New Member with Winchester 88 Questions

[d'Heat]

Hey All,

I'm the proud owner of a '58 or '59 (ser. no. 87xxx) Win 88 in .308. It was my father's rifle. It's in great condition (probably less than 100 rounds put through it) and is one of my prized possessions.

The first time I shot it, the recoil was almost unbearable: I put it away after only firing a few rounds. I've since fitted it with a recoil pad and the recoil is much more tolerable.

The safety has been stuck in fire mode since I've had the rifle. I recently made the time and mustered the courage to disassemble it and address the problem. After letting it sit overnight with an application of penetrating oil, I was able to break the safety free. I'm now in the process of reassembly. Even with a manual and slave pins, this rifle is a booger to assemble. And that brings me to a couple of my questions.

First, the instructions specifies the trigger pin is to be "staked". The illustration indicates the use of two 3/16" steel balls to seat the pin properly. Is this correct? How is that accomplished? Just pinch the pin between the balls? Is it really necessary? I mean, can't the pin simply be driven in?

Second, since it probably hasn't been lubricated in 50 years I'd like to do that while I've got it a part. Nevertheless, I don't know what to grease and what to oil. If the rifle operates probably as is, however, should I bother? Any advice?

Also, I'm interested into building it into a scout configuration, however, I don't want to make any permanent changes. The biggest challenge is the scope mount. Is anyone aware of a Win 88 mount similar to the XS Lever Scout Mount (http://www.xssights.com/store/scope.html about mid way down the page)? In a nutshell, it mounts in the existing, front scope mount holes and in an assembly that replaces the rear, flip-up sight. I haven't found anything, but I may have missed it. A gunsmith gave me a ball park estimate of $350 to fabricate something similar. So, that's out of the question.

Anyway, that's my story and some things I need help with. Thanks in advance to any who may help.

Best regards,

Doug

[iceman]

First off welcome. I have never taken a mod 88 apart but I have heard it is tricky, good luck with that. As for lube it depends alot on where you live and hunt, if really cold lube to a minimum due to thickening of the lubes. Usually very little if any is needed. This is not a time when if a little is good, alot is better.
I'm sure someone with more experience will be right along.

[d'Heat]

iceman,

thanks for the input. I don't have to worry too much about the cold: I live in north Florida.

Thanks again,

Doug

[Tycer]

Welcome!

I don't know much about 88s, but someone will.

As to the scout scope set-up, may I ask why you prefer it to the over the receiver mount?

[kimwcook]

Can't answer your question, but welcome to the forum.

[d'Heat]

Tycer,

I like the idea of having a wider view--of my view being less obstructed.

Best regards,

Doug

[d'Heat]

Thank you for the warm welcomes.

[AJMD429]

I like the idea of having a wider view--of my view being less obstructed.

If you don't necessarily want magnification, but just an unobstructed view, consider the "Marbles Bullseye" - it could be easier to install on the gun than a scout mount, and costs maybe $20. It's like having a both-eyes-open 'scope' that uses your front bead instead of crosshairs. VERY fast to use compared to any other sight I've tried.

You don't have the entire lower half of your field of view blocked out like on open sights (and most 'peeps'). Windage is only drift-adjustable (just like the factory open sights), but it stays put once sighted in, and makes a great hunting sight. Anyhow - no gunsmithing needed, simply replaces your factory sight in the barrel dovetail; not the 'best' sight in all situations, but WAY better than the factory sight. In addition to the conventional elevation-adjustable model, a more compact fixed model is available (might be a great 'ghost ring' for a shotgun or hog gun if you wanted to swap front sights to get proper elevation). Note that some (?all) Puma's have wider-than-standard dovetails, and a bit of shimming is needed when swapping sights; I just slip a bit of thin metal or plastic under the sight before driving it into position.

Notice how much of the field of view a 'conventional' open sight blocks - I did not change the front sight out, so the rear would block as high as drawn, and was the same width as the outer aperture of the Marbles.

[spencer516]

AJMD429,
I have never seen these before. I'm going to have to try one as they look good. Just a little forward peep site. Cool.

Thanks,
Tom

[d'Heat]

AJMD429,

I would like some magnification on the scope--just 2x or 2.5x fixed. That said, I discovered the Marble Bullseye sight a couple of weeks ago and have had my eye on it ever since (pun serendipitous). I plan to put one on my Win 74 (.22, tube-fed, semi-auto).

I hadn't really thought about putting a Bullseye sight on the Win 88, but when I get one for the 74 I'll see how it looks/works on the 88. I wish Marble produced the Bullseye in a folding configuration.

I had, however, thought about putting a Bullseye on a shotgun. We think alike. I've always wanted ghost ring sights on my shot guns, but most are ridiculously expensive.

Thanks for the input on the Bullseye sights. I appreciate it.

Best regards,

Doug

[Ysabel Kid]

Welcome to the fire!

[Charles]

I have a Weaver scope mount for the 88 that allows the scope to swing off to the left on a hinge affair to use the iron sights and then just swing it back to use the scope. Weaver has a name for these gizmos, but I disremember what? It is for sale.

The stock on the 88 has mucho drop at the heel. This makes it mount easy for field shooting, but does give it a misrable kick.

[CowboyTutt]

A gunsmith friend of mine has told me that Winchester went through 4 trigger assemblies with the 88 to eliminate accidental discharges with the safety on. I would put it back as per the directions if it were me. -Tutt