Gentlemen,

If I were to pick up an Aya SxS sidelock off a dealer's rack, how would I determine what model it was? I'm sure there is some simple and easy way to do so, but I'll be hanged if I know hat it may be.

Best,

Kyrie

You have to assess the engraving, the number of pins in the sidelock as an indicator of safety interceptors, whether or not the locks are hand detatchable, is the detatchable screw a lever or has it been blinded (hidden), articulated trigger or not, ejectors or not, and so on...every additional feature adds up to more money...right down to guage/choke premiums and whether or not it has dropper points...
All of that gets added to overall condition, how bad you want it,how much the vendor has into it, and ultimately how much you have on you. I guess I could send you or post catalog photos of the sidelocks if your serious about buyin' one...

Go by the pictures from web site for general model and then by features as noted above for "upgrades." Depending upon who has owned the gun, many have the original import papers in the case btw. Over time, model designations have ebbed and flowed a little bit. Look at the date on the gun for sure.

look at AYAfine guns.com they have pictures of the models.

Thank you all for the quick replies!

Actually, I've already bought the shotgun :-)

It's a 12 gauge (M,IC) hand detachable sidelock, seven or eight pin (not quite sure how to count them), cocking indicators, ejectors, double triggers. It has the number '1' on the lever, barrel rib, and forend, all gold filled. Straight stock (which some maniac has shortened and added a really ugly pad) and splinter forend. Proof date code is 'O1', indicating prooof in 1970. Here's a link to the auction (www.auctionarms.com, auction #8227231) at which I won it:

http://www.auctionarms.com/Closed/DisplayItem.cfm?ItemNum=8227231.0

There are some pictures there.

Any idea on model number based on all that?

Best,

Kyrie

I've just been out looking at the pictures on the AYA site (thanks Don - I don't know why I hadn't thought of that!).

My best guess at model (emphasis on the word 'guess') is a model 2. My new (to me) AyA lacks the articulated front trigger. Beautifully made shotgun. Now all I need is to find someone who can turn my wood (I have a nice piece of Turkish crying out to be used), inlet it, and maybe do a nice 22 lpi checkering job without sending me the rest of the way to the poor house ;-)

Best,

Kyrie

Not the standard engraving pattern for the numba 2 now and back at least thru the eighties.

jack

Based on the Gold # 1 on the toplever--I'd bet there is a Gold number 2 out there somewhere! Clearly 1/2 of a matched pair. Nice gun--good price. Not sure abut the Model--I'd guess a #2.

Kyrie, definitely not a nº2. It is probably a model 117, but your best bet is to email
Carmen at AyA, give her the serial # and after a couple of days you'll know for sure.

You can contact Carmen here: AyA contact

Nice buy by the way. It'll look great with the new stock.

JC

I have a 117 made in I believe 1984. It has different engraving but that could be just a different year.

AyAJeff is sorely missed!!!

JC

The AYA catologue for 1968 pictures your gun as a model 116 or 117. The 117 has triple bolt lock-up ,the 116 has only double under locking lugs. These guns are 5&6 grades below their best sidelock, the AYA grade 1.

Gentlemen,

I contacted AyA (thanks for the idea, JayCee!) and they kindly and quickly came back with the model ineditication of Model 117.

Thanks to all who helped!

Best,

Kyrie

Kyrie, you are welcome!

JC