Casa Uriguen Reno Acero Especial Bellota 20 GA SxS Double Shotgun, MFD 1971

SOLD FOR: $1175

LSB#: 210907BW83

Make: Casa Uriguen, Eibar

Model: Reno

Serial Number: 53571

Year of Manufacture: 1971 (“P1” Spanish Date Code)

Caliber: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Top Lever Break Action Holland & Holland Sidelock Side by Side Double Shotgun with Extractors

Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “CASA URIGUEN – EIBAR”. The top of the right barrel is marked “ACERO ESPECIAL “BELLOTA””. The underside of the right barrel is marked “15.5”, “15.8”, three stars, and “GA”. The underside of the right barrel is marked “15.5”, one star, and “15.8”. The barrel flat is marked with several proof stamps, measurements, the serial number, “53571”, and a Spanish “P1” date code, indicating the year of manufacture as 1971. The barrel lug is marked with a few proof/inspection stamps. The interior forend wood is marked with “JU” and the serial number, “53571”. The water table is marked with various measurements, “J.U.” and the serial number, “53571”. The release lever is marked “RENO” in gold inlay. Both side plates are marked “RENO / URIGUEN EIBAR” within a decorative ribbon. The trigger guard and tang are marked with what appear to be custom “DB” and “001”. The grip cap is marked “EL / RENO”. All metal features fine floriate engraving.

Barrel Length: 27 3/4” Checkered Ventilated Vent Rib

Choke: Left: Cylinder, Fixed. Right: Modified, Fixed.

Sights/Optics: There is a white bead fixed to the front of the barrel rib. The top of the rib is textured to reduce glare. The rib is drilled, tapped, and filled.

Weight: 6lb. 2oz.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered wood with beavertail forend, capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and textured bare butt. The buttstock has light-to-moderate nicks and compressions in clusters near to the butt and scattered minor nicks and compressions throughout. There is a small mended crack in the left side of the grip that runs between the side plate and the upper tang. The forend has scattered spots of light finish loss. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips. The LOP measures 13 1/2” and 14 1/2” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the pad, and 13” and 14” to the wood. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/8”, drop at heel 2 1/8”, and the cast is slightly off. The butt has moderate wear at the heel. Overall, the stocks rate in Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color, Gold Inlay, and Gold Plated Triggers

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: Both bores are bright and there is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The rib has light thinning along the edges. The upper forward edges of the water table have some minor thinning. The case color on the side lock and plates and water table is still quite strong. The barrel has scattered minor nicks and scuffs in places. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-to-Fine condition, and were it not for the wear on the stock, it would rate in Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is exceedingly tight with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, 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 quality is known to vary, when it’s on point, it’s on point. This Holland & Holland Style Side Lock model made by Casa Uriguen is a sterling example of Spanish craftsmanship, and by appearances was well-loved by its previous owner. There is wear present, primarily on the stock, but the metal finish is borderline exquisite. If there’s a knock against it, it appears the vent rib has been modified and raised, and some second hand engraving appears on the trigger guard and lower tang; this may rankle collector’s who prefer virginal examples. All that said, this is a gorgeous shotgun, sure to please the winning bidder! Good luck and happy bidding!