Adam: In the 90's most if not all of the AyA's coming into the UK were 'inspected' by the importers gunsmiths. I had this confirmed by two major dealers of the guns at the time. That may very well have changed and if I made the statement based on historic information and am wrong, I apologize. Speaking with William Powell about their imported but Powell badged Arrieta's, they told me that each gun is inspected by them before sale, and in many cases they apply extra finish to the wood.
Visiting the UK last summer and a few gunshops and shooting grounds, my observations of their Spanish guns for sale reinforces my belief that the guns going to the UK from Spain are 'better' in a number of areas than those coming to the U.S.
I cannot comment on Garbi or Grulla - the one Grulla I handled externally was beautiful in all respects.
