AyA No 53 fit and finish

[Matabele]

Hello everyone,

I'm interested in trying to understand the level to which this model of gun from AyA was finished. Were they made to the same standard as a No2, a No1 or somewhere inbetween? I think the No 56 seems to be finished to a higher standard but there's not that much information around on the No 53.

Any 53 owners out there, I'd love to see some pics and hear your thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[rookhawk]

Hello everyone,

I'm interested in trying to understand the level to which this model of gun from AyA was finished. Were they made to the same standard as a No2, a No1 or somewhere inbetween? I think the No 56 seems to be finished to a higher standard but there's not that much information around on the No 53.

Any 53 owners out there, I'd love to see some pics and hear your thoughts.

Thanks!

There are infinite differences in AyA shotguns. Their quality and features changed somewhat randomly through many eras. I owned a Number 53 that was far more ornate than a Number 2, mine having been purchased directly at the factory by the original owner when on vacation in the 1960s. It was a stunner. The early-2000s era boxlocks were very nice with better wood than typical Spanish guns of the era.

On the other hand, I've seen some real turds over the years. The DIARM era when most of the Spanish guntrade was socialized into a commie, government run enterprise in the 1980s was the real low spot for all the gun makers of Spain, whether they were part of DIARM or stayed independent.

The worst thing you can do is buy a vintage Spanish gun with a single trigger. They are notoriously unreliable.

In conclusion, you have to judge each gun on its own, do not rely on it being a 53, 56, No1, or No2 because those terms are almost meaningless.

 

[Matabele]

Thanks very much for your reply, thats some great information! Can I ask if there is preffered era to be looking for, the 80's sound like a bad decade, but would you say the 90's up to current production generally speaking would be worth considering?

 

[rookhawk]

Thanks very much for your reply, thats some great information! Can I ask if there is preffered era to be looking for, the 80's sound like a bad decade, but would you say the 90's up to current production generally speaking would be worth considering?

90s and up were very good years in the Spanish trade.

 

[mdwest]

I’ve been doing a lot of research and reading on AyA since I recently picked up a No 3…

@rookhawk is spot on… they are all over the place…and can be very inconsistent even with the same models built during similar time frames…

As an example.. most #3’s were built with a straight “English” profile stock… but… they also built a lot of #3’s with pistol grip stocks…

Most #3’s do not have side clips… but… some were built with side clips…

Some #3’s have very ornate engraving that was done at the factory… most have very minimal engraving…

Etc etc…

 

[Matabele]

Thanks for the replies everyone, you've given me some things to think about...I'll be needing to inspect every one I'm interested in by the sounds of it!

 

[Altitude sickness]

Someone that buys collects and USES his vintage shotguns told me. That if a decades old gun has been used and not abused then it’s obviously not a lemon.

Beware of old safe queens. It may be something didn’t work well, the balance is off. For some reason, the gun wasn’t used. It needs a thorough going through and needs to be vetted and used to tell if it’s a lemon or not.

If the gun has been used, inferior steel and manufacturing would have shown up or been repaired.

I’ve also read a good quote in a book or magazine. That many buyers and shooters are not the best caretakers. using a lightweight upland 5-6 pound gun for pigeon shooting contests and then blaming the gun for not holding up isn’t fair.

As has been said. It’s best to buy the individual gun. Even “Best” makers have models when they were experimenting with new technology of the day and those examples are out there with failed gadgets that were omitted the next year of production. We don’t say that the “best” brand is bad. Just that particular model using inferior design or materials.

 

[Matabele]

Someone that buys collects and USES his vintage shotguns told me. That if a decades old gun has been used and not abused then it’s obviously not a lemon.

Beware of old safe queens. It may be something didn’t work well, the balance is off. For some reason, the gun wasn’t used. It needs a thorough going through and needs to be vetted and used to tell if it’s a lemon or not.

If the gun has been used, inferior steel and manufacturing would have shown up or been repaired.

I’ve also read a good quote in a book or magazine. That many buyers and shooters are not the best caretakers. using a lightweight upland 5-6 pound gun for pigeon shooting contests and then blaming the gun for not holding up isn’t fair.

As has been said. It’s best to buy the individual gun. Even “Best” makers have models when they were experimenting with new technology of the day and those examples are out there with failed gadgets that were omitted the next year of production. We don’t say that the “best” brand is bad. Just that particular model using inferior design or materials.

That's some sound advice!

 

[Mou435]

From what I've dug up on AyA's classic sidelocks, the No. 53 slots right between the No. 2 and No. 1 in finish quality think No. 2 level internals and engraving machine done, solid but not hand scrolled like the #1, bumped up with Grade 2 wood, side clips, and a concealed third bite for extra durability. It's the base workhorse model since the '50s, built tougher than the lighter game focused #2 but without the #1's premium figuring, polishing, and overall bench time that jacks the price.

The No. 56? Yeah, you're spot on it's a step above the 53 with a heavier pigeon frame, optional veining, and full #1 equivalent finish hand engraved, coin finish, fancier options, but on the same standard frame action. 53's a steal for field use 56's the competition beast. If you're hunting one, chase a '70s 53 for $2-3k used tanks that punch way above the weight.

 

[Altitude sickness]

My 1972 AYA number 2 is a lot of gun for the money.

A very functional, handsome SxS for the cost of a destroyed English SxS that is either junk or dangerous.

It swings more like an American SxS. not the between the hands feel of a British best. But it’s definitely worth the price they sell for.

 

[Matabele]

From what I've dug up on AyA's classic sidelocks, the No. 53 slots right between the No. 2 and No. 1 in finish quality think No. 2 level internals and engraving machine done, solid but not hand scrolled like the #1, bumped up with Grade 2 wood, side clips, and a concealed third bite for extra durability. It's the base workhorse model since the '50s, built tougher than the lighter game focused #2 but without the #1's premium figuring, polishing, and overall bench time that jacks the price.

The No. 56? Yeah, you're spot on it's a step above the 53 with a heavier pigeon frame, optional veining, and full #1 equivalent finish hand engraved, coin finish, fancier options, but on the same standard frame action. 53's a steal for field use 56's the competition beast. If you're hunting one, chase a '70s 53 for $2-3k used tanks that punch way above the weight.

Fantastic info thanks for posting, I've got my eye on one but its dated '84 which is quite close to the start of the "dark" years for AyA.

 

[Matabele]

My 1972 AYA number 2 is a lot of gun for the money.

A very functional, handsome SxS for the cost of a destroyed English SxS that is either junk or dangerous.

It swings more like an American SxS. not the between the hands feel of a British best. But it’s definitely worth the price they sell for.
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Very nice!! Great to see your AyA being put to good use, it's obviously performing well for you! Have you had any maintenance or repairs to deal with?

 

[Tango]

Great advice here on the AyA's, especially the note about avoiding the single trigger guns. I've owned 3 of the No 2's and a 4/53 boxlock. They've all been solid shotguns for me. Be sure to read Terry Wieland's book, Spanish Best. An absolutely wonderful book on the Spanish shotgun trade as a whole, along with detail on the specific gunmakers. (Of course, his Dangerous Game Rifles book is a mandatory read for African hunters. One of my favorites.)

 

[rookhawk]

Great advice here on the AyA's, especially the note about avoiding the single trigger guns. I've owned 3 of the No 2's and a 4/53 boxlock. They've all been solid shotguns for me. Be sure to read Terry Wieland's book, Spanish Best. An absolutely wonderful book on the Spanish shotgun trade as a whole, along with detail on the specific gunmakers. (Of course, his Dangerous Game Rifles book is a mandatory read for African hunters. One of my favorites.)

I'll summarize 300 pages for you in a few sentences.

Of all the Spanish guns, the very best ones made have always been Pedro Arizabalaga guns. They don't cost a penny more than any of the others, but they are definitely better than AyA, Garbi, Arrieta, Union Armera /Grulla, Ugartechea, and the rest. I've owned a LOT of Spanish shotguns and I've experienced a fair amount of problems with Spanish guns. They spent more time on adornment than they did on reliability...you better know a lot about shotguns before you buy one.

 

[Tango]

No doubt, go into any Spanish gun purchase with your eyes open. I'd say the same about old English guns as well. My point is that Spanish Best is a great read from one of the best authors in the hunting/shooting space.