My neighbor's father passed away last fall, and he mentioned that his dad left him a couple of rifles. there was a remington, and some other cheaper stuff. Then he mentioned that his dad left him a Winchester 585. I'm no expert on Winchesters, but the number didn't ring a bell. 1885? 88? I asked him to check the number. Well, he brought it outside and it's a Model 88 in .243. The wood's about 98% and the bluing is close to 100%. It's also got a banded barrel, which I had never seen before. Pretty slick rifle - even has a "Made-in-USA-bought-new-in-1970-Weaver" with fine crosshairs on top. Man, was I drooling. My dad has one that's similar, but much more used (he got it much the same way my neighbor got his - except it was a close friend that left it to him) Model 88 in .243. Dad's has the standard forend. Any knowledge on the history of the banded barrel version? Just curious. Thanks.

Deck

The 88 with barrel band is the short barreld carbine version. The 88, and 100 semi auto were both available in carbine, and rifle models.

I'm assuming that it's even more rare in the carbine than the standard?

Yep, I think that is the way it goes. I know that one model is worth a little more money than the other, but I have been out of touch with the Winchesters so long I forget which. I have a 88 in 308, and the 100 in 243. Both are rifle models. I have heard of, and read of the 88's going off out of the blue, but never had that problem with mine. Of course I haven't had it out in several years. Not sure what the problem may have been with the 88's.

The 100 was recalled by Winchester a few years back for faulty firing pins, as it would break. Mine broke, and a cousin who worked in a machine shop made me one before the recall. When Winchester recalled the 100's they wanted me to send them my rifle, but I didn't like the idea of that, so they sent me a new firing pin, and a check for 50 bucks to have my gunsmith install it. I installed it myself, spent the 50, and laid the one my cousin made up just in case I need it again.

. . . When Winchester recalled the 100's they wanted me to send them my rifle, but I didn't like the idea of that, so they sent me a new firing pin, and a check for 50 bucks to have my gunsmith install it. I installed it myself, spent the 50, and laid the one my cousin made up just in case I need it again.
Sounds like a WIN-WIN solution!:D