Parker Repro v. Winchester Model 23

[Spin Drift]

I have a RBL 28 English, BTFE and 28" barrels. Swings like a dream and has interchangeable choke set. Just another choice.

[GH-16]

I believe the Parker repro's & the model 23's were made in the same plant in Japan in about the same era.

I've owned both and shot both. The repro is still in the safe. The 23 went down the road a long time ago.

[Researcher]

I find I can shoot the 6 1/4 pound Model 23 Classic .410-bore and 28-gauge a lot better then I can the 5 to 5 3/4 pound vintage .410-bore and 28-gauge guns I own. Back when my Model 23 Classic 28-gauge was young I shot a hundred straight at skeet with it at the old Potomac River Gun Club. Only 28-gauge 100 straight I've ever shot and the gun is choked improved cylinder and modified. My fraction of an ounce over five pound RBL-410 has much better dynamics then any of my vintage .410-bores and I shoot it pretty well. Of course if I really want to consistently break birds with a .410-bore or 28-gauge my seven pound 28-inch barrel Superposed New Model Skeets get the job done.

[tom tutwiler]

There's a 410 Classic 23 on GB right now. I think the seller says 6 lb 4 oz is the weight. Parkers's are lighter for sure. PS. My hunting buddy shoots a 20 gauge 23 Pigeon all the time. That things a pig although he shoots it well. Got to be close to 7 lbs.

[SXS OHIO]

If you are still looking...In the member for sale thread is a dandy of a Parker repro with all the right stuff...(-: Gerry is a great guy to deal with as well! SXS Ohio

[Wilmurt]

Parker Repro 28 it is. The lighter weight is a plus. Now have to decide if I spring the extra bucks for the 2 barrel set.

[WmRike]

Definitely the Parker. I have both. There is no doubt the 23s are well fit and finished, but they don't have the aesthetics of the Parker - more akin to a Browning in my mind. The Parker fits me better, is a tad lighter, and comes in a wider range of configurations. The wood on the 23s is of a more consistent figure, but if you aren't in a hurry you can find a Parker with wood that really pops.

[C.O.B.]

For me a two barrel set doesn't merit the extra cost. I have two such sets and the second set of barrels hardly ever get used. The Hollywood Gun has 28 inch vent rib barrels skt/skt and M/F. The M/F ones have never been on the gun. It seems like a good idea the second set but it just doesn't work out that way....at least for me.

[Mike Murphy]

I happen to have Reproductions, a Model 23 and RBL's in 28 ga. I don't find that I shoot any one better than another. Esthetics would lead me to the Reproduction. However, the larger issue is what you may be using for. The Model 23 and the RBL would be better for clays as they have a more forward balance point. But for birds, the lightness of the Reproduction gets the nod.

[6pt-Sika]

When Jim Tyrell was still running the Fairfax R&GC he came to a skeet shoot at Piedmont with new repro and 23 Classic both in 28 . The 23 was about a grand less at the time both were NIB . I ended up with the 23 . Liked it well enough .