Gentleman:

I am ready to take the plunge and move up to some elegance in a shotgun. As much as I would like to own a Purdey, I simply cannot afford one. I am looking at either an AyA or Grulla sidelock.

Was wondering if you could share your opinions and experiences with both makers. If I go with the AyA it will be a No.2. Don't know very much about Grulla. I had an opportunity to buy an AyA XXV from a friend, but I don't like the 25" barrels and it is a 12 gauge. I prefer small gauges with longer barrels (28-29"). Thanks in advance for any info and feedback.

Kind regards,

AyA have been very popular in the UK. The No 2 was (still is?) the best selling s/s in the UK.
Be aware that from circa 1975 or thereabouts (for 12 gauge anyway), the engraving on a No 2 has been 'rolled/pressed' on, whereas earlier guns are hand engraved. I'm not sure if this also applies to the smaller gauges as AyA's have scaled frames & actions etc for each different gauge I think. I currently have 3 x AyAs (and have had one other in the past) and have been very please with them overall.

I can't comment on Grulla, but I did have a Union Armeria sidelock - which was a forerunner of Grulla - and it gave no trouble over several years use.

I think the AYA No.2 is about the best value around for what you are getting for the price. You can find new and lightly used ones for a lot less than ordering new from Spain. You will have lots of choices if you do your research. Watch the weight. Mine weighs in at 5 lb., 8 oz. for a 28 bore, ideal for that bore size. Many 28's will be over 6 lb., which, IMO, is too heavy for a 28. I have had no issues with mine and I carry it in the worst of weather as a back up gun. I bought mine used and it is almost to my exact dimensions, with 29 inch barrels. Delightful to carry.

If you are interested in an upgraded gun, there is also the AYA No. 2 Deluxe. This has upgraded wood and hand cut engraving.

Sorry, don't know much about a Grulla.

One other gun you might want to consider is an Arrizabalaga. This are built to much higher standards and Pedro only made "Best " guns. You can find nice quality used ones, if you look, for around $8 - $9K. New ones are $25K. These are great values.

Good luck.

Yes, I have already learned that AyA has raised their prices significantly this year. The used route may be the way to go. Problem is being a lefty, I will need to find one with either cast on or neutral. Difficult, but possible.

I'm not knocking Spanish guns, but there are lots of nice English boxlocks out there for the same kind of money. They are pretty darn nice too.

Because there is no stockbolt - they can easily have the cast altered. I had the cast on my No 1 increased.

Both AYA and Grulla make fine guns and you would be happy with either i am sure. that said, I would base my decision on the money budgeted for your new toy. How much are willing to spend? Are willing to buy used?

The standard #2 is roller engraved (however, it is hand engraved on the fences where the rollers cannot impress engraving). The #2 deluxe is not hand engraved either... It's laser engraved.

Aya #1 and #56 models are fully hand engraved.

However, its important to note that comparable Grulla models will have similar methods of engraving.

Here is a close up of the engraving on an AYA #2.




Aya #56 (same engraving as the #1)






Grulla 216 round body


Grulla 209H

My go to quail gun is a AYA #2 410, 29 " bbl. I have a number of small gauge guns, and always travel with two to three guns. But I always carry my AYA. My hunting companion carries a Arrieta 410, 29" bbl, which is a twin to the AYA #2. I also have a 20 gauge Arrieta, 28" bbls which is deadly on all upland game. All of the above mentioned guns are case colored and straight grip. While Grulla may have a case colored option, the ones that I have seen are not. Try to shoot or see as many of the guns that you are interested in, get a gun that fits you, and good hunting. If you can find a 28 gauge that you like, that will be a bonus.

With most of the Spanish makers you can find some great deals used and have the stock bent-as JohnfromUK mentioned cast on for your left hand shooting.

I was just at an auction last Sat and a real nice Grulla 216RL 20 (with 28" barrels) went for 4500 (+15%). Probably about half of new retail.

I shoot an AYA #2 .410 with 28" barrels, but you have not told us what gauge you would prefer and what grip style. If we recommend a specific new gun, you will be paying retail. Tell us what you want, and maybe someone will come up with a specific gun for you. I like both the Grulla and the AYA and would prefer a rolled engraving at $3000 to a hand engraved $6000 gun. I don't think any of these guns are worth ten grand, no matter who engraved them.

Hello Bill:

Thanks for the input (as well as everyone else).

I would like either a 16 or 28 gauge. As to stock grip, I like a straight grip on a SxS.

Rolled engraving is fine with me.

Thanks again,

here's a left-handed AyA #2:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=406577961

I've been shooting a lefty Arrietta 557 since 1999 and I have zero complaints. I'd love to shoot a Woodward, but that's unlikely to happen at this stage of the game. I've looked at lots of AyAs and Grullas and if I had to do it again, I'd go with the Grulla. Fit and finish is just a bit better IMHO.

Agree with Dave K. Given the price increases in new Spanish guns, whether you look Grulla or AyA, the real deals now are on the used market.

I've been shooting a 16 Ga. #2 AyA for 8 years and couldn't be happier.

I have an AyA and a Grulla. One is a 20 gauge, the other a 28. They were both purchased new within a couple of years of each other and the difference paid for each gun was less than $200. In all aspects the Grulla is finished to a higher level. Mechanically neither has ever had any issues.

Thanks Larry,
Here is that Grulla,I go to lots of auctions and they are the only best way to buy a Spanish double and not get hurt to bad when you go to sell.

http://www.amoskeagauction.com/100/221.html

Very nice catch, Dave!

Very nice indeed Dave, lovely gun at a lovely price best, Mike

I own and shoot a #2 and it's a great gun ... Take a look at a Merkel, since purchasing a 28 gauge last year I'm not sure I'd purchase another AYA, dollar for dollar I appreciate the workmanship and quality of the merkel. Just my opinion, buy the gun you're drawn to, you can always sell later. Used market has some great guns available.

Regards, Dave D.