Aya Aguirre Aranzabal Side Lock 12 GA Side by Side Double Shotgun, MFD 1983
SOLD FOR: $2525
LSB#: 210624CA01
Make: AYA (Aguirre y Aranzabal) for American Arms, Inc.
Model: Side-Lock
Serial Number: 570363
Year of Manufacture: 1983
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever Break Action Side-Lock Side by Side Double Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The barrel rib is marked “AYA–AGUIRRE & ARANZABAL – MADE IN SPAIN”. The top of the right barrel is marked “AMERICAN ARMS, INC. / N.K.C.—MO”. The underside barrel flats and barrel lug feature various factory stampings and proof marks as well as the AYA logo, an “C2” Spanish date code, indicating the year of manufacture as 1983, and the serial number “570363”. The interior of the forend iron and wood are marked with the serial number, “570363”. The lower tang is also marked with the serial number, “57063”. The water table is marked with various proof marks and factory stampings as well as the AYA logo and the serial number, “570363”. Areas of the barrel, barrel rib, receiver, and trigger assembly feature fine scroll engraving. Both Holland & Holland-style side panels are marked “AYA AGUIRRE & ARANZABAL”.
Barrel Length: 28” with Smooth Barrel Rib
Choke: Left: Full, Fixed. Right: Modified, Fixed.
Sights/Optics: There is a brass bead fixed to the front of the barrel rib. The top of the rib is textured to reduce glare.
Weight: 6lb, 13.9oz
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece wood with checkered pistol grip and splinter forend, straight comb, and a checkered bare butt. The buttstock has a few light drag lines on either side. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is 1 3/8”, the drop at heel is 2 1/8”. The cast is slightly off. The LOP measures 14 1/2” and 13 3/4” from the front of the triggers to the back of the wood. The butt is free of any notable wear or damage and the checkering is sharp. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrel and Trigger Assembly with Case Color Receiver and Forend Iron
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright and there is no erosion. There is some stubborn fouling in both barrels near the chambers.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. There is minor thinning on the muzzles of both barrels and scattered minor nicks most notable on the left side of the left barrel. There is some light wear on the underside of the barrels from removal of the forend. The case color is still strong. The trigger guard appears to have two types of bluing. Screws show minor tool marks with strong slots, and all markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight with no play. Each side panel has a cocking-indicator. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Eibar region of Spain has long been a center of arms manufacture in the region. While there has long been a large range in quality, since the 1950s Aguirre y Aranzabal has been recognized as the best of the “Best” in Spanish shotguns, rivaling even the British “Best” gun makers such as Holland & Holland and Westley Richards. This Side-Lock model is a sterling example of their craftsmanship with handsome engraving, rich blued barrels, and some rather impressive wood-work—the bare butt is especially impressive when you consider how well the plugs are hidden. Choked Full and Modified with a straight stock and coming in at just under 7 pounds, this configuration will make for a quick-handling and versatile gun for hunting and will turn some heads on the range, too. The gun shows signs of light use, but still has great bores and strong mechanics. This is a beautiful shotgun made by one of the finest gunmakers in the world and will take a prized place in any hunter’s collection. Please see our photos and good luck!