Winchester 23 Classic value

[Bird Dog]

Anyone have a blue book value of the Winchester Model 23 Classic in 20 gauge as well as 28 gauge? I’ve looked around on the internet and kind find much.

Also, for those of you who have handled the Connecticut RBL and the Winchester 23, how do these compare?

Thanks in advance and Happy New Year

[Researcher]

I liked the handling of the .410-bore and 28-gauge Model 23 Classics when I handled them at the NRA Convention the year they were introduced. By that fall I owned both. The handling of the 20-gauge on the larger frame seemed clunky to me, so I only have the two little ones.

My RBL-28 with 30-inch barrels, straight grip and slim forearm weighs 5 pounds 12.3 ounces. My Model 23 Classic 28-gauge with 26-inch barrels and a beavertail weighs 6 pounds 6.8 ounces.

Downside of the Model 23s is that rather spongy single trigger. If it is the first gun I shoot on a trip to the range its fine. If I shoot something with a nice crisp trigger then take out the Model 23 it is quite noticeable. Probably wouldn't notice at all out hunting. Only time I carried my Model 23 Classic 28-gauge hunting I fired one shot and killed one Kansas pheasant, but it is the only 28-gauge I ever shot a hundred straight at skeet with. Just in recreational shooting at the old Potomac River Gun Club.

[Bird Dog]

Are the 410, 28, and 20 gauge 23s all built on different size receivers?

Is the build quality of the 23 on par with the RBL?

[Matt Buckley]

I owned a 28 gauge RBL at one time and would say they are a nicer built gun than the 23’s. They generally have a lot nicer wood, they are built on the correct frame size and just have a nicer finished look.

[matt koepnick]

Having had all models of the Win 23, The Classic was my favorite. I would agree with the Classic in a 20 as being a lil clunky. The 28 was nice to carry and hunt with.
However, the RBL in 28 Gauge is a way better gun in my opinion. The first one I owned was my best shooting unit in small bore. Had I been wise enough to get it in a double trigger I would still have that particular gun. Currently own one in each gauge offered. Nicest wood, best mechanics, I'm a big fan of all the RBL's. Their DT's have nice crisp light workings.
Mattly

[Researcher]

Are the 410, 28, and 20 gauge 23s all built on different size receivers?

As I recall two frame sizes. The .410-bore & 28-gauge are on the small frame, and the 12- & 20-gauges are on the larger frame.

The 1986 Winchester Classic Doubles catalog introducing the Model 23 Classic --

1986 pg 4 Model 23 Classic.jpg

1986 pg 5 Model 23 Classic.jpg

[Larry the Gun Guy]

I have a Winchester 20 gauge Light Duck with 28" barrels if you're interested.
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[Bird Dog]

That’s a beautiful looking gun. Unfortunately I’m looking for a Model 23 Classic 28 gauge.

[Larry the Gun Guy]

They're not cheap when you do find one. And they're all 26" barrels.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/gu...n_id=103217494

Here's the Blue Book on them.
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MODEL 23 CLASSIC SERIES
Manufactured by WINCHESTER
Gauge: 12 ga., 20 ga., 28 ga., .410 bore

Barrel Length: 26 in.

12, 20, 28 ga., or .410 bore, 26 in. VR barrels, single trigger, deluxe hand-checkered walnut stock and beavertail forearm, solid recoil pad, brass nameplate, gold inlay on bottom of receiver, ebony inlay in forearm, 5 3/4-7 lbs. Imported 1986-1987 only.

100% values assume NIB for this model.
The 28 ga. on this model features a smaller frame and was the only 28 ga. small frame produced in the Model 23 Series.

Price & Value
Grading 100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60%
12 ga. $2,450 $2,145 $1,840 $1,665 $1,350 $1,105 $860
20 ga. $3,000 $2,625 $2,250 $2,040 $1,650 $1,350 $1,050
28 ga. (small frame) $4,995 $4,370 $3,745 $3,395 $2,745 $2,250 $1,750
.410 bore (small frame) $4,295 $3,760 $3,220 $2,920 $2,360 $1,935 $1,505

[Bird Dog]

Thank you! Not sure if I should be surprised Kevin’s is asking twice the blue book value….