Winchester Pigeon Grade Model 23 XTR 20 Gauge SxS Side by Side Shotgun Single Selective Trigger, Chokes & Case

SOLD FOR: $2,045
LSB#: 150113BD01
Make: Winchester
Model: Pigeon Grade Model 23 XTR
Serial Number: PWK205536E
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” and 3” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever, Side by Side (SxS) with Selectable Single Trigger and Ejectors
Markings: The top of the checkered rib is marked “WINCHESTER”. The left side of the left barrel is marked “PIGEON GRADE – WINCHESTER – MODEL 23 XTR – 20 GAUGE 3”-76MM / WINCHOKE T.M.– EAST ALTON IL. U.S.A.” The right side of the right barrel is marked “MADE IN JAPAN”. The undersides of the barrels are marked “W/C” and with a “WP” proof mark. The underside of the right barrel is also marked WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The right barrel flat is marked “205536” and inside a large “C” there is a “20-3”. The inside of the forearm hardware is marked “205536”. The water table is marked with a “WP” proof mark and the underside of the frame is marked “WINCHESTER”. The upper tang is marked “PWK205536E”.
Barrel Length: 25 ½” Without Chokes/With Chokes Installed almost 26”
Choke: The barrels are threaded for the Winchoke system and a Skeet, (2) Improved Cylinder, a Modified and a Full Winchoke are provided along with the “Winchester” marked, wooden handled choke wrench.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white Bradley bead front sight and a small white mid-rib bead.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut. The forearm has some light handling marks, a few flattened checkering diamonds and one 1/8” diameter compression mark. The round knob pistol grip shows a few mars in the checkering, mostly on the right side. The buttstock has several handling marks but no chips, cracks or scratches. There is a ½” thick smooth black “Winchester” marked recoil pad. The recoil pad shows a hole at the top for the top mounting screw and there is a visible Phillips head screw for the lower mounting point. The pad is quite firm and is in Very Good condition. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The drop at the comb is about 1 ½” and the drop at the heel is about 2 ½”. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrels and Coin Frame, Trigger Guard and Tangs
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling marks and some thinning where the forearm rubs on the barrels. There is a tiny handling mark on each side of the raised rib. The water table is jeweled. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The auto safety connector has been removed and is provided if you wish to have it reinstalled. The safety does work correctly manually. We have not fired this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: In addition to the five choke tubes, wrench and auto safety connector, a Winchester cloth covered hard case with leather ends and handle is provided. The case has two locking latches and two keys are provided. The green cloth shows signs of light use, although there is a ¼” diameter hole in the bottom of the leather binding on the right side. The accessories are all official Winchester pieces and are in Very Good to Fine condition.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 23 is a raised ventilated rib, side by side with a single selective trigger and screw-in chokes. This example is a 20 gauge that takes up to 3” shells and comes with five choke tubes and a cloth covered Winchester locking hard case. These are very well made guns, heavy enough to shoot Skeet or a round of Sporting Clays, but not too heavy to carry in the field. This is a nice set, ready for the clay fields. All you need to bring is your vest and a box of shells. Please see our photos of this beautiful side by side.