Hello all, I am new to this forum but not new to winchesters, I really like them all and their history, that being said I have the opportunity to get a model 88 in .358, I do not know much about these and need help on a value, I would like to have it to go with my model 100 .308, however, I have no idea what to offer, the rifle and bluing is at least 95% the wood is probably around 85% and 3 boxes of old winchester silvertip ammo. Can anyone here give me an approximate value of this rifle? I have a winchester model 94 trails end with octagon barrel in .357 mag. that he would probably trade for but I do not know if this would be a smart trade. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

You can check this ad if you want some idea of value.
http://www.gunsinternational.com/Winche ... =100246833.
The "2009 Guns and prices book" I have says values for the model 88's are $750 for .308 cal. with a 25% premium for pre 64 rifles, additionally add 15% for .243 cal., 75% for .284 cal. and 100% for .358 cal.
I own a model 100 in .284 cal, a model 88 in .308, and a model 88 carbine in .308. I've done quite a bit of research on these two very similar looking models, and I have a collector's reference on the 88 written by Doug Murray. If you have any questions about it , I might be able to help. Here's a few quick facts on it....
.358 is the rarest and most desirable to collectors of the 4 model 88 calibers offered in the ,22" rifle configuration. The .284 carbine is also highly sought after by collectors. In total, 35,636 .358 cal. 88's were made between 1955 and 1963. All 358's are 22" rifles, as no carbines were offered in .358, the stock is the pre 64 style with cut checkering, (not the later basket weave impressed style checkering). If you can find an original .358 in really good condition for under $2000, I would be very suprised. They have become a very difficult to find, and also a highly sought after and valuable collector rifle.
Good luck with your purchase, let us know what happens.

thanks Skinner-t, so do you think it would be wise to trade my .357 for the 88? Which do you think would appreciate in value more down the road?

mauserman wrote:thanks Skinner-t, so do you think it would be wise to trade my .357 for the 88? Which do you think would appreciate in value more down the road?

I would much prefer to own the .358 myself.
I'd trade a newer model 94 for it in a heartbeat ! The model 88 will always be a highly sought after collectable. I would make the trade and never look back, and if later you decide you don't want it, I'll happily take it off your hands