Winchester Model 88 made in 1960

[dfw77345]

Hello,

I have a Winchester Model 88 in .308. It is clean and all original and in pretty good condition. It has a Rainbow 4x32 scope on a Williams side mounted bracket. Best I can tell, the serial number (108922) indicates it was built in 1960. Any idea what something like this is worth?

Thanks

 

[PapaG]

80? 88? 70? Probably not the first one. Condition and model clarification please.

 

[dfw77345]

Sorry, meant Model 88. As for condition, everything is there. The stock is still fairly glossy. No cracks or major scuffs. There was apparently once a peep sight mounted on the rear and part of the stock was neatly carved just above the rear peep sight screws to make room for it to adjust lower a little more. It was my Fathers gun that I used for hunting when I was about 14. It has not been fired since then. I am now 51.

 

[wyohome]

I have a first year #(70xx) Model 88. My dad Varathaned it when that product first came out I think.

 

[toiville2feathers]

The required drilling and tapping to mount the peep sight and the carving of the stock has taken away some of the collector value of the gun. That vintage of rifle had a cut checkered stock, which was more desirable than the impressed checkering of later models.
The retail price on that rifle is $600-$700 in this area of the midwest. Wholesale on that gun will be $350-$425.
That rifle is still being used in many deer camps here, and those that carry them aren't ready to give them up anytime soon. Sons and grandsons are waiting for granpa's rifle. Its granpa's rifle they want, not someone else,s.

 

[stiab]

The required drilling and tapping to mount the peep sight and the carving of the stock has taken away some of the collector value of the gun.

I'm not an expert on these guns, but do own one, and have handled many others, and all of them were factory drilled and tapped for the aperture sight, and the stock factory cut to accomodate it, on the left side. I cannot speak specifically to one made in 1960, maybe that was different, but I have never handled one that was not set up at the factory for the aperture sight.

 

[dfw77345]

Model 88 update ...

It is my understanding that the two screw holes where the peep site was mounted are factory. The parts schematic even shows them. The original screws are missing there, but the original recessed scope mount screws are still in place on the top. Everything else is present, including the front sight hood, rear flip-up sight (interestingly mounted in front of the scope) and both front and rear sling swivels.

 

[dfw77345]

The required drilling and tapping to mount the peep sight and the carving of the stock has taken away some of the collector value of the gun. That vintage of rifle had a cut checkered stock, which was more desirable than the impressed checkering of later models.
The retail price on that rifle is $600-$700 in this area of the midwest. Wholesale on that gun will be $350-$425.
That rifle is still being used in many deer camps here, and those that carry them aren't ready to give them up anytime soon. Sons and grandsons are waiting for granpa's rifle. Its granpa's rifle they want, not someone else,s.

I would sell it for $750 if I knew where best to post it.

 

[bainter1212]

You can probably get up to $650 or so from the right buyer. I paid $300 for mine a few years ago but it was a friend deal and the firing pin was broken. It is also an early model in .308.

I love the gun. It is my favorite hunting rifle and is more accurate than I am. Also very handy. Only downside is that the trigger sucks and is almost impossible to improve.

Don't try to take it apart without the proper slave pins. You will regret it.

 

[dfw77345]

Yep. I did my research up front, and actually made my own slave pins so I could disassemble this gun completely for inspection and cleaning/lubricating. It was amazingly clean inside for it's age. And yes, you would have a very difficult time on reassembly without the slave pins. It is a nice gun, nice size and weight too, but I am not much of a hunter and neither is anyone in my family anymore. I acquired it after my Father died. I am thinking it should go to someone who appreciates it.