Registered: Dec 2010
Location: heaven
Posts: 57

I have a Winchester model 88 .243 lever action. Been searching the net and can't find one like it, there are alot to look at but nothing the same. The serial number is 53938 if that helps. I know they were made from 1956- 1973. I called one dealer and he said the shape of the metal where it enters the stock on top was very important and this one was the way he described it. He offered me 700.00 unseen. Don't want to sell just curious what it is worth and any other info about it like the exact age. Dont know how to post pictures so I hope someone has some background on this model. Thank for any info.

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Registered: Oct 2006
Location: il.
Posts: 1743

nice gun, the 4 digit numbers usually worth more- pre-64 worth more- calibers like .284, .358 worth more, .243 usually brings more than a .308, condition is big factor as well... $800 and up in value...

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Registered: Oct 2006
Location: il.
Posts: 1743

look on gunbroker.com- always quite a few model 88's listed...

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Registered: May 2008
Location:
Posts: 908

The 243 isn't as common as the 308 m88:..what is the stock like? Fancy basket weaves and acorns?

Could you post a few pics?? Not sure why you've found similar but nothing the same? What makes this one different? Other than caliber??


What condition is it in??


Could be worth well over a grand...308s bring 800+ pretty regular nowadays...the other calibers bring more....condition is everything though...

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Registered: Feb 2010
Location: off the res.
Posts: 3416

If the back of the metal where it meets the stock is rounded it's a later model, if it has a (tang) that extends out from the metal into the wood it's an earlier model and worth more.The serial number of yours looks like it is an earlier model. I would say yours was made in the later 50's. I would say it is worth $1000 if in good shape. I had one about the same serial number as yours I gave it to my granddaughter and she still hunts deer with it.
Tang looks something like this, metal )__)Wood. Couldn't find a key to put the top line on the tang but you get the idea. Its about an inch long if I remember right.

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Registered: Sep 2010
Location: New Paris, Indiana
Posts: 7076

The serial number puts the year of manufacture at 1956.

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Registered: Jan 2011
Location: Rockmart, Ga.
Posts: 2652

I got a .22 winchester from the 1930's. I looked it up and was all excited then found out it was worth $40. LOL

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Registered: Jun 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1114

mint condition is around $875.00 to $1000.00

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Registered: Dec 2010
Location: heaven
Posts: 57

It has the tang that you guys are talking about. The forearm has a white strip then ends black. I would say it is in very good condition not excellent. I sure appreciate all the help, the dealer seemed so interested I had to find out more about it. Thanks for all of your help.

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Registered: Dec 2010
Location: heaven
Posts: 57

ttt

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Registered: Dec 2010
Location: heaven
Posts: 57

Any ideas how many different styles may have been made? All I have seen are the all wood looking ones, none the have this forearm color.

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Registered: Dec 2010
Location: heaven
Posts: 57

top

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Registered: May 2007
Location: Idaho
Posts: 407

if he oferd you 700 its worth a good 250 more + you can bet that or he has a buyer all lined up . also durning deer season guns are woth a heck off a lot more . i saw i crapy rusty one off these bring $500 the other day on an auction so you can bet yours isent worth a penny lees then 500 .. so 500 to 950 woud be my gess ...

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Registered: Dec 2010
Location: heaven
Posts: 57

Thanks for the info I sure appreciate all the responses!

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