Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

General firearm discussions that do not fit in our specific firearm-related forums.
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Zee
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Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Zee »

Initially tried a vantage Redfield scope on this rifle. But, it lacked about a foot of elevation to get the rifle sighted in. I grudgingly settled for a Nikon Scope I had on the shelf. It will work for now.
The rifle seems to throw the first shot of every group. Or, the shooter does. But, after fan cooling the barrel after every three rounds, the results were always the same. I’ll figure it out.
I tried 165gr Tac Bonded which it didn’t like. And then tried 150gr Federal Premium Nosler Ballistic Tip and it seems to satisfy for hunting purposes.
50 yrds
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100 yrds
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She will do nicely for an Axis this season. Fun gun. Like the Savage, she’s a little long in length of pull for my Carney Self. But, I can deal with it for nostalgia.
Here she is with the Savage 99. Still working on a load for the Savage.
I plan to take an Axis with both this season.
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Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.
LMLarsen
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by LMLarsen »

Dammit, now you have me looking at 99s again…
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Zee
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Zee »

Misery loves company.
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.
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CPJ 2.0
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by CPJ 2.0 »

The savage is a lot better looking rifle. Maybe without the flamboyant grip cap and fore end tip I’d like the 88 better.
“The shepherd slaughters more of the flock than the wolf ever will.”
Elk Creek
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Elk Creek »

Couple of good looking rigs. I’m partial to the 99, but I’m biased….
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Zee
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Zee »

The Savage is cooler. I got the M88 because it was a good deal and I didn’t think I’d ever find the Savage I wanted.
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.
Wambli Ska
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Wambli Ska »

I love the M88 for nostalgia sake. It was the first gun I ever hunted deer with and I actually love the looks and speed of operation. Mine being a .308 is also a bonus.
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Zee
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Zee »

Wambli Ska wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 6:52 pm I love the M88 for nostalgia sake. It was the first gun I ever hunted deer with and I actually love the looks and speed of operation. Mine being a .308 is also a bonus.
I like having it as well. Didn’t know anything about it really until JBOhio found this one for me.
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.
Freezer
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Freezer »

Now you need a BLR! Maybe 7-08?
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Zee
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Zee »

Freezer wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 7:54 pm Now you need a BLR! Maybe 7-08?
A rifle and cartridge I have zero interest in.
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.
Japhy
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Japhy »

Zee
With such a large selection how do you choose when its game on?
An envied problem!
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Zee
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Zee »

Japhy wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 2:43 am Zee
With such a large selection how do you choose when its game on?
An envied problem!
Game on for what?
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.
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jbp-ohio
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by jbp-ohio »

Zee wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 10:12 pm
Freezer wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 7:54 pm Now you need a BLR! Maybe 7-08?
A rifle and cartridge I have zero interest in.
Browning levers don't do it for me either. I'd go 1895, 88, then 99.
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Freezer
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Freezer »

That is just as sexy as they come, and the wood!
Elk Creek
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Elk Creek »

jbp-ohio wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 1:21 pm
Zee wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 10:12 pm
Freezer wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 7:54 pm Now you need a BLR! Maybe 7-08?
A rifle and cartridge I have zero interest in.
Browning levers don't do it for me either. I'd go 1895, 88, then 99.

5ec0c91c-331a-493b-a839-13dfb7e6410e.jpeg
Love the 1895… it’s an acquired taste. Elmer Keith said “the 95’ has all the charm of a dead puppy left out in the sun for a while”
I completely disagree!
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GrapeApe
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by GrapeApe »

Elk Creek wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 3:12 pm
Love the 1895… it’s an acquired taste. Elmer Keith said “the 95’ has all the charm of a dead puppy left out in the sun for a while”
I completely disagree!
The man knew what he was talking about
"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." - Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain)
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Zee
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Zee »

jbp-ohio wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 1:21 pm
Zee wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 10:12 pm
Freezer wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 7:54 pm Now you need a BLR! Maybe 7-08?
A rifle and cartridge I have zero interest in.
Browning levers don't do it for me either. I'd go 1895, 88, then 99.

5ec0c91c-331a-493b-a839-13dfb7e6410e.jpeg
Now that one is pretty.
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.
Elk Creek
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by Elk Creek »

GrapeApe wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 4:02 pm
Elk Creek wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 3:12 pm
Love the 1895… it’s an acquired taste. Elmer Keith said “the 95’ has all the charm of a dead puppy left out in the sun for a while”
I completely disagree!
The man knew what he was talking about
On most things, some was just arrogance.
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jbp-ohio
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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.

Post by jbp-ohio »

Elk Creek wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 3:12 pm
jbp-ohio wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 1:21 pm
Zee wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 10:12 pm

A rifle and cartridge I have zero interest in.
Browning levers don't do it for me either. I'd go 1895, 88, then 99.

5ec0c91c-331a-493b-a839-13dfb7e6410e.jpeg
Love the 1895… it’s an acquired taste. Elmer Keith said “the 95’ has all the charm of a dead puppy left out in the sun for a while”
I completely disagree!
Ray Lewis carried one around on ''The Last Alaskans''. The testosterone was dripping from the TV and stained the carpet.
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