Winchester Model 88 question

[stumac66]

Looking for feed back. I have a Winchester 88 barreled action which my father used for many years. He broke the stock so there is no wood. He bought the gun in the 1960's. It has been setting in my gun safe for many years and is in pretty rough shape. It hasn't been shot in over twenty years. I am considering having it restored but have some questions. The receiver is stamped 3782. I assume that is the serial number.I have seen other model 88 rifles online which have a 5 digit serial number so I assume this is a very old rifle. Are parts still available? Does anyone have a recommendation on gunsmith's who specialize in gun restorations as well as stock replacements. Thanks for you feedback.

 

[Engine 22]

Re: Winchester Model 88 question

Your Google-fu must be weak.

Looks like your rifle was manufactured in 1955- the first year of production. Does it have a clover leaf tang at the rear of the action??

http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/WIN-EARLY-88-STK-PL-SI-p/403-298.htm

About half way down the page on the right side-
http://www.gun-parts.com/winchesterstocks/

OR if composite is your thing-
http://www.mpistocks.com/model88.htm

I have read somewhere that there is, or has been, a gunsmith that is the "go-to-guy" for the 88, but I can't find it at the moment. I'll let you know if I find it.

 

[stumac66]

Re: Winchester Model 88 question

I had to Google "Google-fu". I get it now. I Googled "go to guy for the 88" and it came back with Michael Danberry. I looked for info on this a few years back but lost interest in it. I recently joined the Hide and thought I would put it out and see if anyone has personal or professional experience. I would like to restore it as close to original as possible and it still be reliable. Some of the replacement stocks don't have the original pattern engraved. I definitely want a wooden stock. Not sure want a "tang" is. Can you advise? Thanks for your help 22.

 

[Engine 22]

Re: Winchester Model 88 question

Regarding the tang- look at the link I provided for Boyd's. Their picture for the early 88 shows a different cut, or inlet, than the late 88. The early 88 inlet is what it sounds like you need. Can you provide a picture of your barreled action-specifically the rear on the action?

 

[stumac66]

Re: Winchester Model 88 question



Here you go.


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[Engine 22]

Re: Winchester Model 88 question

Looks like there's something missing from the rear of the action. I'll check my schematic tonight and verify.

 

[stumac66]

Re: Winchester Model 88 question

Kinda what I was thinking after looking closer at the stocks.

 

[stumac66]

Re: Winchester Model 88 question

Looks like its a recoil block or the "tang".

 

[Engine 22]

Re: Winchester Model 88 question

Yep, recoil block.

Check here: http://www.nulineguns.com/part_part_398_2_21_65.php

And give this place a call, they might have it even if it's not listed.
http://www.wisnersinc.com/rifles/winchester/88_100.htm