Spanish Armas Garbi 16Ga 28” Side by Side Shotgun With Detachable Sidelock
SOLD FOR: $3,375.00
LSB#: LSB250627JA001
Make: Armas Garbi, Spain
Model: SXS Detachable Sidelock Hammerless Model 101
Serial Number: 27-03-059-98
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side, Hammerless Detachable Side-Lock, Top Break Shotgun with Dual Non-Selective Triggers & ejectors.
Markings: The water table in the frame is marked, “G.A. 27_03_059_98” with various Spanish proofs. The barrel flats are also marked “G.A. 27_03_059_98”. The forend is marked “059”. The barrels are marked, “ARMAS GARBI SPAIN” and “WILLIAM LARKIN MOORE & CO. WESTLAKE VILLAGE. CA. M 101”. The bottom of the barrels and flats have several proofs.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: Fixed. The right choke is Cylinder and the left choke is Improved Cylinder.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver colored bead at the front of the barrel rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut with a push button splinter forend, straight wrist, straight comb, and checkered rear of the stock. There are just a couple of small scratches and pressure dents. The checkering is worn in sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Drop at comb is 1 1/2”, drop at heel is 2”, There is no cast to the stock. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the rear trigger to the back of the stock and 13 1/2” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the stock; the rear face of the butt stock has checkering. The stocks rate an Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Chrome.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bores rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The chrome is bright. The screw heads and pins are undamaged. The markings are crisp. There are just a few nicks on the barrels and a hint of fading. The engraving is like-new. Overall, this shotgun rates an Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun features dual non-selective triggers and selective ejectors. 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: None.
Our Assessment:
What does a GARBI gun smell of before you pull the trigger for the first time? It is redolent of hundreds of hours of exclusive attention. – The Armas Garbi website
Armas Garbi is a prestigious Spanish gunmaker known for producing high-quality side-by-side shotguns in the Basque town of Eibar, an area famous for traditional firearms craftsmanship. This 16-gauge shotgun, manufactured in 1998, features a true sidelock design with elegant lines and refined mechanical construction. With its dual non-selective triggers, lifter system, and 28-inch barrels choked Cylinder and Improved Cylinder, this shotgun is well-suited for upland game, or traditional European-style driven hunts.
This example remains in Excellent overall condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original blued and chrome finish. The bores are bright with no erosion, rating a strong 10/10. The walnut stocks display almost no field wear.
The gun features a straight English-style grip with no cast and with a checkered butt for improved shoulder purchase. All numbered components match, and the shotgun retains its original Spanish proof marks and import stamp. It has timed screws.
If you’re a collector or shooter who appreciates fine European craftsmanship at a more approachable price point than English doubles, this Armas Garbi represents an outstanding value. Known for building shotguns comparable in quality to best-grade British guns, Garbi’s sidelocks are revered for their durability, fit, and balance. This 1998 example, with its classic lines and weighing in at 6lbs, 3oz, would be a very stylish pheasant or grouse gun for fair weather days (it is much too nice to bring into foul weather!) or a nice collector’s piece displaying side by side art. -C.B.
