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Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2025 12:32 am
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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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2025 12:35 am
by LMLarsen
Dammit, now you have me looking at 99s again…
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2025 12:44 am
by Zee
Misery loves company.
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2025 12:57 am
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.
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2025 1:47 am
by Elk Creek
Couple of good looking rigs. I’m partial to the 99, but I’m biased….
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2025 8:50 am
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.
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2025 6:52 pm
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.
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2025 7:26 pm
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.
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2025 7:54 pm
by Freezer
Now you need a BLR! Maybe 7-08?
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2025 10:12 pm
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.
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 2:43 am
by Japhy
Zee
With such a large selection how do you choose when its game on?
An envied problem!
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 4:21 am
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?
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 1:21 pm
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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Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 2:30 pm
by Freezer
That is just as sexy as they come, and the wood!
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 3:12 pm
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!
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 4:02 pm
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
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 4:10 pm
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.
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 4:19 pm
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.
Re: Finally got the Winchester Model 88 ready to hunt.
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 4:21 pm
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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