Parker Repro v. Winchester Model 23

[Tom Jay]

Looking for a 28 gauge SXS for grouse/woodcock and wonder what gun would be the better purchase, Parker Repro or Winchester Model 23? They are similarly priced, both made in Japan, available in same configurations and have like stock dimensions. I own one of each now, PR 20 ga. and Win M23 12 gauge and I like'em both. Would love to hear your opinions. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

This is not a PR specific topic but if moderator wants to dump this thread in the PR category that's fine.

[Dean Romig]

That's a hard one for sure!

The 23's are great guns and the Golden Quail is so nicely finished... but me being a Parker guy, I know what I would choose - as long as I could choose the configuration and wood grade, I'd choose the Parker Repro.





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[Mills Morrison]

I would choose the Parker Repro, but that is just me.

[Stephen Hodges]

All things being equal, I would go Parker, if not for the re-sale value only.

[Kirk Potter]

IMO most 23's don't have wood that's anything near the repros.. Also, not 100% sure but weren't all 23's beavertail?

[Dave Noreen]

I was thinking of getting a Parker Reproduction 28-gauge, but then I handled the Model 23 Classic in 28-gauge at the April 1986 NRA Convention in New Orleans, and ended up getting those in 28-gauge and .410-bore.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/Ansleyone/Winchester/1986Cataloguepage4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/Ansleyone/Winchester/1986Cataloguepage5.jpg

I will say the Model 23's single trigger isn't as crisp as I would like. Doesn't bother me if they are the first gun I shoot in a day, but if I've been shooting something with a nice crisp trigger and then go to one of my Model 23s it is noticeable. Nothing one would ever notice shooting at game.

[Greg Baehman]

We know that a 28-ga. Repro will weigh about 5 1/2 lbs. What will a 28-ga. Winchester Model 23 weigh?

[Bobby Cash]

The Model 23's are very, very heavy.
I had both the classic and the Golden Quail in 28 and .410.
If I remember correctly, they were well over 6, closer to 7 pounds.
I now have neither. Go Repro.

[Rich Anderson]

Between the two I'd take the Parker. If considering other makers I'd look at some of the Spanish guns such as AYA, Grulla and Arietta.

[Bill Murphy]

When the Classic Model 23 was on the market, I found one in a Baltimore gun store, a Winchester and Repro distributor. He had a .410 Classic that had had it's chokes relieved. I asked a shooting buddy whether he would be interested in such a gun. He said he would like it because he would prefer the more open chokes. I made an offer for $700 and it was accepted. My friend still has it and I would sure like to get it away from him. Good grief, they are almost five grand now.

[Michael Moffa]

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

[Paul Ehlers]

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.

[Dave Noreen]

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.

[Kenny Graft]

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

[Tom Jay]

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.

[Rich Anderson]

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.

[Michael 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.

[CraigThompson]

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 .

[Tom Jay]

Finally, I pulled the trigger (literally), on Saturday picked up a lightly used Parker Repro 2
barrel set in a private sale. Straight grip, splinter, single triggger, 26" IC/M and 28" M/F, manual, case, key and all original papers. Weighs in at about 5.5 lbs on digital scale. Nice wood, nothing spectacular. I've been watching prices on GB and GI and found similar sets for $6.2k-$9k and this gun was bought for less than the least price set. While I've hunted grouse with a variety of guns and gauges I can now say I have a true Grouse Gun. Mission accomplished.

[Ken Hill]

Tom,

Congrats! How about a picture?

Ken

[Bill Murphy]

Tom, thanks for showing me your new Repro Sunday. I also enjoyed discussing Purdey shotguns with you at lunch.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Approx. 1984, I boubht a Model 23 20 ga Pigeon XTR lightweight. It had a semi-beavertail and single trigger. Shortly after, I bought a VH 1 frame 16, and a Sterlingworth Deluxe 16--I still have both of those guns but sold the Winchester. Details are sketchy now but as I recall, Ernie Hausmann and Steve Cobb had stopped over at our cabin, along with another gent who was an attorney for the NRA.He was on his way out west to hunt with Wayne LaPierre and he made me an offer on the gun for just over what I had paid for it, and with few regrets I let it go.
Bottom line, I'd go with the Parker Repro

[Daniel G Rainey]

Have never had a Parker repro, but had Model 23 in a 20 ga. and had a lot of problems with it.

[Tom Jay]

Will be away for a few weeks and will post pictures when I get back

[Scott Chapman]

I have a 20 gauge Winchester Model 23 Pigeon Grade XTR 26" IC/M with straight grip that I received as a high school graduation present from my father in 1984.
It fits me very well and I shoot it pretty straight.

The problem is that I am constantly having the barrel selector switch getting "stuck" unintentionally when I mount the gun and switch the safety forward. Is there anything that can be done to inactivate the barrel selector? It is aggravating as heck when a covey comes up and it is locked up.

BTW I don't have this problem with the 16 gauge Trojan my grandfather passed down to me! But the Trojan has become my son's favorite so what can I do!

Maybe buy another Parker...:)

[Henry McRoberts]

Another option but only in 12 or 20 ga. are the Classic Doubles made in the same Olin K factory as the 23's. Very few are around, but the Model 201 in 20 ga. is a nice gun. I had two from Jaques that I bought in the late 80's when he was liquidating the remaining stock after Classic Doubles went out of business. That Olin K factory is long gone, but a few of the 201's show up from time to time. I still have the 20 but sold the 12 years ago.

[Shawn Wayment]

Finally, I pulled the trigger (literally), on Saturday picked up a lightly used Parker Repro 2
barrel set in a private sale. Straight grip, splinter, single triggger, 26" IC/M and 28" M/F, manual, case, key and all original papers. Weighs in at about 5.5 lbs on digital scale. Nice wood, nothing spectacular. I've been watching prices on GB and GI and found similar sets for $6.2k-$9k and this gun was bought for less than the least price set. While I've hunted grouse with a variety of guns and gauges I can now say I have a true Grouse Gun. Mission accomplished.

Congrats!

Make sure to take some photos this fall