doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Spanish Best? Eusebio Arizaga from Placencia?

Hi Chief,

I suppose you are right. Each gun has to be considered individually.
The list is an indication, not gospel.
I had a 1949 vintage Victor Sarasqueta that was externally very nice
but the innards left something to be desired. Gone by now.

The gunsmith will tell.

JC

No, Belgian guns have to be examined on individual basis. Obscure Spanish stuff belongs is a dumpster. I have examined 2nd-hand 871 in excellent condition. The gap between iron and wood was large enough to see part of the ej kicker and two halfs of ejector rod were of unequal size, so if one breaks both would need replacing. Most of that good looking obscure old stuff was assembled and finished by hand so parts would have to be made to order. Why pay for parts and labor in excess of what the gun is worth in the first place. That route seems appropriate for stupid people only.
PS. The chance that Eusebios piece will be a dissapointment are better than average.

researcher - Did you have an E. Arizaga? Was it hand detatchable sidelocks and ejectors as well?

Jagermeister - Did you have a bad experience with a Spanish gun that resulted in your dislike?

well, there is no shortage of opinions on this topic. I thank all of you for your feedback. I will wait for the gunsmith's report on the gun and go from there. I have a hard time believing that the maker would have spent so much time on the quality of the wood, engraving and fit only to put such poor workmanship into the action. However, I have not seen inside the gun so I will wait to hear. I will, however, keep my fingers crossed that the gun is solid as it is a very handsome one for sure. I have been looking for an AYA#2 but have found none that were in good shape with quality wood.

Brent, although I don't have a crystal ball I think your logic is very sound.
Why go to all the trouble of choosing wood, working on the wood to metal
fit, engraving, even having a nice case made for it to pair all up with bad
innards? Does not sound sound to me. I think you shall not be disappointed.

JC

I am sure it's a beauty. Pray and keep your fingers crossed it's doen't fail you on a hunt. Best
Herederos Del Marques de Riscal drinker.

The guns we imported were Eusebio Arizaga, the same brand Jack O'Connor wrote about. They were H&H pattern hand detachable sidelocks. I don't recall if they were extractor or ejector. I still have my letter from Jack after I wrote him about our experience. He had to replace his Spanish single trigger with a Miller. They certainly left me with a bad taste in my mouth for any Spanish guns, and haven't owned one since and have no desire to.

Yep, why take a chance when you can buy something that you know will work? I mean why bother with S&W auto pistol when there is Heckler & Koch. If H&K made cylinder gun I would go with S&W!

Brent,

I agree your on the right track in examining the gun. I hope the gun is better than expected! Heck, a few months ago there was a dogpile on Turkish guns. Now we have a whole new faction of Hugludites extolling there virtues!

Nope, I didn't confuse Arizaga with Arizabalaga.

O'Connor talks about buying his first Arizaga, and says "In 1963 the gun sold for about $160 in Spain." Well, according to my "Buxton's Guide"--from 1963--an AyA Model 53, a pretty darned good sidelock, sold for $177 in Spain. So I'm guessing, like most of the Spanish makers back in the 60's, Arizaga made very basic guns and also some pretty darned high grade guns. Just like AyA did.

Almost everyone with much experience today will caution that Spanish single triggers are best avoided, whether on a gun made in 1963 or 2003. (And note that on the Spanish guns currently imported, ST's are rarely seen!) But an Arizaga two barrel set might well be worth mid-$2K range. Depends on grade, condition, etc. And it's nice to see it doesn't have a single trigger!