Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Grade 26″ 12 GA SXS Double Barrel Shotgun

More All Sold Items

Sold for $2232.36

Make: Winchester

Model: 23 XTR Pigeon Grade

Serial Number: PWK005016

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1978-1980

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ & 3? Shells

Action Type: Side by Side Top Break with Ejectors and Single Selective Trigger (Mechanical)

Markings: The left side of the left barrel is marked “PIGEON GRADE – WINCHESTER – MODEL 23 XTR – 12 GAUGE 3? – 76mm / NEW HAVEN, CONN. – U.S.A.”, the right of the right barrel is marked “MADE IN JAPAN” and the top of the rib is marked “PIGEON GRADE”. The left barrel flat is marked “5”, the right is marked “D”, “005016”, and “12-3” in oval. The bottom of the right barrel is marked with a “WP” proof and “IMP.CYLD**** / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, the bottom of the left barrel is marked “MOD.***” and with an ovalled “WP” proof. The top of the forend iron is marked “005016”. The right of the water table is marked “WP” in a circle, the top tang is marked with the serial number, the bottom of the receiver is marked with a pigeon and “WINCHESTER”. The receiver is scroll engraved with the motif continuing on the lever, guard and exposed portion of the forend iron.

Barrel Length: 26″, Vent-Rib

Choke: Left: Modified, Right: Improved Cylinder, Both Fixed

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white bead in a base at the front of the rib and a smaller white mid-bead. The top of the rib is checkered to reduce glare.

Weight: 7 lb., 2.0 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a beavertail forend, round bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated black plastic buttplate. The forend has a few scattered minor marks. The buttstock has some scattered nicks and scratches, most toward the rear. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, 13 3/4″ to the back of the wood. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2?, drop at heel 2 3/8?. The buttplate has scattered wear with well defined serrations. The stocks rate in Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Coin

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The barrels have some scattered light scuffs and scratches. Most are concealed by the forend when installed, there is a scuff on the left barrel about 6″ from the muzzle. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The safety engages automatically on opening the action. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. The trigger is mechanical, not recoil-operated. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: With so many classic designs, the Winchester collector has many options but few are as beautiful as the Model 23 Pigeon Grade. The Model 23 is considered by many to be Winchester’s last great shotgun. This example is in Fine condition with signs of light, responsible use. Its beauty is matched by functionality, the engraved coin-finished receiver and beautiful walnut stocks paired with a mechanical single trigger and selective ejectors. This gun is truly a rare marriage of form and function. This is a beautiful shotgun that will be a nice addition to just about any collection for the collector and it should also be a joy to shoot. Please see our photos and good luck!