Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present Winchester's fourth most popular lever-action rifle for a penny-start auction; this is the Winchester Model 88!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 88
Serial: 17165
Date of Manufacture: 1955
Caliber: .308 Win.
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 22"
Optics/Sights: Hooded Blade on Ramp Base Front with Folding Leaf Rear
Stock/Grips: Gloss Finished Walnut Stock with Diamond Cut Checkering
Action: Lever-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The pre-64 Winchester Model 88 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of lever-action rifles, combining innovative design features with superior craftsmanship that distinguished it from later models. Introduced in 1955, the Model 88 was designed to bridge the gap between traditional lever-action rifles and bolt-action rifles, offering hunters and shooters the speed and handling of a lever gun with the strength and accuracy typically associated with a bolt-action. Its hallmark was the rotating front-locking bolt with three locking lugs, a feature that provided exceptional strength and safety by locking directly into the front of the solid steel receiver, thereby eliminating the bolt compression and receiver stretching problems common in rear-locking lever actions. The rifle also introduced side ejection of spent cartridges, enabling the use of scopes mounted low on the solid top receiver, a notable advancement over other lever guns that ejected cases upward. The pre-64 models featured hand-cut checkering on the solid American black walnut stocks, lending both beauty and improved grip, while the rifle’s precision-machined components underscored Winchester’s dedication to quality. Chambered initially in the powerful and versatile .308 Winchester, the Model 88 quickly gained a reputation for remarkable out-of-the-box accuracy and fast cycling action, with the design later expanding to include cartridges such as the .243, .358, and the now-legendary .284 Winchester, which was specifically developed for this rifle. The Model 88's sophisticated mechanism, including the combined lever and trigger assembly, allowed rapid, smooth cycling while maintaining safety features that prevented accidental discharge, highlighting the advanced engineering that pre-64 versions embodied. These technical innovations, combined with the high-grade materials and manufacturing precision of the time, have made pre-64 Winchester Model 88s highly prized by collectors and hunters alike as a testament to mid-20th-century American firearms craftsmanship.
Model: 88
Serial: 17165
Date of Manufacture: 1955
Caliber: .308 Win.
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 22"
Optics/Sights: Hooded Blade on Ramp Base Front with Folding Leaf Rear
Stock/Grips: Gloss Finished Walnut Stock with Diamond Cut Checkering
Action: Lever-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The pre-64 Winchester Model 88 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of lever-action rifles, combining innovative design features with superior craftsmanship that distinguished it from later models. Introduced in 1955, the Model 88 was designed to bridge the gap between traditional lever-action rifles and bolt-action rifles, offering hunters and shooters the speed and handling of a lever gun with the strength and accuracy typically associated with a bolt-action. Its hallmark was the rotating front-locking bolt with three locking lugs, a feature that provided exceptional strength and safety by locking directly into the front of the solid steel receiver, thereby eliminating the bolt compression and receiver stretching problems common in rear-locking lever actions. The rifle also introduced side ejection of spent cartridges, enabling the use of scopes mounted low on the solid top receiver, a notable advancement over other lever guns that ejected cases upward. The pre-64 models featured hand-cut checkering on the solid American black walnut stocks, lending both beauty and improved grip, while the rifle’s precision-machined components underscored Winchester’s dedication to quality. Chambered initially in the powerful and versatile .308 Winchester, the Model 88 quickly gained a reputation for remarkable out-of-the-box accuracy and fast cycling action, with the design later expanding to include cartridges such as the .243, .358, and the now-legendary .284 Winchester, which was specifically developed for this rifle. The Model 88's sophisticated mechanism, including the combined lever and trigger assembly, allowed rapid, smooth cycling while maintaining safety features that prevented accidental discharge, highlighting the advanced engineering that pre-64 versions embodied. These technical innovations, combined with the high-grade materials and manufacturing precision of the time, have made pre-64 Winchester Model 88s highly prized by collectors and hunters alike as a testament to mid-20th-century American firearms craftsmanship.
Despite its many strengths, the Model 88 also faced challenges that ultimately impacted its commercial longevity. The rifle’s complex internal mechanism resulted in a trigger system that, while innovative, was considered difficult to tune or gunsmith to shooter preferences. Additionally, at nearly twice the price of the popular Model 94 lever-action rifle and roughly equivalent to the bolt-action Model 70, the Model 88 contended with stiff competition both in performance expectations and market pricing. Its relatively minimal stock design and hard buttplate sometimes exacerbated felt recoil, particularly when fired with the more powerful .284 and .358 cartridges, issues less noticeable with lighter cartridges or in the hands of seasoned shooters accustomed to recoil management. Nevertheless, the pre-64 models distinguished themselves through their aesthetic appeal, combining sleek lines reminiscent of bolt-action rifles with elegant cut checkering and a one-piece walnut stock, which provided both durability and a classic look. The carefully engineered detachable four-round box magazine offered a streamlined feeding system that supported the rifle’s swift operation, although feeding reliability required a brisk and deliberate cycling of the lever. The transition in 1964, when Winchester introduced impressed checkering and other cost-saving measures, marked a departure from the superior wood quality and hand-finishing techniques of earlier models, rendering pre-64 examples more desirable among collectors and enthusiasts. Although production ceased in 1973, the enduring legacy of the pre-64 Winchester Model 88 lies in its unique blend of lever-action speed and bolt-action strength combined with precision craftsmanship, making it an exceptional rifle of its era and a sought-after classic in today’s vintage firearms market.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
