Armas Garbi Model 103(A) 12 GA 26″ 28″ 2 BBL Set 103A Side by Side Shotgun

SOLD FOR: $3740

LSB#: 221208BG017

Make: Armas Garbi, Imported by W.L. Moore

Model: 103 (A) Two Barrel Set

Serial Number: 13602

Year of Manufacture: 1979 (Y*1 Date Code)

Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells

Action Type: Side by Side, Side-Lock, Single Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors and Cocking Indicators

Markings: Barrel No. 1: The top of the rib is marked “W. L. MOORE, WESTLAKE VIG – CA   ARMAS “GARBI” EIBAR – SPAIN – M 103 “A”? and is also marked “1” in gold at the breech. The underside of the right barrel is marked with four stars and proofs, the underside of the left barrel is marked with three stars and proofs. Each barrel flat is marked “12-70” in oval with proofs while the right flat is marked with the date code and the left flat is marked with the serial number.

Barrel No. 2: The top of the rib is marked “W. L. MOORE, WESTLAKE VIG – CA   ARMAS “GARBI” EIBAR – SPAIN – M 103 “A”? and is also marked “2” in gold at the breech. The underside of the right barrel is marked with three stars and proofs, the underside of the left barrel is marked with one star and proofs. Each barrel flat is marked “12-70” in oval with proofs while the right flat is marked with the date code and the left flat is marked with the serial number.

The recevier has scroll and floral engraving coverage which is continued onto the trigger guard forend iron, safety, and lever. The watertable is marked with the serial number, proofs, date code, and twice with “12-70” in oval. The left flat of the water table is marked with the “ARMAS / GARBI / EIBAR” crest. The bottom of the receiver is marked “ARMAS GARBI / EIBAR”. The forend is stamped “13602”

Barrel Length: Barrel No. 1 measures 26? and barrel No. 2 measures 28?.

Choke: Barrel No. 1 measures Left: Modified, Right: Cylinder. Barrel No. 2 measures Left: Full, Right: Modified

Sights / Optics: Both barrels are mounted a metal bead sight at the muzzle.

Weight: With barrel No. 1 installed the shotgun weighs 6 lb. 11 oz. with barrel No. 2 Installed the shotgun weighs 6 lb. 14 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with beavertail forend with an Anson release, straight wrist, straight comb and checkered bare butt. There are a couple tiny hairline cracks on the right side behind the lockplate with larger cracks and repairs on the left side behind the plate. There are some scattered compressions and draglines. There is a little tiny mark on the top of the wrist at the tang. There are some scattered compressions and light marks, the most noticeable are on the belly. The checkering is mostly strong. The LOP measures 14? from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the butt. The drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2?, drop at heel 2 1/8?. The drop is consistent with both sets. There is some light wear on the but. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: All of the bores are bright with no erosion. There are some areas of erosion. In my opinion, these bores rate 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is some light finish wear on the bottom edges of the frame. Barrel No. 1 has some light little nicks through the finish, the most noticeable are on the right chamber and on the bottom of each barrel in front of the forend. There are a few light scuffs, most noticeable on the bottom of the right barrel at the forend and on the edges of the muzzles. Barrel No. 2 has a few little nicks and spots of light surface oxidation on the left barrel at the muzzle. There are some light scrapes on the left edge of the breech. There are a few scattered little marks through the finish. The action has minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun has a single non-selective trigger and ejectors. The safety engages automatically. The action closes tightly with no movement. 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 the second barrel that has been described, a green felt lined Americase, and extra springs and firing pins.

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, Garbi makes some of the best. Armas Garbi guns are manufactured in Eibar, in the Basque gun making region in the north of Spain. Garbi is a Basque word, which means, “clean” and is an acronym formed from the initials of the names of the firm’s founders. “G” is for Guerrena Barrena, in charge of scale adjustments. “A” is for Alday, head of the engravers. “R” is for R. Churruca, who is in charge of assembly and final finish. “B” is for Barrenechea, the general manager of the company. “I” is for Irondo, an expert in adjustments and finishing of stocks. Clean is certainly a fitting word as this side by side is a perfect combination of beauty and simplicity that come together for a superb looking gun. This model 103 (A) is a sterling example of their craftsmanship with handsome engraving, rich blued barrels, and some rather impressive wood-work paired with a Holland-pattern receiver. With two barrels, 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 and will take a prized place in any hunter’s collection….I want it! Please see our photos and good luck!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red