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Forums10
Topics39,511
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 406 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 406 Likes: 1 |
I've owned a Winchester Model 23 for 20+ years, and been very pleased with. Zero problems, and shot many cases. Mine has the original choke tubes that protrude about 1/4". If I cared much, I would order flush tubes -- but haven't done so.
Jerry
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,573 Likes: 165
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,573 Likes: 165 |
Researcher, I think the Classic 28ga is about the only Model 23 variation that's appreciated in price anywhere close to the BSS Sidelock, especially in 20ga.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,205
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,205 |
I own three, a 12 ga. Pigeon Grade(standard), a 20 ga. Pigeon Grade European(splinter forearm with sling loops) and a 28 ga. Golden Quail(one hell of a quail gun).
They all handle great for me and I have never had a problem with them. Wish I had bought a .410 Classic(baby frame) when they were new and more affordable.
Ole Cowboy
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 154 Likes: 34
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 154 Likes: 34 |
I bought one new in 1985 for $895. The case was extra. My first SxS. I loved that gun. Fit me to a T, killed everything I pointed it at, and never gave me any trouble. The end came with the steel shot mandate about 5 years later. I didn't think I should shoot steel through it (fixed chokes, M/F), and it was a little heavy (8 lbs) for chasing quail and pheasants. The only flaw I ever found was that the triggerguard was made from a casting and cracked when I was amateurishly trying to remove it from the gun. NewLine Guns out of Missouri bought the parts and the rights after the Winchester-Kodensha deal fell thru, and they sent me a new one. I could not recommend a better shooter, if you don't mind the weight and aren't hung up on hand cut engraving and color case hardened receivers. Looks now like nice 23 12's are going for just north of $2K and 20's for $500 more. You won't lose money on one.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,619 Likes: 7
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,619 Likes: 7 |
I shot 4K crappy Argentine shells through my 20 Ga - not a misfire or failure of any kind.
Mine's a tale that can't be told, my freedom I hold dear.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 916 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 916 Likes: 1 |
There's another European market version that differs a bit from Don's. Mine's a 12 ga. marked Pigeon Grade, just under 6-3/4 lbs., 2-3/4" chambers, 28" barrels with fixed chokes and solid swamped rib. No sling hardware. Stock is straight grip with a long tang, 14-3/4" LOP with a checkered rosewood buttplate, 1/4" cast off and a higher comb that fits me better than typical U.S. market dimensions. Wood has an oil finish, the splinter forend has an ebony wedge tip. It's a well made gun, trouble free over the 15 or so seasons I've used it for pheasants.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,205
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,205 |
Charlie, your Model 23 must be a fancier finished Pigeon Grade than mine.
My 20 ga. Pigeon Grade European model has the standard round knob pistol grip, very plain, dark, straight grain walnut with a oil finish. The splinter forearm has the push button tip release. There is no ebony wedge tip. It has the standard Vent Rib. The barrels are 28", 3" chambers and the chokes are IC/IM. It is my favorite pheasant gun.
Ole Cowboy
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