Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Grade 20 GA 28” Double Barrel SxS Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $2,000.00
LSB#: LSB260225RB030
Make: Winchester
Model: 23 XTR Pigeon Grade
Serial Number: PWK200348
Year of Manufacture: 1980-1986
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 3″ Shells
Action Type: Side by Side Top Break with Ejectors and Single Selective Mechanical Trigger and auto re-setting safety.
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 “N3”, the right is marked “D”, “200348”, 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 “200348”. 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.
Barrel Length: 28”, Raised Vent-Rib
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Mod, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white bead in a base at the front of the rib and a small white mid-bead. The top of the rib is checkered to reduce glare.
Weight: 6 lbs 15 oz
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a two-piece checkered walnut with a beavertail forend, Prince of Wales grip, fluted straight comb, and serrated synthetic butt plate. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. Drop at comb is approximately 1.5″. The drop at heel is 2”. The cast is about neutral. The wood shows a few light surface level lines and very small compressions scattered throughout. There is a very small surface crack forming at the rear of the upper tang. There is a notable marr to the belly of the stock, which is biased to the right hand side. There are no chips present. The butt plate shows some very minor rub marks. Overall the wood is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mirror bright. There is no erosion. The bores show some barely visible lines from use and no notable plastic fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The barrels show some very light minor scattered marks and some rub wear from the forend that is concealed when the gun is assembled. The end of the barrel set and the breach face show some minor discoloration from old oil. The upper tang shows some minor rub wear from the safety. The block shows some minor rub wear as well. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Excellent-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 includes a Winchester luggage style case, owner’s manual and paperwork.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Grade is a 20 gauge shotgun featuring 28-inch barrels with fixed full by modified chokes and 3-inch chambers. The Model 23 series was Winchester’s premium side-by-side offering, built with a focus on strength and modern manufacturing while retaining classic double gun styling. The Pigeon Grade variant adds a higher level of finish and detail, making it especially appealing to collectors and upland enthusiasts alike.
This example features a coin-finished engraved receiver and a raised rib with a mid bead, providing an unusually refined sighting plane for a side-by-side, as the rib sits slightly above the barrels providing a clearer sight picture. The checkered walnut furniture includes a beavertail forend and a Prince of Wales stock, offering both comfort and control. Overall, it represents a well-balanced and elegantly appointed double gun that blends traditional aesthetics with practical shooting enhancements. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.