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July 9, 2024
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Hello from Colorado. Question on a Model 88 .284 for sale… Serial is 128591 A
Serial number dates the gun at 1961, however I’ve never seen the “A” in a pre 64 Model 88. In addition, the gun has a “basket weave” stock. The logic to me is this gun has been re-stocked, but I’m wondering about the “A”? Any help would greatly be appreciated.
Dan
April 15, 2005
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The serial number you mention was applied in late December 1961, and the rifle itself was most likely assembled no earlier than early 1962. The 284 Win cartridge chambering was first offered in the 1963 catalog, but the first rifles in that caliber were undoubtedly assembled in the latter half of the year 1962.
The “A” is found on the later Model 88s. It signifies a mechanical design change to the receiver.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 9, 2024
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Bert, thank you! Just to clarify, with the “A” in the serial signifying mechanical design change in “later 88’s,” was this still a factory assembled gun in 1962? Or with the “A,” was the design change done after the gun was produced? As in, maybe the owner sent the gun back to Winchester for an update? I’m just trying to determine if this gun has been re-worked or not. The post ’64 basket weave stock has keyed up my curiosity.
Thanks,
Dan
April 15, 2005
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The “A” was applied when the gun was originally assembled (most likely in 1962). It would not have been applied on a customer return.
As for the later basket-weave stock, the most likely explanation is that somebody hi-graded the original stock to put it on a better condition pre-64 production rifle. That stated, it could have been replaced for other reasons, or it might even have been originally installed. There is just no way to know what transpired unless you can track down the original (and subsequent) owners of the rifle.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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