Winchester 88 thoughts

Nunya53 · October 16, 2018, 06:05 PM

Hey all,

Just made a trade I'm sure I won't get hurt on for a '65 Winchester 88 in .284. I can post pictures this weekend, but from the pictures I see it is in near mint condition. Anyone want to throw out a value based on this scant description? I'm told the left-hand cheek piece was a custom shop factory option/installation.

Thanks,

Jerry

gw44 · October 16, 2018, 06:21 PM

Well you have a rare one in .284cal 5yrs ago I paid $800 for one in 308win very good condition, hope this helps and congrats on the new gun !!!

Nunya53 · October 16, 2018, 06:47 PM

Well I traded a very nice 2001 Ruger MKII 270 stainless and a brand new Ruger American Ranch 450 Bushmaster for it...a $950 value give or take....

Kansan

Drm50 · October 16, 2018, 08:41 PM

I can find decent 88s in 308 for around $600. The 284 and 358 is a different
story. I have not seen one in any condition for less than$1K. They aren't getting
any cheaper. I'm not a expert on them, don't know anything about stock options.
I never have owned a 284 in any rifle. I do know that they cheapened 88s soon
after Win went under in 63. They put in some plastic parts it's like other pre 64
Wins, they bring more than later guns. Same deal on Win 100 auto loader.

thallub · October 17, 2018, 10:59 AM

Nice pre 1964 model 88 rifles in .308 usually sell for $900-1,000. Expect to pay about $650 for a nice post 1964 rifle in .308.

Recently i sold four really nice pre-64 model 88 rifles in all available calibers: The .284 was NIB. After haggling for weeks the collector paid up.

Still own two model 88 post 1964 rifles which i shall keep.

gw44 · October 17, 2018, 11:40 AM

mine is a 1961 model it has never failed me !!

bamaranger · October 17, 2018, 02:50 PM

My 2016 copy of S.P. Fjestad's "Blue book of Gun Values" lists a pre Model 88/.284 as follows : 100%-$3200, 90%-1800, 80%-1425, 70%-1150.

The blue book is a guideline, but something to steer by anyhow. My own comment is that I have never even seen a M88/.284!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats and on a rare and valuable rifle.

The Wincherster Collectors Assoc has their own website and you might give them a shout.

Nunya53 · October 18, 2018, 06:39 PM

I do have an account on the Win collectors forum. This is a 1965 .284 in near 100%, but has a Bishop stock (XX Clario at least) with a LH cheek piece. I will try to post pics this weekend, but since photo bucket got greedy I'm not sure how to post pics.

Jerry

thallub · October 18, 2018, 07:13 PM

Quote:

I will try to post pics this weekend, but since photo bucket got greedy I'm not sure how to post pics.

Sign up for an imgur account, it's free.

bobn · October 18, 2018, 07:47 PM

I like the look of the 88s, but man they seem heavy as a pig. must be where the weight balance is for me. set it back down and grabbed a mod 70 featherweight. just saying, bobn

COSteve · October 19, 2018, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobn

I like the look of the 88s, but man they seem heavy as a pig. must be where the weight balance is for me. set it back down and grabbed a mod 70 featherweight. just saying, bobn

Heavy!?!? You are the only person I've ever heard of who said the Win 88 was anything but light. My 1959 Win 88 in .308, topped with a Revolution 3-9x40 scope and sling, and loaded with 4+1 rds weighs a light 8lbs 10oz. As to balance, it balances perfectly at the inlet for grabbing the mag.

T. O'Heir · October 19, 2018, 12:06 PM

The only serious issue is the relative lack of available .284 Win ammo.
There was one(1963) with no scope on Rock Island Auctions that sold for $2300. Another made in 1966, with rings, currently on Guns International at $1450.
"...The blue book is a guideline..." The Blue Book is a Ball Park. Averages from all over the U.S. with no regard for local supply and demand.
"...a light 8lbs..." Isn't light or heavy for a hunting rifle. More average than anything else. Hawks lists one bullet weight out of a 7.5 pound rifle. A 150 at 2860 FPS gives 17.4 ft-lbs of recoil energy.

gw44 · October 20, 2018, 08:19 PM

You will tell us how it shoots won't you, please !!!

Sure Shot Mc Gee · October 21, 2018, 06:32 AM

88_284. A rare one indeed. As far as current resale price's? "What ever its owner desires." Pre-model Winchesters >will always< command a price higher then most fellows are willing to pay.
Little trivia: I paid 52.00 ($) for my first New Heaven made pre-94. Today its worth North of a 1000.00 ($) "A very good long term investment no doubt."

Nunya53 · October 21, 2018, 12:35 PM

Here are a few pictures if I can figure this imgur thing out.....

Any thoughts on a starting price if I decide to post to Gunbroker?

Jerry

bamaranger · October 21, 2018, 07:15 PM

Not sure what a restocking will do/has done to value of your new M88. It's worth whatever it will bring to whoever will give it. It was worth the value of two other rifles to you........ From a collector standpoint, I note that the rifle is missing the factory rear sight as well.

Regards the heavy issue, I've seen a lot of 88's with after market recoil pads added...apparently to deal with recoil in .308. In fact, note CO Steve's pic. I suspect most of those older rifles were shot initially with out scopes, which would reduce overall weight by a bit, and lighter rifles kick more. The classic simple stock on the M88 and factory butt plate aren't recoil reducers either. Could be too that a lot of M94/30-30 shooters upgraded to the M88/308 and were surprised by the bigger cartridge. I noticed as a kid that .308/180's seemed to kick a lot harder than 150's and a lot of .308 shooters in my area shot the heavier 180's.

I've always felt the M88 pointed and handled like a dream.

COSteve · October 22, 2018, 03:40 PM

While the scope I have on mine only weighs 12.6 oz, the mount is fairly heavy, and the sling is wide and thick leather as well. Together, they add up to well over a pound in weight so the basic advertised weight of 7¼ lbs makes it decently light for the times. In fact, it weighs the same as a basic Model 70.

It's light weight coupled with a slightly lower drop in the comb is why the widow who bought the Model 88 for her husband for Christmas, ordered it from Winchester with a recoil pad installed. She showed me the receipt of the original purchase showing she ordered it installed. Yep, back then it was not uncommon for people to order custom work from the factory.

stagpanther · October 23, 2018, 04:06 AM

That's a beauty. Did you by any chance get some idea of the chamber dimensions--and how long you can set your bullets (I assume you're loading your own ammo)? Being able to go past the spec COL will give you much more flexibility with modern 284 high BC bullets--otherwise the base of the ogive may be down in the neck a bit.

Nunya53 · October 23, 2018, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stagpanther

Did you by any chance get some idea of the chamber dimensions--and how long you can set your bullets (I assume you're loading your own ammo)? Being able to go past the spec COL will give you much more flexibility with modern 284 high BC bullets

Not yet. If I decide to keep it I will order some dies and work something up.

Jerry

bamaranger · October 25, 2018, 02:30 AM

Ah.......something else learned. Thanks CoSteve, I had not heard of factory pads on the M88.

COSteve · October 25, 2018, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamaranger

Ah.......something else learned. Thanks CoSteve, I had not heard of factory pads on the M88.

Not just the 88, but on all of Winchester's products. Back in the 50's and before, it was common to order your rifle 'factory custom'. Look at all the variations of the Win 94 that could be ordered. How do I know this to be true? My dad ordered a Win 70 in .270 from the factory with a recoil pad on it too in like 1961.

Yep, when it came to the gunstore, he took me down to pick it up. My dad and I saw the owner break the seals on the box, take out the rifle, and check the s/n and order tag to make sure it was delivered as ordered. Same recoil pad as on my 88 too; red with a raised Winchester seal just like this.

October 16, 2018, 06:05 PM	#1
Nunya53 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2006 Location: Sherwood, AR Posts: 207	Winchester 88 thoughts Hey all, Just made a trade I'm sure I won't get hurt on for a '65 Winchester 88 in .284. I can post pictures this weekend, but from the pictures I see it is in near mint condition. Anyone want to throw out a value based on this scant description? I'm told the left-hand cheek piece was a custom shop factory option/installation. Thanks, Jerry

October 17, 2018, 10:59 AM	#5
thallub Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Location: South Western OK Posts: 3,112	Nice pre 1964 model 88 rifles in .308 usually sell for $900-1,000. Expect to pay about $650 for a nice post 1964 rifle in .308. Recently i sold four really nice pre-64 model 88 rifles in all available calibers: The .284 was NIB. After haggling for weeks the collector paid up. Still own two model 88 post 1964 rifles which i shall keep. Last edited by thallub; October 17, 2018 at 12:53 PM.

October 17, 2018, 02:50 PM	#7
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	M88 My 2016 copy of S.P. Fjestad's "Blue book of Gun Values" lists a pre Model 88/.284 as follows : 100%-$3200, 90%-1800, 80%-1425, 70%-1150. The blue book is a guideline, but something to steer by anyhow. My own comment is that I have never even seen a M88/.284!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats and on a rare and valuable rifle. The Wincherster Collectors Assoc has their own website and you might give them a shout.

October 19, 2018, 12:06 PM	#12
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	The only serious issue is the relative lack of available .284 Win ammo. There was one(1963) with no scope on Rock Island Auctions that sold for $2300. Another made in 1966, with rings, currently on Guns International at $1450. "...The blue book is a guideline..." The Blue Book is a Ball Park. Averages from all over the U.S. with no regard for local supply and demand. "...a light 8lbs..." Isn't light or heavy for a hunting rifle. More average than anything else. Hawks lists one bullet weight out of a 7.5 pound rifle. A 150 at 2860 FPS gives 17.4 ft-lbs of recoil energy. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

October 21, 2018, 07:15 PM	#16
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	stock and "heavy pigs" Not sure what a restocking will do/has done to value of your new M88. It's worth whatever it will bring to whoever will give it. It was worth the value of two other rifles to you........ From a collector standpoint, I note that the rifle is missing the factory rear sight as well. Regards the heavy issue, I've seen a lot of 88's with after market recoil pads added...apparently to deal with recoil in .308. In fact, note CO Steve's pic. I suspect most of those older rifles were shot initially with out scopes, which would reduce overall weight by a bit, and lighter rifles kick more. The classic simple stock on the M88 and factory butt plate aren't recoil reducers either. Could be too that a lot of M94/30-30 shooters upgraded to the M88/308 and were surprised by the bigger cartridge. I noticed as a kid that .308/180's seemed to kick a lot harder than 150's and a lot of .308 shooters in my area shot the heavier 180's. I've always felt the M88 pointed and handled like a dream.

October 16, 2018, 06:21 PM	#2
gw44 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 311	Well you have a rare one in .284cal 5yrs ago I paid $800 for one in 308win very good condition, hope this helps and congrats on the new gun !!!

October 16, 2018, 06:47 PM	#3
Nunya53 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2006 Location: Sherwood, AR Posts: 207	Well I traded a very nice 2001 Ruger MKII 270 stainless and a brand new Ruger American Ranch 450 Bushmaster for it...a $950 value give or take.... Kansan

October 16, 2018, 08:41 PM	#4
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,380	I can find decent 88s in 308 for around $600. The 284 and 358 is a different story. I have not seen one in any condition for less than$1K. They aren't getting any cheaper. I'm not a expert on them, don't know anything about stock options. I never have owned a 284 in any rifle. I do know that they cheapened 88s soon after Win went under in 63. They put in some plastic parts it's like other pre 64 Wins, they bring more than later guns. Same deal on Win 100 auto loader.

October 17, 2018, 11:40 AM	#6
gw44 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 311	mine is a 1961 model it has never failed me !!

October 18, 2018, 06:39 PM	#8
Nunya53 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2006 Location: Sherwood, AR Posts: 207	I do have an account on the Win collectors forum. This is a 1965 .284 in near 100%, but has a Bishop stock (XX Clario at least) with a LH cheek piece. I will try to post pics this weekend, but since photo bucket got greedy I'm not sure how to post pics. Jerry

October 18, 2018, 07:47 PM	#10
bobn Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2006 Location: midwest Posts: 1,105	I like the look of the 88s, but man they seem heavy as a pig. must be where the weight balance is for me. set it back down and grabbed a mod 70 featherweight. just saying, bobn

October 20, 2018, 08:19 PM	#13
gw44 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2015 Location: Michigan Posts: 311	You will tell us how it shoots won't you, please !!!

October 21, 2018, 06:32 AM	#14
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	88_284. A rare one indeed. As far as current resale price's? "What ever its owner desires." Pre-model Winchesters >will always< command a price higher then most fellows are willing to pay. Little trivia: I paid 52.00 ($) for my first New Heaven made pre-94. Today its worth North of a 1000.00 ($) "A very good long term investment no doubt."

October 21, 2018, 12:35 PM	#15
Nunya53 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2006 Location: Sherwood, AR Posts: 207	Here are a few pictures if I can figure this imgur thing out..... Any thoughts on a starting price if I decide to post to Gunbroker? Jerry

October 22, 2018, 03:40 PM	#17
COSteve Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2009 Posts: 1,344	While the scope I have on mine only weighs 12.6 oz, the mount is fairly heavy, and the sling is wide and thick leather as well. Together, they add up to well over a pound in weight so the basic advertised weight of 7¼ lbs makes it decently light for the times. In fact, it weighs the same as a basic Model 70. It's light weight coupled with a slightly lower drop in the comb is why the widow who bought the Model 88 for her husband for Christmas, ordered it from Winchester with a recoil pad installed. She showed me the receipt of the original purchase showing she ordered it installed. Yep, back then it was not uncommon for people to order custom work from the factory.

October 23, 2018, 04:06 AM	#18
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,784	That's a beauty. Did you by any chance get some idea of the chamber dimensions--and how long you can set your bullets (I assume you're loading your own ammo)? Being able to go past the spec COL will give you much more flexibility with modern 284 high BC bullets--otherwise the base of the ogive may be down in the neck a bit. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

October 25, 2018, 02:30 AM	#20
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	pad Ah.......something else learned. Thanks CoSteve, I had not heard of factory pads on the M88.