When was this made ? Winchester 88

.358 · 12-12-2004, 02:20 PM

I was helping a neighbor lady remodel her kitchen and found a Winchester 88 new in the box but missing a clip. It is number 44474
What year was it made ? it has a tange type reciever not a round one.
I am concerned about getting a clip, I had a very old 88 once that had a clip which fit flush with the bottom of the reciever, but the ones I see now are slightly rounded. Which would this rifle take ? and where would I get one ? What would be the value of this rifle ?

longrifle1000 · 12-12-2004, 05:56 PM

Clips can be found all over the internet. Just go to yahoo and type in "winchester model 88 clip". And you will get several places to buy from. But it does make a difference if it is pre-64 or post-64. I do not have a reference guide for serial numbers. You could probably drop a note to winchester, or buy a serial numbre reference manual. Hope this helps.

Ok, I did some checking. That rifle was manufactured in 1956. Hope that helps.

RonM · 12-12-2004, 06:04 PM

358 if you find out how to get the serial # age from Win let me know I have a n 88 #202056A, my clip is flat and has a large arrow on it, holds 5, I only put 4 in there.....

x-mountie · 12-12-2004, 06:14 PM

Your 88 was manufactured in 1956/57.

Just as a note of interest, a model 100 (autoloader) clip will work in a model 88 as well, but unfortunately not the reverse.

You didn't say what cal. and whether it was a rifle or carbine. Book price on a 308 carbine is $625 and the rifle is $475.

Hope this helps!!

x-mountie · 12-12-2004, 06:24 PM

Ron -

the number you quoted (202056A) appears to have been made in 1967. However there is no indication in my book of the numbers
being followed by an alpha. There are/is an H prefix to the numbers on rifles made from 69 to 73.

Sorry i can't help you more.

.358 · 12-13-2004, 08:37 AM

Thanks for the information. It is a pre-64 with nice pointed cut checkering. Not a mark on ir it is a .308 but I'm still confused about the clip, should I try to buy a post 64 clip ? What is the difference between a post 64 and pre 64 clip ? Thanks

x-mountie · 12-13-2004, 08:54 AM

358:

I would contact Winchester about it. They wil fill you in on all the pertinent dope. No sense spending the money only to find out the gun wont function properly with a particular clip.

You know it is pre 64. So take it from there.

Again, give Winchester an e-mail with all the pertinint facts.

RonM · 12-13-2004, 12:26 PM

X. mountie, thank you for your help, The alph acould be a plant identity, Albany or wherever.....

.358 · 12-14-2004, 09:57 AM

Do you have a number or e-mail where I could contact winchester ?
Also wanted to mention that the action is very stiff, I cleaned the old hardened factory grease out of it and relubed the action but it is still stiff. Any ideas ? I'm almost afraid to shoot it as it is in such pristine condition, I'm not a collector, just wanted it to hunt with, now I'm not so sure if I shoot it it might detract from it's value. But, I do need a hunting rifle.

.358 · 12-15-2004, 09:49 AM

I've discovered the action is very stiff, couold it be from the old hardened greas or because it has never be used ? How would I smooth it out ?
I think I might sell this rifle, I'm not a collector or dealer. I would trade for a Rem. 100 20 gage lwt with vent rib and screw in chokes(for my wife) or make an offer if interested.