doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com World Cup Debate- Germany (Merkel) or Spain (AYA)

Looking for a high quality 12ga 28" boxlock. Merkel's 47E and AYA's 4/53 are priced in the same ballpark.

Anyone got an opinion on which is the better gun in terms of handling, fit, finish?

Thanks,

Josh

I'm no expert, but I had a 28 bore 4/53 for 6 or 7 years, my go-to gun for those years, put a bunch of shells through it at doves, quail, and skeet. When the smoke cleared, I'd had one broken cocking lever spring and one broken (bushed) firing pin. Mine had really fine fit and finish, and I thought the barrel striking was especially nice. So... I sold it to a good friend of mine to buy a gun I don't shoot HALF as well!

unless we are talking about: olives, cheese,.... or sardines whenever one has choice between german product vs. spanish one having steel components always go with the german one. don't buy german food products other then beer as those suck pretty badly.

Can I suggest the English referee?

'Spanish Best' is an oxymoron and if you are buying German stick to drillings or rifles.

IMHO, Older Merkel's - great (if they fit you). Newer Merkels - Ok!, but not great (If they fit you or not).
AYA's - Generally better balance. Mechanical quality about the same as Merkels. Wood on Merkels, generally, though not always, finished and fit better.
Given a choice (which I've had), give me a Parker Reproduction or CSMC RBL over either!

Josh
Your question was between Spanish (AYA) and German (Merkel) boxlock guns. It will depend very much when they were made. A DDR era Merkel is likely to be less refined that a post Iron Curtain one, but it should work well. Fit and finish are comparable. Contemporary Spanish steel is as reliable as German one for its intended purpose as regards to boxlocks.
They are not "best guns"(idiosincratics aside), but they could be regarded as good quality guns. Otherwise it is difficult to explain why AYA is so a popular gun make in Britain, as well as Merkel is so worldwide. In my view either way you go is OK, maybe a closer inspection on both will help in the end.

Whichever one you feel the most comfortable with. I'd go for the Merkel myself but that's just my preference. Good luck

There's no question, given the two, I'd go for the Merkel. But as someone pointed out, I'd take a Parker Repro over either.

I agree, Chuck, every time the choice came up. The Merks are hell for stout and ugly. The AYAs are pretty but less bullet proof.

Owning both (147e, 4/53), I would say they are different, and both are good guns. The, Merkel is certainly a stronger do-it-all gun; and the AYA handles beautifully. (Neither, of course, fall into the category of being British or a Parker.)