AyA XXV
Aguirre y Aranzabal S.A.L. · Shotgun · In Production · 1960
Also known as: AyA Model 25, AyA XXV/BL, AyA XXV/SL, AyA 25
Overview
The AyA XXV is a Spanish best-quality side-by-side double-barrel shotgun built by Aguirre y Aranzabal of Eibar. Its defining feature is a pair of short 25-inch (635 mm) barrels topped with a high, tapered Churchill rib, a configuration popularised by London gunmaker E.J. Churchill that concentrates the gun's weight between the hands for fast, instinctive pointing on driven game. Offered in both boxlock (XXV/BL) and sidelock (XXV/SL) grades, it features a forged steel action with a double-locking mechanism, double triggers, automatic ejectors and a finely chequered straight-hand walnut stock with English scroll engraving. It is chambered for 12, 16, 20, 28 gauge and .410 bore.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2920 g (103.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1080 mm (42.52") |
| Barrel Length | 635 mm (25.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 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 Dual Chamber
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Safety, Double Locking Bolt
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Churchill Rib, 25 Inch Barrels, Straight Hand Stock, English Scroll Engraving, Automatic Ejectors, Boxlock And Sidelock Grades
Variants
- AyA XXV/BL - Boxlock
- AyA XXV/SL - Sidelock
Production
Production years: 1960s-present
Hand-built sporting shotgun produced in limited numbers to order rather than mass production
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Aguirre y Aranzabal (based on the E.J. Churchill XXV concept of Robert Churchill)
Notes
The XXV name refers to its 25-inch barrel length. The boxlock XXV/BL and sidelock XXV/SL share the short-barrel Churchill concept but differ in lockwork and price; an optional selective or non-selective single trigger is available.
Background
The 25-inch barrel and high tapered rib originate with London gunmaker E.J. Churchill, whose shooting instructor Robert Churchill argued that a short, well-balanced gun pointed faster than the long-barrelled fashion of the day. AyA revived the concept in an affordable best-quality Spanish double, making the Churchill-style XXV accessible to driven-game and rough shooters worldwide.