AYA No. 1
Aguirre y Aranzabal S.A.L. · Shotgun · In Production · 1955
Also known as: AyA No. 1, AYA Nº1, AYA No. 1 Deluxe, AYA Number 1
Overview
The AYA No. 1 is a Spanish best-quality hammerless sidelock side-by-side double-barrelled shotgun, the flagship game gun of Aguirre y Aranzabal of Eibar. It uses an assisted-opening, square-bar action with hand-detachable Holland & Holland-pattern sidelocks built on a forged steel body, double locking, intercepting safety sears and gold-lined cocking indicators. Chopper-lump barrels of chrome-nickel steel with fixed chokes are paired with a Southgate over-centre automatic ejector system and double triggers. Chambered most commonly in 12 gauge for 2¾-inch cartridges and also offered in 16 and 20 bore, the No. 1 is the deluxe sibling of the No. 2, carrying finer rose-and-scroll engraving and upgraded walnut.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3100 g (109.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1143 mm (45.00") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Color Case Hardened |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Internal
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Safety, Intercepting Sears, Cocking Indicators
- Features: Sidelock, Hand Detachable Locks, Side By Side Barrels, Assisted Opening, Double Trigger, Automatic Ejectors, Southgate Ejectors, Chopper Lump Barrels, Chrome Nickel Steel Barrels, Rose And Scroll Engraving, Straight Hand Stock, Fixed Chokes, 2 75 Inch Chamber
Base model
Production
Production years: 1955-present
Produced in far smaller numbers than the No. 2 as the firm's top-grade catalogue sidelock; some export markets list it as discontinued around 1985.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Aguirre y Aranzabal
Notes
The No. 1 sits above the No. 2 in the AYA range, sharing the same Holland & Holland-derived mechanism but with hand-detachable locks, assisted opening, finer engraving and select wood. Standard barrel length is 28 inches with 27-30 inch options; chambers are 2¾ inch (70mm) and chokes are fixed (commonly quarter and half). Typical 12-bore weight is around 6½-6¾ lb. Some markets list the imported No. 1 as discontinued circa 1985, though AYA continues to offer the model.
Background
Aguirre y Aranzabal was founded in 1917 in Eibar by Nicolas Aranzabal and the Aguirre brothers. The No. 1 became the house's pre-eminent best-quality sidelock, the gun against which AYA's reputation for affordable Holland & Holland-style craftsmanship was measured.