
Gun and Knife Show Information Virtual Gun Show DACA's Mission Statement Club Officers Club Newsletter Upcoming Events Useful Links DACA's Book Store Club Resources Home	The Winchester Corner This column is for you who may be thinking about starting a collection of Winchester firearms. The field is nearly unlimited to acquire an outstanding collection with a modest investment. Last time we looked at the Model 95. Continuing with information on collectible Winchesters, this time we'll look at the Model 88 and the Model 100. Two modern rifles designed to handle today's high power cartridges are the Model 88 and the Model 100. The Model 88 represents the last of the long line of big bore lever action guns and the Model 100, the first gas operated semiautomatic with a single piece stock. Even a casual observer will note some of the common featuresthe single piece stocks, the triple locking lugs on the bolts, bolt extractors and ejectors, are the most obvious. Now, let's look at each in a little closer detail. Model 88 This hammerless lever-action rifle was introduced in 1955. In design it represented a radical departure from that of previous Winchester lever-action rifles. The more significant changes were its rotating bolt with triple locking lugs, its enclosed receiver, detachable box magazine, one-piece stock and side ejection port. Calibers follow: .308 Winchester .243 Winchester .358 Winchester .284 Winchester Although the Model 88 is no longer in production, its manufacture did continue until 1975. Therefore, recognized variations are "pre-64" and "post-64" models with both rifle and carbines in both periods. During the 20 years, it was produced, a total of 284,971 guns were made. Model 100 The Model 100 was introduced 5-years after the Model 88coming out in 1960. It was first produced in the 308 Winchester Cal. (7.62 NATO) other calibers soon followed. Taking the lead from its predecessor Model 88, the 100 has a detachable box magazine, a rotating bolt with three large locking lugs and enclosed receiver. It ejects from the spent brass to the right. The gas system of the Model 100 resembles that of the U.S. M-14 service rifle that allows a gradual buildup and expansion of gas against the piston. This translates into a smoother operation of the operating parts than we find in gas operated guns like the U.S. M-1 rifles or carbine. This type of gas system is also effective because no adjustment of the system is required when changing from one commercial loading to another or utilizing hand loads of adequate power. Calibers follow: .308 Winchester .243 Winchester .284 Winchester There is some speculation that the Model 100 was also offered in the .358 Winchester, but I have never seen one. I did hear of a 100 in .358, but it turned out to have been re-barreled with a Model 88 barrel. If you find a 100 in .358, you had better check it out real close! When production of the 100 ended in 1975,, a total of 263,170 had been made. Like the 88, there are "pre-64" and "post-64" models with both rifles and carbines in both periods. An "A" prefix serial number began production in February 1970. Although neither of these rifles remain in production, they have both been some of my favorites. In fact, the only time I have ever limited out at one time on Whitetails was on opening day in 1956 in south Texas with a Model 88 in .308 Winchestertwo 10-point bucks about 10 to 15 seconds apartand my deer hunting for 1956 was over! Albert Ross Editor Note: This is the final article in the Winchester Corner by Albert. We thank him greatly for sharing the information that he has compiled during a lifetime of collecting. If anyone has similar information to share about their collection, please call me Rod Wright, 254-773-2152.

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DACA's Mission Statement

Club Officers

Club Newsletter

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Useful Links

DACA's Book Store

Club Resources

Home

The Winchester Corner

This column is for you who may be thinking about starting a collection of Winchester firearms. The field is nearly unlimited to acquire an outstanding collection with a modest investment. Last time we looked at the Model 95.

Continuing with information on collectible Winchesters, this time we'll look at the Model 88 and the Model 100.

Two modern rifles designed to handle today's high power cartridges are the Model 88 and the Model 100.

The Model 88 represents the last of the long line of big bore lever action guns and the Model 100, the first gas operated semiautomatic with a single piece stock.

Even a casual observer will note some of the common featuresthe single piece stocks, the triple locking lugs on the bolts, bolt extractors and ejectors, are the most obvious. Now, let's look at each in a little closer detail.

Model 88

This hammerless lever-action rifle was introduced in 1955. In design it represented a radical departure from that of previous Winchester lever-action rifles. The more significant changes were its rotating bolt with triple locking lugs, its enclosed receiver, detachable box magazine, one-piece stock and side ejection port. Calibers follow:

.308 Winchester

.243 Winchester

.358 Winchester

.284 Winchester

Although the Model 88 is no longer in production, its manufacture did continue until 1975. Therefore, recognized variations are "pre-64" and "post-64" models with both rifle and carbines in both periods. During the 20 years, it was produced, a total of 284,971 guns were made.

Model 100

The Model 100 was introduced 5-years after the Model 88coming out in 1960. It was first produced in the 308 Winchester Cal. (7.62 NATO) other calibers soon followed.

Taking the lead from its predecessor Model 88, the 100 has a detachable box magazine, a rotating bolt with three large locking lugs and enclosed receiver. It ejects from the spent brass to the right.

The gas system of the Model 100 resembles that of the U.S. M-14 service rifle that allows a gradual buildup and expansion of gas against the piston. This translates into a smoother operation of the operating parts than we find in gas operated guns like the U.S. M-1 rifles or carbine.

This type of gas system is also effective because no adjustment of the system is required when changing from one commercial loading to another or utilizing hand loads of adequate power.

Calibers follow:

.308 Winchester

.243 Winchester

.284 Winchester

There is some speculation that the Model 100 was also offered in the .358 Winchester, but I have never seen one. I did hear of a 100 in .358, but it turned out to have been re-barreled with a Model 88 barrel. If you find a 100 in .358, you had better check it out real close!

When production of the 100 ended in 1975,, a total of 263,170 had been made. Like the 88, there are "pre-64" and "post-64" models with both rifles and carbines in both periods. An "A" prefix serial number began production in February 1970. Although neither of these rifles remain in production, they have both been some of my favorites. In fact, the only time I have ever limited out at one time on Whitetails was on opening day in 1956 in south Texas with a Model 88 in .308 Winchestertwo 10-point bucks about 10 to 15 seconds apartand my deer hunting for 1956 was over!

Albert Ross

Editor Note: This is the final article in the Winchester Corner by Albert. We thank him greatly for sharing the information that he has compiled during a lifetime of collecting. If anyone has similar information to share about their collection, please call me Rod Wright, 254-773-2152.

The Dallas Arms Collectors Association, Inc
P.O. Box 704
DeSoto, Texas 75123
(972) 223-3066

dallasar@dallasarms.com

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