Where can I find parts for this gun? Made in Japan. Probably early 1990's.
12 ga. Double
Thanks
12 ga. Double
Thanks
Winchester model 23 classic
- Thread starter clauded56
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Rpg
Member
Have you checked with Winchester for parts or recommended gunsmiths?
OP
The model 23 classic made in Japan, is a different gun then the older model 23. I have contacted several vendors and haven't done any good. Some of the vendors are not aware of the difference between the two models 23's. I think I'm going to have to have one made. It is a metric thread.
The Mod 23 was always made at the Olin Kodensha (sp?) factory in Japan from what I've seen. The gun wasn't changed as far as small parts AFAIK, some are gauge specific of course.
The last of the Winchester Classic Doubles as they were called to be imported by Olin was in 86 or 87. That's when they decided to drop that line.
A gun made in the 90's may well be one that was mfg by a company that bought that Japanese factory (Kodesha (sp?) after Olin dropped out of the Japanese gun mfg & import biz.
The new company was named 'Classic Doubles International'.
They made the same guns on the same machinery, same work force, ect.
Lasted about 2 or 3 yrs before bankrupcy.
They also made the Winchester 101 previously made at the Kodesha plant. as a Classic Doubles International version.
Perhaps they changed some fixture and thread attachment specs for mfg purposes and if you have one of this era mfg guns, this is what you are running up against.
I don't know what the markings are on these 'Classic Doubles International' guns are but probably shouldn't have any Winchester markings on them. (Unless a few made with left over parts made it out with them, they'll try anything).
The Winchester/Olin era Model 23 was from 1978 to 1987/88.
They are marked 'Made in Japan on the right side of the right bbl sometimes hidden by the forend wood.
The left side of the left bbl has Winchester marking and an East Alton, Il address.
Standard Winchester proof marks on the bbl and action flats.
The first couple of years the guns were the Model 23 XTR
After 84 they started calling the entire line the Winchester Classic Doubles but the guns were still individually Model 23's with different attachments like Golden Quail, Light Duck, LiteWeight, ect.
Hope you get 'her fixed up and back running again. They are very nice shotguns and handle great.
**
FWIW,,when Classic Doubles International went belly up,,the owner decided to take one last plunge and tried again to resurrect the Winchester Model 23 and 101.
He started yet another company this time in the USA named Connecticut Valley Classics.
Frames and forend irons were stainless on these versions and all screws were US spec threads. Again, guns were a copy of the Model 23 and the Model 101.
This venture failed by the late 90's sometime.
The last of the Winchester Classic Doubles as they were called to be imported by Olin was in 86 or 87. That's when they decided to drop that line.
A gun made in the 90's may well be one that was mfg by a company that bought that Japanese factory (Kodesha (sp?) after Olin dropped out of the Japanese gun mfg & import biz.
The new company was named 'Classic Doubles International'.
They made the same guns on the same machinery, same work force, ect.
Lasted about 2 or 3 yrs before bankrupcy.
They also made the Winchester 101 previously made at the Kodesha plant. as a Classic Doubles International version.
Perhaps they changed some fixture and thread attachment specs for mfg purposes and if you have one of this era mfg guns, this is what you are running up against.
I don't know what the markings are on these 'Classic Doubles International' guns are but probably shouldn't have any Winchester markings on them. (Unless a few made with left over parts made it out with them, they'll try anything).
The Winchester/Olin era Model 23 was from 1978 to 1987/88.
They are marked 'Made in Japan on the right side of the right bbl sometimes hidden by the forend wood.
The left side of the left bbl has Winchester marking and an East Alton, Il address.
Standard Winchester proof marks on the bbl and action flats.
The first couple of years the guns were the Model 23 XTR
After 84 they started calling the entire line the Winchester Classic Doubles but the guns were still individually Model 23's with different attachments like Golden Quail, Light Duck, LiteWeight, ect.
Hope you get 'her fixed up and back running again. They are very nice shotguns and handle great.
**
FWIW,,when Classic Doubles International went belly up,,the owner decided to take one last plunge and tried again to resurrect the Winchester Model 23 and 101.
He started yet another company this time in the USA named Connecticut Valley Classics.
Frames and forend irons were stainless on these versions and all screws were US spec threads. Again, guns were a copy of the Model 23 and the Model 101.
This venture failed by the late 90's sometime.
OP
Thanks for the info.
My gun is stamped right barrel "Made in Japan", with the Winchester stamp with address on the left.
Maybe I assumed wrong that the gun was a mid 90's build because that's when got it. Believe it or not, I won the gun on a two dollar raffle ticket at
NILO Farms. A Winchester facility near East Alton IL.
I went back to Midwest gun parts and took a second look at available screws. Four of them look very close and are for the forearm.
I rolled the dice and ordered all four.
I'll let you know....
My gun is stamped right barrel "Made in Japan", with the Winchester stamp with address on the left.
Maybe I assumed wrong that the gun was a mid 90's build because that's when got it. Believe it or not, I won the gun on a two dollar raffle ticket at
NILO Farms. A Winchester facility near East Alton IL.
I went back to Midwest gun parts and took a second look at available screws. Four of them look very close and are for the forearm.
I rolled the dice and ordered all four.
I'll let you know....
OP
Better lucky than good...
Two of the screws from MIDWAY were correct. With no schematic or dimensions it was a gamble. They also sent a forearm catch plate instead of a screw, for the same money.
My gun is good to go.
If anybody needs these other parts they are for sale CHEAP.
THanks again for the help.
The catch plate is not engraved like my CLASSIC 23.
Two of the screws from MIDWAY were correct. With no schematic or dimensions it was a gamble. They also sent a forearm catch plate instead of a screw, for the same money.
My gun is good to go.
If anybody needs these other parts they are for sale CHEAP.
THanks again for the help.
The catch plate is not engraved like my CLASSIC 23.
DWalt
Member
I'll also second MGW. I have bought parts from them I couldn't find anywhere else. They also offer a variety of gunsmithing services, but I have not used them for that.
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