doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com AyA

Hey guys, I lurk much much more than I post but I need your expertise.

I have an opportunity to buy this AyA for $300 but the seller knows little to nothing about it. 2.75" chambers, 26" barrel, C/IC and the serial # puts it as a late 70's manu date.

That said here are some sample pictures. Based on what you see is $300 a rip off, fair price, good price, or a steal?

Reasonable price. Your AyA is an example of the boxlock guns they made primarily for the European market, where cheek pieces and sling swivels are the norm. It's quality is about the same as the Matador that was made for USA market. Considerable less quality than the 4/53 boxlock. It will make a good knock about gun.

Bv

Yep, similar to a Matador but with pistol grip and cheek piece, for $300 (GBP 187) as long as it is on face and the barrels are good how can you go wrong ?? A Remington 870 pump here cost $1000 ! best

Sounds good to me. If it has the 900kgs proof marking; which most had, it is o.k. for the 2 3/4" mini magnum loads. Make a good duck gun. Lagopus.....

Additionally to my comments above, I understand that in America the AyA model you have is selected by some home gunmakers to build low pressure double rifles due to the action having both Greener cross bolt and disc strikers.

Bv

I would not shoot the mini-mag 2 3/4", but rather 3 1/4 dram eq. 1 1/4 oz. They usually have a velocity of 1250 which is plenty IMO.

The gun looks more like the Aya sold by Sears model 433. The Matador has a more open grip with ejectors and engraving.

Hi all, this is one has a Greener Crossbolt which Matadors do not have. The surest way to find out the model is e-mail AyA. They are really good about getting back to you within a couple days. All you need is to provide the SN. Here's a link:

http://www.aya-fineguns.com/contacto_en.php

According to the "Stars" on the bbl's the gun was choked IC/IM, so it looks like the chokes have been opened,

Also, there is a date code on the bbl flats that will tell you what year the gun was made:

http://personales.jet.es/rafa/b_punzones_eibar_fecha.html

$300 is a fair price IMO.

Good Luck!!!

Greg

If I remember correctly, Matadors don't have side clips either. And this one has two triggers, a much better option than the AyA single trigger which sometimes fires two barrels. At the same time.

I'd pay $300 for this gun in a flash.

Agree with much of the above, it appears to be in good shape and a very decent buy at this price. These guns were built stout, they will last and last if you give it decent care. Maybe not as slim and trim as upper grade guns, but can take heavy use. I would NOT buy one of the lower grade Spanish guns of most any make with a single trigger, they did give trouble. BUT, that being understood, the single triggers on upper end Spanish guns are generally quite good. AyA models #1, 53, 56, and a couple others have very nice single triggers available, but not so with the lower "utility" grade guns. Other Spanish makers seem to be similar, their lower grade single triggers give problems, the upper grade guns have reliable single triggers available. I have at least three that I can quickly think of. As in most everything else, you generally get what you pay for in Spanish guns.

My first model of the Matador made in 1965 and seen a lot of use has never had a malfunction, but as in a lot of things, the exceptions seem to get the headlines. I have an Aramberri ST; never a problem even with 3 3/4 dram loads.

As far as that goes, even B guns have had SST problems.

That gun has the same beefy cocking levers as my Sarriugarte. Looks like it is well made. I would buy it in a heartbeat.

From here that seems like kinda nice wood on a $300 gun,especially the right side,it might clean up pretty nice,Seems a good buy
good luck
franc

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the feedback, I'm going to pursue a purchase. I too thought the wood was nice, but was a little concerned it was a "Sears" AyA. Realistically this will be a duck gun and it doesn't matter if its a Sears or not.

Thanks again.
Hank

Well a "Sears AYA" might look something like this

One of the "Sears AyA" guns (and I think it was the Model 100) is almost legendary among Spanish gun enthusiasts. Apparently produced only in a small number and sold for only a year or two, it has been likened to the 21 in quality.

Later versions are not as good, so I'm told. There are several Spanish gun forums where this is discussed in detail.

These guns are real sleepers since most people think J.C.Higgins guns to be low-grade.

I'd have to agree about the Model 100. They are great guns and an excellent value. I'd love to have one in 20ga.

Adam

An AYA for $300 is a slam dunk great deal. Great deal at a more then fair price. Great find.