Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Lightweight 12 Gauge SXS Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $1,100.00
WOA#: WY240415EH177
Make: Winchester, made by Kodensha in Japan
Model: 23 XTR Pigeon Grade Lightweight
Serial Number: PWK006539
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1970’s to 1990s
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 3” Chamber
Action Type: Double Barrel Box-lock SxS Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors, Selectable, Single Mechanical Trigger.
Markings: The barrels are marked, “MADE IN JAPAN / WINCHESTER M/23 PIGEION GRADE XTR “Lightweight”-12 GA-3” / NEW HAVEN CONN, U.S.A.” The rib is marked, “PIGEON GRADE” The frame and forend metal have fine western style engraving. The barrels and forend are marked with the serial number. The bottom of the frame is marked, “WINCHESTER ” The serial is under the brake lever. The forend is marked, “006539” The underside of the barrels are marked, “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL / IMP,CYLD / IMP,MOD” The barrel flats are marked, “006539” with various proofs.
Barrel Length: 25 1/2”
Choke: The left barrel measures IMPROVED CYLINDER, Fixed. The right barrel measures IMPROVED CYLINDER, Fixed. The right barrel has been bored out from IMPROVED MODIFIED.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun has a dual white bead setup atop a knurled raised vented rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a wide beavertail forend, straight wrist, straight fluted comb, and rubber White Line recoil pad. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 15” from the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks are in Very Good to Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued / Coin Finish
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion but there is some light fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate at a 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The barrels have small nicks and hairline scratches throughout. The action has light to moderate wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. The safety resets when the action is opened.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Lightweight 12 Gauge is a well-regarded shotgun known for its quality craftsmanship, elegant design, and reliable performance. Manufactured by the prestigious Winchester Repeating Arms Company, this firearm is part of a long tradition of high-quality firearms. Introduced in the 1970s and continuing into the 1980s, the Model 23 series includes the esteemed XTR Pigeon Lightweight variant. This side-by-side (double-barrel) shotgun is chambered in 12 gauge, a versatile and powerful option favored for various types of shooting. The stock is crafted from high-quality walnut, featuring fine checkering on the grip and foreend for improved handling. Depending on the model variant, the stock design may include a straight grip or pistol grip. Equipped with a single front bead sight for quick target acquisition, the shotgun also typically includes selective automatic ejectors that expel spent shells when the action is opened. The XTR Pigeon Lightweight model is known for its elegant finish, often featuring intricate engraving on the receiver and a high-polish blued finish on the barrels, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Favored for hunting upland game birds such as pheasant, quail, and grouse, the Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Lightweight 12 gauge is a reliable choice for hunters. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry during long hunting trips. It is also popular in clay shooting sports such as skeet and sporting clays, where its balance and handling characteristics are advantageous. The Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Lightweight is renowned for its solid construction, reliable performance, and elegant craftsmanship. These attributes have earned it a lasting reputation among shotgun enthusiasts. As a high-quality and limited-production model, the XTR Pigeon Lightweight shotgun is considered a valuable collectible, with its value often appreciating over time, especially if kept in excellent condition. The Winchester brand is synonymous with American firearms excellence, and the Model 23 XTR Pigeon Lightweight upholds this legacy through its superior design and functionality.
Overall, the Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Lightweight 12 Gauge is a distinguished shotgun celebrated for its exceptional quality, reliability, and elegant design. Favored by hunters and sport shooters alike, it excels in both field and range environments. Additionally, its high-quality construction and aesthetic appeal make it a prized collectible. The XTR Pigeon Lightweight model exemplifies the fine craftsmanship and robust construction that Winchester shotguns are known for, making it a cherished addition to any shotgun enthusiast’s collection. Please see our photos, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.
