Winchester Model 23 Classic 28 GA 26″ M/IC SxS Side by Side Shotgun

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Sold for $4485.00

Make: Winchester

Model: 23 Classic

Serial Number: CL28-239E

Year of Manufacture: 1986-1987

Gauge: 28 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells

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

Markings: The left side of the left barrel is marked “WINCHESTER MODEL 23 CLASSIC – 28 GA.2 3/4? / EAST ALTON IL. U.S.A.”, the right of the right barrel is marked “MADE IN JAPAN” and the top of the rib is marked “28”. The left barrel flat is marked “5”, “WP” in oval, and “M”, the right is marked “239”, “WP” in oval, “IC”, and “28 3/4” in oval. The bottom of the right barrel is marked with a “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The top of the forend iron is marked “28-239”. The right of the water table is marked “WP” in a circle and the top tang is marked with the serial number. The shotgun has scroll engraving. The bottom of the receiver has a gold game bird.

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: 6 lb., 4 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, initial plate, and black rubber Winchester buttpad. There are some scattered compressions, some of the most noticeable are on the left side of the forend along the top edge. There are some scattered light draglines and a few scattered little nicks. The checkering is mostly sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 13 3/4″ to the wood. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/4″, drop at heel 2 1/4″. The cast is about neutral. The buttpad shows minor wear. The stocks rate in Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few little marks through the finish and areas of faint thinning on the barrels at the front. There are a few scuffs that have lightly thinned the finish, some of the most noticeable are on the left barrel towards the rear. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent 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: Included is a Winchester luggage case and key.

Our Assessment: With so many classic designs, the Winchester collector has many options but few are as beautiful as the Model 23 Classic. The Model 23 is considered by many to be Winchester’s last great shotgun. This example is in Excellent condition with signs of very light, responsible use. Its beauty is matched by functionality, the engraved 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!