rbernie
Contributing Member
Never touched one, but I'm curious to hear from those of you who've lived with one for a while. What are its good/bad points? How much different does it 'feel' compared to a more traditional lever-gun?
Winchester 88?
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Vern Humphrey
Member
A fine rifle, but heavy. Triggers are hard to make crisp because of the design.
The only one that feels close to as good as an 88 is the Savage 99. They have a full profile stock, like a bolt gun. the pistol grip and forend are full and rounded rahter than a skinny feel like the old 94 etc.
The 88 is known as the strongest lever action ever factory produced, and the cylce of the gun is REALLY fast. As Vern mentioned they are heavy, the carbine is about 7 pounds and rifles go near 8 and some above depending on wood density. Vern is also spot on about the trigger, they are pretty much all heavy but will smooth with use.
I think the 88 is a fine rifle.
The 88 is known as the strongest lever action ever factory produced, and the cylce of the gun is REALLY fast. As Vern mentioned they are heavy, the carbine is about 7 pounds and rifles go near 8 and some above depending on wood density. Vern is also spot on about the trigger, they are pretty much all heavy but will smooth with use.
I think the 88 is a fine rifle.
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rbernie
Contributing Member
The reason that I ask is that I'm an inveterate Savage 99 guy (I own five of 'em right now) and recently saw an auction for a Win88 that caught my eye.
So if I like Sav99's, you're saying that I'll likely feel right at home with a Win88?
So if I like Sav99's, you're saying that I'll likely feel right at home with a Win88?
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Yes, there has never been a stronger, factory produced lever rifle made than the Win.88, but one every bit as strong was the long discontinued Sako Finnwolf lever. While in the USAF, stationed in Guam in 1963, I ordered an 88 in .358 cal. from the "states". Unfortunately, it arrived with a broken stock and I decided on a Win. Model 100 when I reordered. I liked the 100 but always regretted not getting the 88.
Years later, I ended up getting a Savage 99 in .358 Win. I topped it with a 1x5 Redfield Widefield (personal feeling: I only like hammerless levers to wear scopes) and Weaver pivot-style mount. This set-up has proven to be a slick and deadly answer for hunting whitetails.
I've always been tempted to get "another" 88, but not the later "basket-weave" or carbine models. I think I could learn to get along with those lousy triggers!
Years later, I ended up getting a Savage 99 in .358 Win. I topped it with a 1x5 Redfield Widefield (personal feeling: I only like hammerless levers to wear scopes) and Weaver pivot-style mount. This set-up has proven to be a slick and deadly answer for hunting whitetails.
I've always been tempted to get "another" 88, but not the later "basket-weave" or carbine models. I think I could learn to get along with those lousy triggers!
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