AYA-Aguirre & Aranzabal 28 Ga 27″ 2 3/4″ Chamber Side By Side Shotgun 1977
SOLD FOR: $2,180.91
LSB#: LSB250629DS001
Make: Aguirre & Aranzabal (AYA)
Model: XXV/BL
Serial Number: 505945
Year of Manufacture: 1977 (V1 date code on barrel flats)
Gauge: 28 gauge 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Break-Open Boxlock Side by Side Shotgun with Extractors, Double Triggers.
Markings: The water table is marked, “505945” with various Eibar proofs. The forend is marked, “505945”. The top of the left barrel is marked, “IGI DOMINO CORP. NEW YORK, N.Y.” The barrel rib is marked “AYA-AGUIRRE & ARANZABAL – MADE IN SPAIN”. The barrel flats are marked, “505945 / V1” with various Spanish proof marks throughout.
Barrel Length: 27”
Choke: Fixed. Right: Cylinder. Left: Improved Cylinder.
Sights / Optics: There is a white bead at the front of the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut with a splinter forend, straight grip, straight comb, and checkered butt designed with no pad or plate. There are very few pressure dents and hairline scratches througho ut. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.5″ from the front trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition. There is a neutral cast. The drop at comb is 1 ½ ”. The drop at heel is 2 1/8”. It weighs 5 lbs, 3 oz.
Type of Finish: Blued (barrels) Case colored (receiver)
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. In this writer’s opinion the bores rates at a 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal refinish. There is some finish loss on the muzzles and the shoulder of the receiver There are just a few light scratches throughout. There is a hint of fading at mid-barrel. The screw heads are sharp and timed. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly including extractors. The barrels lock up to the frame with no play. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This shotgun comes to us from Eibar, the gunmaking region in Spain. The Basque region, where Eibar is located, has a gunmaking tradition dating back centuries. Spanish shotguns are renowned for their craftsmanship, reliability, and balance.
AYA-Aguirre & Aranzabal is a fine gunmaker there, and made this shotgun in 1977. In the barrel flat and water table areas, it has many proof marks attesting to its heritage. It has an “V1”, indicating its 1977 vintage. Their motto:
Matching class, style, and comfort.
Though intended for a field gun, it has beautiful engraving. It has been taken good care of, and the working parts are sound. Chambered in 28 gauge and weighing in at a pleasant-to-carry 5lb, 3oz, this would be a very stylish European gun for grouse or chukar over a good pointer. -C.B.
