Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Grade 20 GA 25.5″ SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
Sold for $2524.00
LSB#: 220812VH053
Make: Winchester
Model: 23 XTR Pigeon Grade
Serial Number: PWK206422E
Year of Manufacture: 1978-1986
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4″ & 3? Shells
Action Type: Side by Side Top Break with Ejectors and Single Selective Trigger (Mechanical)
Markings: The left side of the left barrel is marked “PIGEON GRADE – WINCHESTER – MODEL 23 XTR – 20 GAUGE 3? – 76mm / WINCHOKE T.M. – EAST ALTON IL. U.S.A.”, the right of the right barrel is marked “MADE IN JAPAN” and the top of the rib is marked “WINCHESTER”. The left barrel flat is marked “W/C” and with an ovalled “WP” proof, the right is marked with an ovalled “WP” proof, “206422”, and “20-3” in oval. The bottom of the right barrel is marked “WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL”. The top of the forend iron is marked “206422”. 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 “WINCHESTER”. The receiver is scroll engraved with a floral motif with the motif continuing on the lever, guard and exposed portion of the forend iron.
Barrel Length: 25 1/2″, Vent-Rib
Choke: The barrels are threaded for Winchokes and installed with Left: Modified, Right: Full
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with 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., 2.0 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a beavertail forend, round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and black rubber Winchester buttpad. There is a crack on the left side of the forend at the front. There are some nicks and dings into the wood, most noticeable on the belly. There are some scattered compressions and draglines. There are a few scratches. There are some scuffs that have thinned the finish, most noticeable on the forend towards the rear. There are light handling marks. The checkering is mostly sharp. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/4?, drop at heel 2 3/4?. The pad has scattered light-to-moderate wear. The stocks rate in Very Good-Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. There are some spots of dried oil on the frame at the edges of the buttstock. There are a few scattered scuffs on the barrel set that have thinned the finish, most noticeable on the bottom of the right barrel and side of the left barrel towards the front. There are some scattered little nicks and light scratches. There are some tiny freckles of discoloration on the right barrel at about the midsection. There are some spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation on the forend iron with a few lighter spots on the frame. There are light handling marks and minor operational marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good-Fine 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: Included is a leather and green canvas Winchester case with keys and paperwork NOT including a 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 with signs of almost no 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. 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!