Probably had as much to do with the shootER as the shootEE!

 

Those Model 88's are pricey.

If I could get one reasonably priced, I'd consider having it converted to 358 win. That would be one nice package!

 

I have an 88 in 243, and it is a tack driver. Had one in 308, but it was stolen more than 20 years ago. It also shot very well.

 

I was teasing about the 336W and the 88 comparison. There wasn't a comparison. I just thought I'd throw that in there being this was a "Marlin" board and all. :-\

 

I heard that the rare 88 has a very weird and dangerous problem that Winchester could never fix: sometimes the rifle would shoot with the safty on and nobody pulling the trigger. On the other hand I'd take one.

 

I have never had that happen on either of the 88's I have had or 100's. I did have to replace the firing pins in the 100's. I had a Rem 700 BDL in 25-06 years ago that would go off when you pushed the saftey to fire. This only happened if I pulled the trigger while on safe. Then as soon as you pushed to fire it went off every time. I have had, and still have two 700's, and none have done it other than the 25-06.

 

My 88's 243 and 308

 

My 88's 243 and 308

I am not much of a .243 guy, but if I was to get one I think it would be an 88 like that one. Those are nice looking guns.

 

I am not much of a .243 guy, but if I was to get one I think it would be an 88 like that one. Those are nice looking guns.
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+1 on that. I sure would love to have one myself.

 

My Dad loved his 88 in 308 8) I have yet to get comfortable with the scope or been able to afford a reciever sight for it yet
Dads main deer rifle :

And it doesn't blend in with the others so good
Dads rainy , snowy weather deer rifle in the middle.

 

Nice ones!

 

CtYankee, I've heard something also about the rare 88 having some sort of accidental discharge problem too. I forget the exact details of it, but I also remember Winchester never really being able to fix the probem.

 

I have never heard of a recall on the 88 win. Winchester did recall the 100 auto, which the fireing pin would ben or brake and the bolt would slam too not all the way locked up,and fire. I don't know how many done it, but Winchester first said Don't shoot them, then had a recall on them and re-done the firing pins. The 88 were expensive to build and in the 60's & 70's most were going to bolt actions or tradition levers,and sells were bad.The only thing that couldn't be fixed is the trigger pull. They were known to be stiff, my 243 an't bad,but the 308 is really stiff and it was made in 1956. ??? ???

 

I saw a model 100 in 284 go full auto. When it was over the owner had a look of disbelief on his face and there were 4 empty hulls laying on the cement floor. I always heard that the firing pins were a problem in the 100's.

I bought a 88 pre 64 once and took it to the range and sighted it in with about 5 to 6 shots. When I got ready to leave I decided I would shoot it one more time and when I did it snapped. The firing pin had broke on the last shot. I took it to the gun shop and the owner had a brand new firing pin he had ordered about 5 years prior and it was never picked up so he charged me 10.00 dollars for it. I felt lucky to get it.

Regards
Horseshoe.

 

A friend has a .308 M88 that I've shot. It's a nice rifle, but for what they go for I'd much rather find a Sav-99 or some other unit that has more of a following. The fact that Winchester made them for a relatively short period and then quit makes me wonder if there are more problems with them than they're worth.

 

I had 2 model 100's and one 88 all in .308. The 88 was a pre 64 and shot real well. Got twice what I paid for it so sold it. One of the 100's couldn't hit nothing with it so sold it to. Other 100 I bought new in late 60's was a good gun but traded for a custom 06 Springfield which my brother still has. Would love a nother 88 in .358 or .284.

 

I have also heard of the problem with the 88's firing for no apparent reason. I would be very carefull, might want to consider carrying it with the chamber empty.

 

Aw come on guys, they're levers, cut em some slack will ya? Besides, they're pretty, AND they're Winchesters! Just my 2 cents, jd45

 

I like em too dude and would love to have one in 358. However, any firearm that is capable of firing at any time with the safety ON is dangerous and should be carried with special precautions ie the chamber empty until ready to fire.

 

Is that what Bronson was carrying in the movie "Death Hunt" or was that a Savage 99?

 

I got a Mod 88 .308 that looked odd on the shelf and upon closer inspection I saw that someone had shortened the barrel and recrowned it. The price was right so I took her home.

Took it to the range and got right at minute of angle accuracy.... now I call that a great deal.