Arrieta y Cia Sidelock Hammerless Double Gun 28″ 20 GA SXS Shotgun, 1998

SOLD FOR: $2,352.00

WOA#: WY240415EH187

Make: Arrieta y Cia

Model: Sidelock Double Gun

Serial Number: 57-03-44-98

Year of Manufacture: 1998

Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Top Lever Break Side by Side (SxS) with Non-Selective Single Trigger (mechanical), Cocking Indicators, and Ejectors

Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “Fca. de Escopetas Arrieta – Elgoeibar Espana – Made in Spain”, the top of the left barrel has a Reed’s Sport Shop import mark. The barrel flats have a series of Spanish proof and inspection marks as well as the serial number. The water table also has Spanish proof/inspection marks, an Arrieta maker’s mark, and the serial number. The guard is marked “No. 44-98” and the top of the forend is stamped “44-98”. The receiver has scroll and border engraving with motif on the lever, guard and exposed portions of the forend iron.

Barrel Length: 28”

Choke: The right barrel is choked Improved Cylinder and the left barrel is choked Modified.

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the solid, tapered rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, straight grip, straight comb and checkered bare butt. A leather slip-on pad is included. The stocks have only a few minor marks, most notable is an imperfection in the checkering border at the bottom-rear of the forend. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt, 15″ with the pad installed. The drop at the comb is about 1 3/8” and the drop at the heel is about 2”. The stocks rate in Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The automatic safety is applied upon moving the top lever. The barrels lock up with no play to the frame. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: From Arrieta’s website, “Avelino Arrieta established himself as a gunsmith in Eibar in 1919. The Arrieta family lived and worked in the industrial town of Elgoibar, a short distance from Eibar on the Deba river. The workshop has included over the years a variable workforce producing mainly sidelock shotguns on the bench. With very little machinery, these tough craftsmen have modeled their guns on the English ideal: Holland-pattern sidelock, with assisted-opening mechanism and Purdey triple-bolting system. And both shotguns of all the calibers and gauges and express rifles have been completely manufactured in the basque region and exported and sold all over the world.”

The inspiration of British Best guns is on stunning display in this piece. Its case color receiver has beautiful scroll engraving, sidelocks with cocking indicators, ejectors and a single trigger. The gun balances and handles beautifully. It is truly a functional piece of art. It is in Excellent condition, appearing to have seen little, if any actual use. This gorgeous gun is ready for your next hunt or to add to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud