Compare the 21 to the 23

[bdshipp]

I don't know much about the Winchester 23. How close in design, manufacturing, and quality is the 23 to the 21?

[budrichard]

I am not a Model 23 collector but the two shotguns are essentially different sxs's with the same brand so the designs are different. Manufacturing would essentially be different also because one is based on a 1930's design and production era and one late 20th century Japanese manfacturing which is not a bad thing at all. Quality of the Japanese sxs doubles including the SKB, Winchester(Kodansha) and Browning(Miroku) is very good.
I have had and still have SKB and Browning sxs's and other than the Model 21 cachet, they are excellent doubles. One generally pays a little more for a M23 for the Winchester name.
Hopefully ol Cowboy will join in as he knows M23's very well!-Dick

[bdshipp]

Thank you. I appreciate the reply.

[MarkOue]

Hi BD,

I don't claim to be an expert but I own one of each, a M21 Duck and a M23 Heavy Duck. Both guns are 30", BTFE, PG, and single trigger.

While I like both guns they are different. The M21 is a has a high degree of hand fitting and finishing. Even after 50+ years and no telling how much use the M21 is still tight and stunning. The M23 is a CMC'd work of precision and beauty. With it's high solid rib and capability to digest steel shot the M23 it is a great fowler. While both are great guns I prefer the M21 better due to it's functional design, appearence, and quality of fitting. The M23 action is somewhat "boxey" while the M21 is smooth and sleek.

The M23 action's design is of course newer than the M21. Is it better? Carbon will build up inside the M23 action and cause hard primers such a Remingtons to not fire in one or both chambers. Not such a good design. For repair I'd send the M23 to a "good" smith experianced with boxlocks. If the M21 ever needed repair the job would be harder and more expensive. I'd only send it to someone who specializes in M21's.

While I might buy a M23 Light Duck in 20 ga, I have no interest in any other. There are however very few M21's that don't catch my eye! The bottom line is if both my M21 and M23 were in equal condition the M21 would be worth twice what the M23 is. There is a reason for that.

I hope this helps,
Mark

[bdshipp]

Thank you it certainly does.

Bill