Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this lever-action rifle for a penny-start auction…this is the Winchester Model 88!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 88
Serial: 71178
Date of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .308 Win
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 22"
Optics/Sights: Bead Blade Front with Folding Leaf Rear / Leupold Vari-X III 3.5x10 Scope
Stock/Grips: Basket Weave Walnut Stock
Action: Lever-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 88, chambered in .308 Winchester, stands as a bold and innovative departure from traditional lever-action designs, merging the mechanical strength of a bolt-action rifle with the fast cycling and intuitive handling of a lever gun. This particular example features a 22-inch blued barrel, bead blade front sight with a folding leaf rear, and is enhanced with a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5x10 scope, taking full advantage of the rifle’s solid top receiver and side ejection system—a forward-thinking design that allowed for low, secure scope mounting long before this became common on lever guns. The rifle’s rotating front-locking bolt with three lugs provided superior strength and accuracy, locking directly into the steel receiver to prevent the flex and compression issues seen in older rear-locking lever-actions. These innovations not only made the Model 88 safer and more robust but also helped it earn a reputation for outstanding accuracy—a rarity among traditional lever rifles of its time.
Model: 88
Serial: 71178
Date of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .308 Win
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 22"
Optics/Sights: Bead Blade Front with Folding Leaf Rear / Leupold Vari-X III 3.5x10 Scope
Stock/Grips: Basket Weave Walnut Stock
Action: Lever-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 88, chambered in .308 Winchester, stands as a bold and innovative departure from traditional lever-action designs, merging the mechanical strength of a bolt-action rifle with the fast cycling and intuitive handling of a lever gun. This particular example features a 22-inch blued barrel, bead blade front sight with a folding leaf rear, and is enhanced with a Leupold Vari-X III 3.5x10 scope, taking full advantage of the rifle’s solid top receiver and side ejection system—a forward-thinking design that allowed for low, secure scope mounting long before this became common on lever guns. The rifle’s rotating front-locking bolt with three lugs provided superior strength and accuracy, locking directly into the steel receiver to prevent the flex and compression issues seen in older rear-locking lever-actions. These innovations not only made the Model 88 safer and more robust but also helped it earn a reputation for outstanding accuracy—a rarity among traditional lever rifles of its time.
Aesthetically and ergonomically, this pre-64 Model 88 is equipped with a basket weave walnut stock, adding a layer of visual elegance and improved grip, while preserving the classic American sporting rifle profile. The smooth lever-action, combined with a detachable four-round box magazine, allows for fast and reliable follow-up shots with controlled feeding, though it requires a firm, deliberate cycling motion to maintain consistency. The use of standard factory markings keeps this rifle historically correct and authentic to its era. Introduced in 1955 and produced until 1973, the Model 88 was Winchester’s answer to modern hunters seeking the speed of a lever gun with the ballistic performance of popular centerfire cartridges like the .308 Win. Though it faced market challenges due to its complex trigger mechanism and premium pricing relative to the Model 94 and bolt-action Model 70, the pre-1964 versions, like this one, are now highly sought after for their superior craftsmanship, clean lines, and mechanical innovation. With its mix of power, accuracy, and vintage style, this Model 88 remains a treasured classic—a fine example of mid-century American rifle design at its best.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the hard carry case and 25 rounds of .308 ammunition as shown in the images above!
Please Note: The ammo will ship separately from the rifle!
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.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
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.
