What is the record for Arreita sidelocks? Are they durable? How often do gunsmiths have them in their shop? The model 557 seems like the low priced entry, what's the feeing about this model?

They are great guns! I can't speak to gunsmith experience because I never needed one. I had 2 557s, a 20 and 12. The 20 had the non-select single trigger and I liked it, I now have a 28 GA 578 with options and it is outstanding. Fit, finish quality of engraving and wood, all outstanding. I have a number of AYA #2s and 4/53s they are good but don't compare to the Arrieta.
Bob Jurewicz

I ordered a Arrieta 871 back in early '90's. Beautiful gun, don't think it ever fired much more than 100 consecutive shots. Soft lock work.

Considering one myself at the moment a 570 vs. an AyA No.4/53. The Arrieta is a side lock and has a much nicer finish and attention to detail but at double the price of the AyA. My only concern with the Arrieta is what appears to be degradation of the wood around the side plates. It appears as if the annual removal of the plates/locks has worn the edges of the stock. It kind of bothers me for $4-5K.

I had a 12 ga 557 or 558 that was super, great wood, fit metal to metal and metal to wood was top notch. It was open choked and I traded for something else but wouldn't hesitate to own another. I have a pair of 20 ga top end custom engraving made by Arrieta for G&H. They are as nice as any doubles I have seen,

I have had several Spanish guns primarily because of the price point. I am down to one AyA but four Arrietas. They are my favorite of the Spanish makers and their assisted opening models in particular. My Arrietas have been my primary hunting guns for almost 10 years and I have not had any issues with them. I prefer their engraving and wish the company hadn’t folded. I do not understand current pricing on new Spanish guns and hope they come down over time.

These are great guns. The fit and finish are excellent and represent a great value. If you find the one that you like you need to buy it.

What gauge are you thinking about?

John Boyd

Gunmark Ltd used to import Arrieta made sidelocks into the UK. Gough Thomas described the Crown Sabel ,one of Gunmark’s imports, as “the best Spanish gun in it’s price class that has so far come my way” I have a copy of the Shooting Times magazine that his review appeared in if you would like me to forward you a photo copy.

I am personally looking at a 20ga. It's a beautiful gun but I am bothered by the wear of the stock around the backside of the side plates.

Has the company in fact folded? I saw all of the reports of bankruptcy back in 2017 but I haven't heard of anything since and they appear to have a working website still.

My one "knock" on the Spanish guns is that they tend to be, on average, a bit heavier than their comparably configured English counterparts. You will see very few 6lb 4oz Spanish 12 bores.
Of course improved durability is often the companion of greater weight.

Years ago I had built for one of my friends a 12 ga Arrieta that he wanted to come in a 6 lbs and it did. Had 26"bbls


John Boyd

I have yet to come across a 20ga under 6lbs.

I've owned just about every Spanish gun Maker and Arrieta is a fine gun. I presently own a older Garbi 12 bore with long barrels and have shot lots of doves and clays with it.

I have 578 round action in 28 bore.Its my wife's dove gun and use the RST lite load.Used guns are undervalued imho.Of course John Boyd is the go to man for the maker.

AYA numbers 3 and 4 generally come in under the 6lb mark with 27 inch barrels