Why 88? Probably because the greatest lever action of all time was made by Savage and used 99 for the model number. I owned an 88 myself once; I’d learned it was a cousin to my Dad’s model 100 Winchester. I toyed with the 88 for a while, figured out how far to turn the forward stock screw to make it shoot little groups and then traded it for a Remington model 7 MS from the custom shop. That model 7 helped me take one of my best bucks but, looking back, I kinda wish I’d been carrying the 88 that day.
Adam Heggenstaller over at NRA’s American Hunter talks about a scope on his 88 but I think the rifle is best suited to an aperture sight. I never could get comfortable sticking my neck far enough forward to see through a scope on an 88 or a 100. Yeah, the 88 is drilled and tapped for a scope but so is a Marlin lever action. That don’t mean you have to put one on it.
My 88 story is not near as good as Adam’s You can read his HERE. If this nostalgic Grandpa infused tale inspires you to go out and find an 88, or if you’re just a die hard Dale Jr. fan, I’d suggest you look for the Pre-64 version. Its easy to spot, it will have checking instead of a basket weave pattern. Just don’t expect to get it cheap; some folks think they should be collected and not fired. Shame on them folks!
