Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Grade 20 GA 28″ SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Sold for 2225.00
LSB#: 220812VH047
Make: Winchester
Model: 23 XTR Pigeon Grade
Serial Number: PWK201792
Year of Manufacture: 1978-1986
Gauge: 20 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 – 20 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 “3”, the right is marked “D”, “201792”, and “20-3” in oval. The bottom of the right barrel is marked with a “WP” proof and “MOD*** / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”, the bottom of the left barrel is marked “FULL*” and with an ovalled “WP” proof. The top of the forend iron is marked “201792”. 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: 28″, Vent-Rib
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Modified, 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., 1.0 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a beavertail forend, round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated black plastic buttplate. There are a few compressions and draglines, most noticeable on the left cheek, left side behind the grip, and bottom of the forend at the front. There are some ripples in the finish on the bottom of the forend at the rear forend iron screw. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2?, drop at heel 2 1/2?. The buttplate has scattered wear with well defined serrations. The stocks rate in Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion but there are a few spots of stubborn fouling.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few tiny marks, most noticeable on the side of the left chamber and on the edges of the rib. There are light handling marks and minor operational marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about 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 leather and green canvas Winchester case with keys and paperwork NOT including a manual.
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 Excellent condition with signs of almost no 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!