AYA Bill Hanus Bird Gun
Aguirre y Aranzabal S.A.L. · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1989
Also known as: Bill Hanus Birdgun, AYA Bird Gun
Overview
The AYA Bill Hanus Bird Gun is a lightweight Spanish side-by-side game shotgun built by Aguirre y Aranzabal (AYA) to the specification of American shotgun writer and importer Bill Hanus. Built on an Anson & Deeley boxlock action with gauge-scaled frames, ejectors, and double triggers, it was offered in 16, 20, and 28 gauge with a straight English grip, splinter forend, concave game rib, and fixed open chokes (roughly skeet-and-skeet), making it a purpose-built upland bird gun in the classic British game-gun style.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2608 g (92.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1092 mm (42.99") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1734 J (1279 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Case Hardened |
Calibers
- 20 Gauge · primary — also known as 20GA, 20 Bore
- 28 Gauge — also known as 28 ga, 28 bore
- 16 Gauge — also known as 16 ga, 16 bore, 16/70
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Automatic Safety
- Features: Anson Deeley Boxlock, Double Triggers, Ejectors, Straight English Grip, Splinter Forend, Concave Game Rib, Gauge Scaled Frame, Fixed Open Chokes
Variants
- AYA Bill Hanus Bird Gun 28 Gauge - Chambering
- AYA Bill Hanus Bird Gun 16 Gauge - Chambering
Service history
Operators
- Civilian upland hunters and sporting shooters
Production
Production years: 1989-2005
Small-batch import model; produced 1989-1993, reintroduced 1996, 20-gauge dropped around 2005
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Bill Hanus
Notes
Bill Hanus Bird Guns were also produced at times by other Spanish makers including Ugartechea and Grulla. Chambered for 2-3/4 inch (70mm) shells. The 20-gauge chambering was discontinued around 2005. Barrels were commonly 26 to 28 inches; the guns were deliberately light (roughly 5.5 to 6 lb depending on gauge) for all-day carry afield.
Background
Bill Hanus, an Oregon-based shotgun writer and importer, commissioned these guns to prove that an affordable Spanish boxlock could be specced like a classic English game gun - light, straight-stocked, and open-choked - purely for the upland bird hunter rather than the target range.