following
I've been following this thread and as I've commented earlier, I have a M88 early production which is an heirloom and much loved.
Searching the web, their are instances of folks reporting a M88 firing pin breaking, usually having a heck of a time replacing one when it does. There are a few folks reporting that they contacted Winchester regards the M100 recall and receiving a pin and a $30 check to cover the labor. Some of this is as recently as 2018.
There is also some chatter about the M88 "firing on its own" which is bantered about until the thing can just go off while just setting there and the issue is the safety mechanism. As near as I can interpret, that is pure baloney and may be a combination of the Rem 700 issue from about the same era.
I haven't read anything about a free pin for a M88. I have read that the M88 and the M100 firing pins were interchangeable after a certain point in production. I suspect that because they were interchangeable , and there was instances of M88 breakage, that the "gossip" of the day evolved that the M88 had a recall as well. A member here has stated he has spoken with Winchester and they do not advise of a recall on the M88......only the M100. During the era in question, I was hunting a M88 a good bit, and reading all the current periodicals. I do not recall a notice on the lever rifle, only the auto M100. The issue with the M100 was that it could slam fire.
So.....I suspect that the M88 firing pin is a bit more susceptible to breakage than one might like. I further suspect that because the M88 is manually operated that a resulting slam fire from a pin breaking or burring is unlikely. I do not believe there is an issue with the manual safety, as alleged on other forums, at all. If your M88 firing pin breaks, you MIGHT be able to replace it with a M100 pin. Whether or not Winchester would provide you with a M100 pin for your M88, and if it would interchange in your rifle is another matter. I'd be willing to try. THIS IS ALL SUPPOSITION AND INTERPRETATION.
Somewhat similarly, looking at images of the M100/M88 firing pins, it would seem to me that a talented machinist could make one, certainly if he had an existing pin to copy. It might cost a fortune but seems possible.
I would follow up on a M100 if I intended to hunt and shoot one for sure.