Here’s a Spanish shotgun that impresses me. It’s a 12g AYA No. 1 from the early ’60s, and it looks like it’s in super clean, original condition.
English is design, Spanish/Basque in style and construction, this gun is built on a Holland & Holland Royal style action. It features 7-pin locks, Southgate-style ejectors, and chopper lump bbls. The AYA No. 1 also features hand-detachable locks, hand-engraving, AyA’s top-quality wood, and a bit more filing up and finishing throughout.
The Spanish gunmaker AYA has been around since 1945. According to their website, the No.1 has “… been the flagship of the AYA shotguns line since its introduction in the late 1950s.” At one point, this model was part of what the company called “The English range by A.Y.A”, which were guns the company targeted at the British market. AyA still builds the No.1 grade sidelock shotgun. I think the starting price for a new one is around $21,000.
Uniqueness is something I like to see in a gun. That’s why I like this AYA. The first thing about it that caught my eye was its color-case hardening. Its tones and shade are unlike the color-case hardening you so on most British, American, and Euro shotguns. I also like how AYA’s filed up this gun. The action has a look that sets it apart. So does the engraving. Makers all over the world have built H&H-style sidelock shotguns. It’s good to see a gun that makes that style its own and stands out.
AYA/AGUIRRE y ARANZABAL NO.1 TRADITIONAL ACTION 12/28″ BARRELS: Specifications Maker: AYA/AGUIRRE y ARANZABAL Model: NO.1 TRADITIONAL ACTION Gauge/Caliber: 12 GA Barrel Length: 28″ CHOPPER LUMP Chambers: 2 3/4″ Rib Design: CONCAVE Weight: 6lbs 8ozs Bore/Chokes Right/Bottom: .730/.014/LT. MOD OR SKT 2 Left/Top: .731/.025/IMP. MODIFIED Stock Dimensions Drop At Comb: 1 1/2″ Drop At Face: 1 7/8″ 4 1/2″ Drop At Heel: 2 3/8″ Cast At Face: 1/8″ OFF 4 1/2″ Cast At Heel: 1/8″ OFF Length Of Pull: 14 5/8″ Pitch: 2″/4 DEGREES Special Features: HAND DETACHABLE VIBRANT CASE COLORED, 7 PIN SIDELOCK ACTION ENGRAVED IN FINE PURDY STYLE ROSE & SCROLL PATTERN DOUBLE ARTICULATED TRIGGERS AUTO SAFETY HIGHLY FIGURED STRAIGHT GRIP STOCK W/CHECKERED BUTT SPLINTER FOREARM MAKERS LEATHER COVERED VC STYLE CASE CONDITION: EXCELLENT + 2023 MSRP: $21,055 Circa: 1963/ SERIAL # 168473 Price: $12,500*
*The accuracy of this listing has not been verified by Dogs and Doubles. All information about this firearm has been provided by the sellers. Buyers are responsible for verifying the physical condition and all specifications of the listed item. Dogs and Doubles recommends you and a qualified gunsmith physically inspect an item before purchasing.
