Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Grade 20 GA 28” Double Barrel SxS Shotgun

SOLD FOR: $2,600.00

LSB#: LSB250512SG126

Make: Winchester

Model: 23 XTR Pigeon Grade

Serial Number: PWK202373

Year of Manufacture: 1980-1986

Gauge: 20 Gauge, 3? Shells

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

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 “3”, the right is marked “D”, “202373”, 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 “202373”. 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”, 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 white alignment bead. The top of the rib is checkered to reduce glare.

Weight: 7 lbs 9 oz

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a beavertail forend, round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated synthetic buttplate. There is a small nick on the bottom of the forend. The checkering is mostly strong and sharp with only a few faintly blunted peaks on the forend. There are no chips. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Drop at comb is approximately 1/8?. The drop at heel is 2”. The cast is about neutral. 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. The bore rate 10/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish.The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is no notable operation wear or handling wear worth mentioning. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in 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 with its factory box and paperwork. The bottom of the box is falling apart entirely. 

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. 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! – L.S.