Winchester 88 trigger work?

[bainter1212]

Hi all,
I have a pre '64 Winchester 88 chambered in .308. I absolutely love the rifle except for the long heavy and gritty trigger. I am looking for a smith who has experience working on these triggers.
My extensive google search turned up lock stock and barrel in Utah and Rogue River Rifleworks in CA, neither of which seem to be in business anymore.

Anybody else specialise in the 88? Is it possible to do this myself? I have the slave pins and have disassembled it before.....

Thanks

 

[Jim K]

First, I admit that I never worked on one of those triggers. The guns themselves are right uncommon, and I saw few of them in the shop for any reason.

Everything I read seems to advise against working on them saying that they can be improved but not given a really good trigger. I see no reason they would not be amenable to the same kind of work as any other trigger of the type, but with parts nearly non-existent, I would hesitate to suggest a DIY job.

Jim

 

[bainter1212]

Yeah, I am thinking the most I might do is very *lightly* and carefully polish the contacting surfaces in the trigger assy. If I can get rid of the grittiness I would be happy.

 

[BBBBill]

I strongly suggest that you do not try to do this free hand. Find some way to accurately clamp the hammer and sear with the engagement surfaces level and parallel to a hardened very flat surface to keep the surfaces true while stoning . Something like a small machinists vise. A jig would be best, but fabricating one is the only possibility...... Unless one of the Ron Power fixtures, Series 1 or 2, with the universal adapter would work. I own both, but I don't have an 88 available to check that.

 

[bainter1212]

No stoning for me. I was thinking a little hand polishing with some compound.

Don't want to change any dimensions so no cutting or stoning.

 

[rcmodel]

See if you can find an old tube of Outers GunSlick grease somewhere.

The black stuff in the little metal tube that used to come in Outers cleaning kits..

If you can, you might be pleasantly surprised!!

rc

 

[bainter1212]

Thanks RC. It's a shame that the few folks around who knew how to work their magic on these triggers are no longer around. I know these rifles are an oddity but this one sure is accurate. I just know I could reduce my group size with a smoother trigger but I may have to satisfy myself with what I have. This rifle is well used and appears to have gone on many a hunt. I just want to keep it alive and continue the tradition.......

 

[rcmodel]

I know the feeling.

But, sometimes, you just have to step away and accept 'It is what it IS!'

Especially with something like your Model 88.

One mistake on trigger work will render the gun unsafe, or inoperable.
And new parts are next to impossible to find.

Better safe then sorry!

Try the Outers GunSlick grease.

It will be worth the hunt to find some.

rc

 

[PRD1]

Don't do it!

I HAVE worked on Model 88 and 100 triggers (and actions), and recommend in the strongest terms that you leave it alone!
PRD1 - mhb - Mike