Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Grade 28″ 12 GA SXS Double Barrel Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $2375
LSB#: 210924SS06
Make: Winchester
Model: 23 XTR Pigeon Grade
Serial Number: PWK007494
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1978-1980
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ & 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 – 12 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 “007494”, and “12-3” 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 “007494”. 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 with the motif continuing on the lever, guard and exposed portion of the forend iron.
Barrel Length: 28”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Modified, Both Fixed
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., 4.9 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a beavertail forend, round bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and black rubber Winchester buttpad. The stocks have a few scattered light nicks, most notable on the right cheek of the wrist near the bottom edge. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2?, drop at heel 2 1/2?. The cast is about neutral. The buttpad shows minor wear. The stocks rate in Fine-plus 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 97% of its metal finish. The right barrel has three small scrapes in the last four inches at the muzzle-end. The bottoms of the barrels have a few nicks, most are covered by the forend when installed, but there is one on the right barrel which is exposed. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine Plus 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 tan luggage case with steel corner bolsters, latches and a combination lock (we do not know the combination). The interior is lined with yellow fabric and there is an interior lid with a brass Winchester plate. The tray portion of the case has compartments for the barrel assembly, stocked receiver, and a third compartment for accessories which has two Winchester hang-tags. The case shows light storage wear and some discoloration on the corner bolsters. The interior has light wear from the contents.
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 Fine Plus condition with signs of very light, responsible 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!