimate care. I like the slick follower idea.
If you store that magazine in a zip lock bag I hope you put a pack of dessicant inside to absorb moisture. If not it is very likely that it will develop rust from being inside a plastic bag. Not if it does, but when. It is also highly unlikely that a magazine spring will loose tension or become fatigued if left in the gun. We are not talking about a fully loaded mag here compressing the follower and spring and left over extended periods of time. But rather an empty mag where depending on the rifle you can leave the action open by opening the bolt or removing it for storage, or opening the lever for storage, not a bad idea considering the rifle can be seen to be clear and safe at a glance. However it's not recommended for a semiautomatic due to compression of the return spring. But if left in and the action is closed ( hammer down/ un cocked) the bolts body pushing on the top of the follower and spring will be of such negligible difference as to be meaningless and of little concern. I would prefer to keep the magazine with the gun, in the gun, instead of removed where the chance of loss increases dramatically over time. I personally have made the time and effort to pick up as many spare magazines for every firearm that takes one so as to avoid the loss of one putting the firearm out of action. I see no downside to having 10 magazines for the 88 or 100. And not only will you be glad you did 20, 30 or more years from now, but so will whomever gets the firearm after it has departed you. Bare in mind that mags are like gold , they never devalue and are always sought out. Especially in out of production firearms.
@@bobgarr6246 Re-read my comment... I poke a hole in the bag to hang on the gun not sealed...did not specify that on the swivel but anyway I do not seal the bag...
Sorry for so many comments. I will say it is hard to find a gunsmith to repair a 88. The lever actions are made like swiss watches. Very intricate
You're right - more and smaller/thinner parts. I take pictures with my phone before and during work on all of the more intricate actions. Thanks for the note.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Mine locked open solid just because it had dust in it. Took me trips to five different smiths to find one that would touch it lol.
By far the best modern lever action designed period! Yes the quality of the wood IS the biggest factor of the difference between the Pre and Post 64s. I have a couple of 88's myself a 55 and a 57. Both .308s as well.
Some things you never brought out about the 88's is the fact that it is the first lever action to utilize a full length stock as a bolt action rifle does (bolt guys don't get bent out of shape), giving you superb accuracy. 3 lug front locking rotating bolt. Actually a faster operating lever action as you dont have to fidgit with your fingers when cycling it. 5 round detachable magazine. Drilled and tapped for scope. It was the best modern lever action period.
As someone stated cost killed it! And of course that the biggest reason pre-64s will always hold more value and collectability because Winchester owned then by Olin chinsed on anything they could anywhere they could.
Thanks David - good points - hopefully people will read your post. Take care and good shooting.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns you are welcome. I like your videos and you do a good job representing the firearms at hand. Just found your channel and I subscribed!
I found one at a local shop. Carbine model chambered in 308 .It’s in decent condition. No cracks in stock and blueing is fading. Very minor surface rust on receiver. What would be considered a fair value.
Hi Jeremy - Probably $700. - $800.
Update. I finally got it and I’m fairly certain I got a good deal. 1961 chambered in 308. Not a carbine. Barrel is in a lot better shape than I thought. Stock has a few scratches but nothing that’s deep. $460.
Video on Martini Enfield 303? Can't wait!
Such a gem - can't wait myself.
Another explanation for "new wood" is the stocks on both 88&100 broke very frequently
I think you're right.
There are still companies that sell 90% finished walnut stocks, but then you still have the same cracking problem. I have seen laminated stocks for sale. These may handle the recoil better, but I have never dealt with them. Anybody reading this have one?
Thin at mag well.
Comb has dry out at pre 64. Crack prone
Edit If you hold at a slight angle to right and rack...much smoother
I was wondering if there is a safety mechanism on the pre-64 M88 and can you tell when the firing pin is cocked and ready to fire as it is a hammerless design, correct ? Thanks in advance .
Hi, It's a hidden hammer; not a striker design. Has a safety. I don't remember a cocking indicator though.
Practically speaking, it's _always cocked!_ There's an internal hammer, but no way to de-cock it besides pulling the trigger. If you open the lever far enough to feed a new round the hammer is automagically cocked again. The only safety is the cross block button safety.
The big difference is in the rear lug. The Pre-64 model has a larger rear lug which decreases the amount of wood at the wrist (and prone to breaking the stock) the Post 64 long is clover leaf shaped. There's some dimensional differences in the ejection port and I think the firing pin is a different design I've got 1x Pre 64 and 2x Post 64 88's. love them
Thanks for explaining - I didn't know. I like them all - even bought one with a broken stock.
That is backwards. The early stocks had the cloverleaf recoil block.
@@oldgoat1890 Please, oh please don't make me pull one of them apart to double check. Great rifles, but aside from dropping the action out of the stock, an absolute MF to do a complete strip on!
@@SnoopReddogg There are many, many changes to the internal parts and the receiver over the years. Not so much a pre or post 64 as progressive changes to fix problems. Internal parts will NOT interchange in some years due to receiver and bolt carrier changes. The recoil blocks DO interchange on the receivers, but the stock will not fit. The elongated ejection port came about because of the length of the .284 , and some feed ramp changes. After that, all receivers had the extended ejection port. I had a list of changes in these posts a while back.
No one can seem to answer a question I have.
I have a post 64 model 88 chambered in 284 Win,
Will the magazines interchange with other calibers of this model?
Hi JC - I don't think so - the .284 is a "wide body" case with a rebated rim and the .308 and .243 and .358 are not.
Is that last round fired FTE? ( On the intro video obviously...)
It is true - hung up a bit.
That's great ! Mine is pre 64.
Those are the ones everyone wants! Good on you.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Thanks ! I just want to hunt with it .So I looked it up and it was made in 1960. According to the serial #
Perfect
Sorry I'm late, I got here as soon as I could.😀
: ) Glad you made it.
What if it dont have the wood stock?
Love the intro!
Thank you Mathias!
58 and earlier are series 1. The receiver has a different design
Are they accurate?
Whats that gun at the bottom of the table that’s just the action and barrel?
That's a Martini tipping block
I have a post 64 M100; love the gun's functionality and performance in the field but I would be lying if I said the triggerpull was nice! Stiff and heavy isn't for me.
I know what you mean Todd - some of those you pull and pull and wait.
What year would a pre-64 be with a 4 digit serial# in the low 1200’s? My Dad passed it along to me...looks Awesome next to my 100🙃
Nice rifle - that would be about 1955 - year it was introduced
I had a first year production model 88 1955 in 308win wish I still had it would have probably kept it if it wasn't a 308 243or 284 win I'd have kept it
At about 3:30 something falls as the action is operated. Unless I am seeing things.
I'm not sure what happened. Sharp of you to notice!
After 64 the charging handles on the model 100 will not fit or the stocks without alterations and vice versa
Thanks Slade - I didn't know; hope people read your post.
Can you tell me the serial number the year they swiched. Inherited one and now looking for some information about my grandfathers first rifle he was gifted from an american friend of the familiy in the 1974s. Serial number is around 105.000. (still in hunting use)
Greetings from Germany
Solved, PAGE 33: www.winchesterguns.com/content/dam/winchester-repeating-arms/support/faq/serial-number-reference/Winchester-Manufacture-Dates-by-Year-2012-Scanned-Documents.pdf
Bravo! I'm glad you found the answer. All the best to you in Germany.
you need to keep using your bore scope and light.
Good idea Stan : )
a firearm channel who are not "Tactical "
Yes - I try to keep things simple : )
Those are really good looking rifles. I've never owned one but I do own a Savage 99 in .300 savage. It's one of my favorites. How does the Winchester compare to the Savage?
Hi Brian - the Winchester locks at the front and always has a removable magazine. The Savage is a classic with a wedge bolt locking system - also extremely strong. Some Savage 99 models have removable magazines. Both the 99 and the 88 are superb.
One difference is the trigger stays in place with the savage. In the model 88 the trigger stays with the lever. On paper it's supposed to be better because you don't need to move your finger from the trigger on the Win #88 but I always removed my finger anyway .
I don't have a WINCHESTER 88....but do have a Savage 99 with a removable magazine.....it is chambered in .243.......... many people here mention the hard trigger on the 88......not so on the Savage....I would say it has a very good trigger.. at least the one I have.
I have both in 308..debating on selling the win m88 made in 61 only because it isnt is great shape as the 99
Post or Pre both put meat in the freezer
Perfect
I have shot both the model # 88 and the #100. They both had the worst triggers I ever shot, Including an old Mosin Nagant. From what I understand they can't be improved very much either.
Hi John - I know what you mean - some guns are like that as you know. I wish there was a way to improve but quite a few people wrote me that they tried and made things worse or found out there is nothing to be done. I use them as is and find that it isn't too bad once one gets used to it - like everything : )
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns If you shoot it much you can get used to anything. I have a Glenfield .22 that when I got it new I could pick the whole gun off the ground by the trigger without it going off. After checking, there was a spring that's only purpose as far as I could tell was to make the trigger harder to pull. I took out the spring and have used the gun for more than 40 years. Never a misfire. It still doesn't have the best trigger but I'm used to it. I don't want to mess with the sear. Thats really where people get in trouble if they don't know what they are doing.
They should really re-release this gun.
I have a 1962 M88 chambered in .308 Win. Unfortunately, Ive always had some trouble getting it to shoot how I want it. It’s not terrible at 100 yards but I’d like for it to be better, does anybody here have any suggestions as to what factory ammo/loads shoot the best out of their M88? Any help would be much appreciated!
Hi Chris - My 88 likes Winchester 150 Grain - but it is a rifle by rifle thing.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Thank you for the reply USOG. Next trip to the range I’m going to try out a few different kinds of 150 grain loads and see if she smartens up.
Model 88 and 100 was two guns winchester couldn’t cheapen up and still work so they dropped them
What would you consider the best method to clean these barrels ? Bore snake or....?
I find a good quality cleaning rod, bore brush, solvent, swabs and bore protectant are still best.
Are you disassembling to clean the 88 barrel or going from the muzzle ? Thanks once again for your reply.
Bore snake for 88s. Trust me on this, disassembly in order to use a pull through via the chamber is the mother of all PIAs on an 88 (you'll need slave pins and the patience of a saint to get it back together)
😀👍🏼
These are not bad rifle's but the model 100 is pure junk where once recalled beware of this and model 100 sad but true !
Thanks for letting us know.