Winchester 88 .308

**Interceptor** · January 30th, 2013, 10:14 PM

I have a 1956 Winchester 88 that my dad bought in 1957. When I started hunting he let me use it, and he recently gave it to me. It's in excellent condition but it hasn't been fired in over 20 years. I want to put a few rounds through it before I put it away for another 20 years. Is it OK to use any modern 308 ammo in this rifle, or is there a limit to what is safe for it? The last thing I want to do is destroy this classic.

**tabasco_joe** · January 30th, 2013, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Interceptor

I have a 1956 Winchester 88 that my dad bought in 1957. When I started hunting he let me use it, and he recently gave it to me. It's in excellent condition but it hasn't been fired in over 20 years. I want to put a few rounds through it before I put it away for another 20 years. Is it OK to use any modern 308 ammo in this rifle, or is there a limit to what is safe for it? The last thing I want to do is destroy this classic.

Clean the barrel, then feel free to shot any modern ammo. Clean and oil it again. Feel satisfied and content. Don't go 20 years between shooting sessions.

And thank your father for a great heirloom.

**Remington788** · January 31st, 2013, 12:34 AM

**Noah_Zark** · January 31st, 2013, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by tabasco_joe

Clean the barrel, then feel free to shot any modern ammo. Clean and oil it again. Feel satisfied and content. Don't go 20 years between shooting sessions.

And thank your father for a great heirloom.

What Joe said.

The 88 came in Rifle and Carbine barrel lengths, and the 88 Carbines are fewer and far between, commanding almost double the sale price of an 88 Rifle. Take care of your investment; either way a nice pre-64 88 is NOT a "truck gun."

Noah

**DClan** · January 31st, 2013, 08:37 AM

I am so jealous right now, I have lusted after a model 88 in. 308 for a while now. You are lucky not just in the having, but in the continuing connection to your father. You have a real treasure there.