The Model 88 was fairly commercially successful, although the weapon's high cost compared to the famed Model 94 eventually caused sales to slump, with the weapon discontinued in 1973. 308 Winchester cartridge as 'the world's first and only lever-action hunting rifle with target rifle accuracy' that was capable of downing medium game. Featuring ' Centennial Styling', the Model 88 was advertised alongside the then-new.
The Model 88 was introduced in 1955 alongside the Model 77 semi-automatic sporting rifle as 'centennial models' of sorts (it was Winchester's 100th anniversary that year).
