438 of 500 Winchester Model 23 Golden Quail 28 GA 25.5″ SxS Shotgun 1985
SOLD FOR: $3,825.00
Make: Winchester
Model: 23 Golden Quail, 438 of 500
Serial Number: GQ-438E
Year of Manufacture: 1985
Gauge: 28 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells
Action Type: Side by Side Top Break with Ejectors and Single Selective Trigger
Barrel Length: 25 1/2”
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 solid rib. The top of the rib is serrated in a wavy pattern to reduce glare.
Weight: 6 lb., 13.6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with a beavertail forend, straight grip, straight comb, orange rubber Winchester buttpad. The stocks have some light nicks and scratches, most notable at the right-rear of the forend and on the left of the stock behind the checkering. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2?, drop at heel 2 1/4?. The cast is about neutral. The buttpad has some light wear and discoloration. The stocks rate in Very Good-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bores, but there is a little stubborn fouling in front of the chambers. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is a little minor oxidation in the bottom tang and the breech-face. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear. There is some stubborn dried grease. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The safety does not engage automatically on opening, but functions properly when engaged manually. 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: This shotgun comes in a Winchester Golden Quail luggage case.
Our Assessment: With so many classic designs, the Winchester collector has many options but few are as rare or beautiful as the Model 23 Golden Quail series. Produced in 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987, five hundred Golden Quail series guns each were made in 20 GA, 28 GA, 12 GA and .410, respectively. The Model 23 is considered by many to be Winchester’s last great shotgun. This example is in Fine condition with signs of some light 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. Just one of five hundred 28 Gauge Model 23 Golden Quails made, this is not only a rare find for the dedicated collector, it should also be a joy to shoot. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
