.358:
You are interested in Model 88s'. Good gun for deer and elk.

My Dad and I went to the sportings goods store together in '61 and we each bought one brand new. My son now has Dad's '88. Another of my boys bought a used '88, which was made in 1960. All three guns shoot about the same, good on both factory and handloads.

I will include a pic showing the results of 100 yd "sight-in" w/sandbag rests. One group (3 shots) by son Danny, one group (3 shots) by son Reid. Two boys, two rifles, two different powders, same bullets, same brand scopes. These are not "match" grade groups, but good enough for hunting.

I understand from a couple of Gunsmiths that the Model 88 lever is quite strong for a lever, having a rotating bolt lug that approaches the strength of a simple bolt action. That info encouraged me to try handloading for the '88' and have found that some pretty decent groups can be obtained.

Good luck