Does anyone have any knowledge/experience with Ugartechea high grade sidelocks as compared to the more common Arrieta/ Grulla/Garbi/Aya models.

I am not referring to the Lion Country model 4 & 5s- but the catalogued model 116/ 119/ 1030/ 1042 ? ( see link) http://www.sidebysideshotgun.com/aoc_sidelock.html

Which models of the big 4 (not including Pedro A) would these models best correspond to ?
best regards,
JBP

I have a pair of Ugartechea O/U sidelock models in 20 and 12 gauges, essentially twins to the Merkel 303 sidelock guns, although better put together than an original Merkel 303 I compared them to. I have no experience at all with their higher grade side by side guns, but these are outstanding guns in every way. I would expect a similar grade side by side gun to also be a fine instrument.

ttt

my two cents... seems like a bit pricey for an Uggy. Volkswagen offered a model Phaeton a few years ago. It was nearly an $80,000 car. It didn't sell well - because it was still a VW.

Noted RDD-
but actually looking at a couple of used guns and seeking those familiar with the higher end models.
BTW , I shot the SC course at the National SXS event in Northbrook a couple of years ago with Jerry Reynolds who won two of the classes... he had a Phaeton - only one I ever saw. It was a NICE car.

best regards,
JBP

I'll say again: The pair of Ugartechea (not Uggy) sidelock O/U guns I have in 12 and 20 gauge are BETTER than a friend's Merkel 303, which Ugartechea apparently chose to copy. The fit and finish are superior, the wood is superior, the finish of the lock works is superior, and the handling characteristics are livelier, with the balance more between the hands. The engraving of the small English style scroll is also superior to that on the Merkel 303. Perhaps you have not handled the top of the line guns made by the very distinguished firm of Ugartechea. They differ remarkably from their lower grade guns, which are made to an American price market, the same as many other Spanish makers lower grade guns. Merkel is also a distinguished maker, in my opinion, but they offer lower end guns also. Look at the thousands of Model 8's and 47's that they have turned out. You might say that the upper grade Merkels "seem a bit pricey" when compared to their lower grade guns. It reveals a lack of knowledge of better grade Spanish guns, in my opinion, to throw out a statement like "seems a bit pricey for an Uggy" if you are not familiar with their top of the line guns. And please, refer to them by their proper family name. If you get down my way some time, I'll be glad to let you handle this pair of fine guns, even shoot a round if we can manage that. I have hesitated to mention the following, it seems like tooting my own horn to me, and that's not my intention. I have many other nice shotguns in my vault, including four Merkels, three English guns, three AyA guns, including one of their fine Model 53e 20 gauge models, and at last count over 1 1/2 dozen other nice pre war German doubles. I certainly know enough to compare the Ugartechea quality to other better grade guns when it is appropriate. I also know better than insult the fine firm by referring to them as "Uggy."

I have a 410 and a 28ga. these are very nice guns and handle like wands, are very light to pack around and can be picked up used for a song. got my 410 for 1300 bucks, the 28 was a little more but not much.

Mine is not a sidelock, but is a boxlock AOC/SG in .410. Really nice gun, very well finished and fitted. The AOC variants are expensive, but Terry Weiland (Spanish Best) likes them, and I agree.

Point taken DevRep

Hi JBP,

The truly high grade Ugartecheas can go head to head with any of the other Basque makers. Pedro being the probable exception.

A long time ago in the Sept/Oct 1995 edition of Shooting Sportsman magazine, Michael McIntosh reviewed a pair of model 119's. He was quite impressed with the pair of guns. Especially at the price point which was less than 10K for the pair. (My has THAT number changed!).

I guess the only way to match the various models is to look at their retail prices and match them to each other.

Before the Dollar took such a beating vs the Euro, the best gun for the money spent was probably the Grulla.

Bryan

Gee, whish they chose to copy Woodward design then even I would buy one. Too bad that just like AyA they chose to copy one of the fugliest designs.

Here's my 20 gauge Ugartechea. Personally, I think it's a very handsome design, a far cry from "fugliest." But, to each his own. I'll bet you get out-voted on your choice of "fugliest" on this one, Paul.

Nice gun Chief.

J.B.
I would second the observations of Chief and Bryan Lee regarding quality.
Handled a pair of SLE's SXS from the 30's years ago, very high quality guns. Cannot comment on the current crop.

JBP,

FWIW, heres a pic of my 1968 vintage 16ga, 26", Ignacio Ugartechea. If the pic doesnt make it, email me at thom_davis(at)yahoo.com, and I will send it to you. Not sure on the model, I believe that in todays Armas Ugartechea model line, this is a 119. Came from an estate and had a two sisters, a 12 and a 20. The 12 and 20 showed quite a bit more use. Very well made and a true pleasure to shoot and hunt with...

Can anyone add more info about this gun? It is hard to find anything on the Ignacio U. guns...

Ignacio Ugartechea is simply the full name, it's the same Ugartechea we have been discussing. There were three Ignacio Ugartecheas, according to Terry Weiland in Spanish Best, 1. Founder, 2. Son, and 3. Grandson. The company was founded in 1922 in Eibar, and remains in business today. Buy the book, it'll tell you all you need to know. Your gun looks like a picture in the book they identify as their Model 1030, their best "standard action" gun. I think they term their S x S guns as the "standard action" guns.

I have seen that piece at WLM site few years ago. You probably did get it at a good price. The asking price was under 3k if I remember correctly.

Crazzzzy question. You know, most amigos on this board would never dish out $ needed for top quality made to order IU SLE. They are "slaves" to opinions of their peers with respect to what guns they use and buy. The only guy that seems to buy obscure guns of higher quality is Mountain Man from NH or Ho, ho, ho (aka John Mann). He was "flirting" with what looked like mid-grade 116? last year, but I'm not sure if he actually bought it.