Winchester Model 88 .243 Win Lever-Action Rifle, 22-inch Barrel, 1970 H-Prefix, Blued Steel, Walnut Stock
This Winchester Model 88 is a standard rifle variant chambered in .243 Winchester with a 22-inch barrel and a detachable box magazine. It falls in the H-prefix serial range indicating 1970 production in New Haven, Connecticut. Late-production walnut furniture with impressed basket-weave and oak-leaf panels, a blued steel receiver and barrel, and an installed one-piece scope rail highlight a well-appointed, collectible configuration.
It uses Winchester’s rotating, front-locking bolt actuated by the lever for strong, reliable lock-up. The receiver is drilled and tapped and currently fitted with a one-piece Picatinny/Weaver rail secured by three screws. Classic iron sights remain in place, including a ramped front sight and a folding rear leaf. Capacity is 4+1 with its detachable box magazine system.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are visible handling marks from prior use. Please refer to the photos for close-up views of the metal and wood surfaces.
What’s Included
- One-piece Picatinny/Weaver scope rail installed on receiver
- Two 4-round steel detachable box magazines
The Model 88’s lever-action with a rotating, front-locking bolt combines fast cycling with a strong locking system. Chambered in .243 Win, this example uses a detachable 4-round steel magazine, providing a 4+1 total capacity.
The 22-inch barrel is rollmarked "Winchester Proof Steel." Iron sights consist of a ramped front sight and a folding rear leaf, giving a clear sight picture while preserving the rifle’s classic profile.
The receiver is drilled and tapped and fitted with a one-piece Picatinny/Weaver rail using three screws, ready for the owner’s choice of optic if desired. The blued steel receiver and barrel present a traditional finish consistent with the Model 88’s design.
The late-production walnut stock features impressed basket-weave checkering with oak-leaf motif panels, a pistol-grip cap bearing a Winchester medallion, factory sling swivels, and a black hard-plastic buttplate with the Winchester Repeating Arms logo. Length of pull measures 13.75 inches, and a cross-bolt safety provides a positive on/off control.