Winchester Model 23 XTR Pigeon Grade 20 Gauge 3 inch SxS Side by Side Shotgun In The Box

SOLD FOR: $1,895
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 23 Pigeon Grade
Serial Number: PWK200339
Year of Manufacture: circa 1980
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” and 3″ Magnum Shells
Action Type: Boxlock Side by Side with Ejectors and Single Selective Trigger
Markings: The inside of the forearm metal is marked “PWK200339” as is the upper tang, under the lever. The metal surfaces are beautifully and tastefully engraved. The Winchester proof mark is on the Water Table. The center rib is marked “PIGEON GRADE” and the right barrel is marked “MADE IN JAPAN”. The left barrel is marked “PIGEON GRADE – WINCHESTER – MODEL 23 XTR – 20 GAUGE 3″ 76mm”. The underside of the barrels are marked with the serial number, “D”, “3”, “N”, “20-5”, “Full * / MOD ***” and with two Winchester proof marks.
Barrel Length: 28″
Choke: The left barrel is marked Full and the right barrel is marked Modified.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a matted ventilated center rib and two white beads.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are hand-checkered varnished pieces, with a wide semi-beavertail forearm and round knob pistol grip. The fit is great, though a bit proud. There are a few marks and light scratches to the surfaces, none are penetrating. The checkering is very sharp. The LOP measures about 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the plastic buttplate, showing a few scratches. The drop at the comb is 1 ½” and the drop at the heel is about 2 3/8″. There appears to be a neutral cast. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: White Frame & Hardware, Blued Barrels
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mirror bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a tiny bit of thinning on the underside of the barrels from the forearm – and that is about all. The wear is limited to the stocks, appears to be from storage and even the internals indicate a nearly new gun. We would guess that less than one case of shells has ever been through this gun. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We have not fired this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The original cardboard box is retained, with the matching end label. The box is folded but sound and complete with the cardboard inserts. One of the long sides of the lid has broken in two places and has a craft paper tape repair. The box is in Good condition. The original warranty card, hang tag, service center brochure and plastic bag are included in LNIB condition.
Our Assessment: From the NRA Museum: “As with many sporting shotguns, the Model 23 XTR was available in various gauges, barrel lengths, and options.
1979 Winchester (U.S.) Model 23 XTR Side-by-Side Double-Barrel Shotgun (breech-loading/ smokeless powder/ shot ammunition) Introduced in 1979, the Model 23 XTR chambers 12 and 20 gauge shells which are three inches long. The gun was produced in four different barrel lengths, and it had a single trigger, vent rib, auto ejectors, scroll engraving over a silvery-gray satin finish, blued barrels, and a checkered select walnut stock and forearm. Imported from Japan by Winchester, its price started at about $1,500 in 1985, and ran to over $4,000.
Once again the trend in place of manufacture went westward across the Pacific, especially as faster means of transportation were developed. In the case of the Model 23 XTR, even the Japanese were unable to make sufficient profit, and the gun was eventually discontinued.”
This gun is a solid example of a Model 23, in the Box and in 20 Gauge!