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."
