Winchester model 88 & 100
Information
I won't go into a lot of detailed collector history of these models here, only gunsmith type information, other than the 1st 3 paragraphs.
The model 88 rifles with 22" barrels were made from 1955 to 1973 with about 284, 000 total of all versions being made. This model was made in 308 Win. caliber the first year, with the 243 Win. coming in 1956. It is not sure exactly when the 284 came into being, but it apparently did not come out until about 1962. The 358 was made only from 1956 to 1962. The 19" carbine from 1968 to 1973. The carbines utilized a front barrel band that the sling swivel was attached into. The carbine stock was actually a little longer at the forearm than the standard model, apparently to provide for the barrel band not ending close to the end of the wood, creating a cosmetic imbalance.
The model 100 rifles with 22" barrels were made from 1961 to 1973. The carbine with 19" barrels were made from 1967 to 1973. A total of 262,000 being made for both versions. This model was made in 243 Win, 308 Win & 284 Win. calibers only.
Stocks were checkered prior to 1964, & after that they were impressed in a basket weave pattern.
Most of what I will cover are some bits of information as to differences & common problems encountered. Many of the internal changes in the se guns were related to introducing new calibers, & modifications related to that. The magazine was a headache from the start, so many changes were related to solving problems related to it & feeding. Then when the model 100 came out in 1961, improvements incorporated in it were also transferred on to the model 88.
SERIAL NUMBER LETTERS : Prior to 1968 no serial number prefix was used. As the result of the Gun Control Act of 1968, the letter "H" was assigned to the model 88s while "A" was used as a suffix to the model 100 serial numbers. You may see a suffix to a serial number of "A" on some earlier guns. This appears to be possibly a duplicate or replaced receiver.
Winchester Model 88 serial numbers
Year S/N Year S/N Year S/N
1955 1 - 18,378 1956 36,756 1957 55,134
1958 73,512 1959 91,590 1960 110,268
1961 128,651 1962 169,838 1963 148,858
1964 160,307 1965 162,699 1966 192,595
1967 212,416 1968 230,199 1969 H239,599
1970 H258,229 1971 H266,784 1972 H279,014
1973 H283,718
Winchester Model 100 serial numbers
Year S/N Year S/N Year S/N
1961 1 - 32,189 1962 60,706 1963 78,863
1964 92,016 1965 135,388 1966 145,239
1967 209,498 1968 210,053 1969 A210,999
1970 A229,995 1971 A242,999 1972 A258,001
1973 A262,833
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