Aguirre y Aranzabal AyA Model No. 53 12 GA 28″ F/M Engraved Shotgun C&R
SOLD FOR: $2550
LSB#: 221208BG026
Make: Aguirre y Aranzabal (AyA)
Model: Number 53
Serial Number: 162936
Year of Manufacture: 1963 (I*1 Date Code)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells
Action Type: Double Barrel Sidelock Shotgun with Cocking Indicators, Single Selective Mechanical Trigger & Ejectors
Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “FCH AGUIRREY ARANZABAL EIBAR ESPANA” and the top of the left barrel is marked “CANONES DEMI – BLOC ESPECIAL – BELLOTA”. The bottom of each barrel is marked with proofs and “AYA” in oval. The bottom of the monoblock is marked with proofs and the left flat is marked with the AYA logo, “12-70” in oval, the serial number, and date code. The forend iron is marked “NO. 162936” and the wood is stamped “162936”. The bottom tang is marked with the serial number. The right flat of the watertable is marked with proofs, AYA logo, “12-70” in oval, and with the serial number. The receiver, sideplates, trigger guard, lever, safety, and forend iron are engraved with a floral motif. The bottom of the receiver is marked with a banner that reads “AGUIRRE Y ARANZABAL”.
Barrel Length: 28″ Vent Rib
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Modified. Both Fixed.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a metal bead at the front of the rib. There is a smaller white plastic bead at the midsection. The rib is textured for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and a checkered bare butt. Each side has a tiny hairline crack at the rear of the lockplate. There are some scattered little compressions, most noticeable on the right side and on the belly. There are some little spots of worn and discolored finish on the comb, likely from oil. There are some scattered light handling marks. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures approximately 14? from the front of the trigger to the back of the wood. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8?, drop at heel 2 1/8?. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Coin and Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion but there is some stubborn fouling, mostly at the muzzles. In my opinion, these bores rate 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning lightly at most edges on the barrel set. There is some finish loss on the barrel set from contact with the forend. There are a few little nicks and marks scattered over the barrel set. There are some light handling marks on the receiver. There is operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly used with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The safety returns to safe when the action is opened. The barrels lock up to the receiver with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a luggage case. Note, the case is falling apart and is not in good condition.
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. The No. 53 is one of their flagship models and has been around since the 1950s with both Jack O’Connor and Col. Charles Askins writing glowingly about the Model No 53, which O’Connor described as one of the best values to be had in a side-by-side shotgun anywhere. The model features a hammerless removable sidelock design with gold line cocking indicators, a single selective trigger, auto-safety, ventilated rib, and engraving. Choked Full and Modified with a pistol grip stock and coming in at 7 lb 6 oz pounds, this configuration will make for a versatile gun for hunting and will turn some heads on the range, too. 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!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
