Winchester Model 23 Pigeon Grade XTR Lightweight 12 GA SXS Double Shotgun

Make: Winchester

Model: 23 XTR Pigeon Grade

Serial Number: PWK008211E

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1978-1986

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ & 3? Shells

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

Barrel Length: 25 1/2″, Vent-Rib

Choke: Left: Improved Modified, Right: Improved Cylinder, 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., 2.2 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a beavertail forend, straight grip, straight comb, and orange rubber Winchester buttpad. There are a few scattered small nicks. There is a cluster of minor marks in the belly and the forend has a cluster of light scratches on the bottom toward the front. 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 pad has minor wear. The stocks rate in Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Coin

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion, just a bit of very faint fouling in each. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, 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 a factory hang-tag.

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 a Lightweight in Excellent condition, appearing to have spent more time in its included Winchester case than out. A fine piece for upland game, the Pigeon Grade Lightweight has 25 1/2″ barrels choked Improved Cylinder and Improved Modified with a straight grip. 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!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud