Читать книгу Gun Digest 2011 онлайн

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MODIFICATIONS

As with any gun enjoying a long production run, there were several modifications along the line to this one, with most of the engineering reworks being completed by 1957. As most gun enthusiasts know, there were the infamous cost-cutting measures implemented at Winchester in 1964. While the mechanism remained essentially unchanged in the post-’64 Model 88, the hand-checkered stock was replaced with an impressed checkering basketweave pattern combined with an oak leaf motif as seen in our photo of a newer model. These 88s are every bit as functional as the pre-64 Model 88s and might even be appreciated by those who still value their old polyester leisure suits.

The post-64 Winchester stocks are somewhat thicker through the mid-section than their pre-’64 counterparts, which might actually be a desirable feature. A more appreciated variation were the approximately 28,330 carbines manufactured the five years following 1968. In addition to their shorter 19-inch barrels (as is opposed to 22-inch for all the Rifle counterparts), they were fitted with barrel bands and smooth stocks devoid of checkering. That these so infrequently come up for resale may be an indication of their rarity or, perhaps, the value their owners place on them.