Cased Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Grade 28″ F/M 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
LSB#: LSB251207SJ024
Make: Winchester
Model: 23 XTR Pigeon Grade
Serial Number: PWK007113
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1986-1987
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ & 3″ Shells
Action Type: Side by Side Top Break with Ejectors and Single Selective Trigger (Mechanical)
Barrel Length: 28″, Vent-Rib
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Modified, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is 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., 7.1 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a beavertail forend, round bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and black rubber Winchester buttpad. The stocks have a few scattered minor marks, but no notable damage. 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 buttpad. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/4″, drop at heel 2 3/4″. The pad has minor wear. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The barrels have some faint wear, concealed by the forend when installed. Otherwise, there are only light handling 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: This shotgun comes in a Winchester luggage case with factory paperwork including hang-tag and 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, appearing to have spent more time in its included case than out. 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!
-Bud