AYA Sidelocks

[P J]

HI Folks

 

Does anybody out there have any experience of AYA sidelocks, the boxlocks have a good reputation for strength & reliability (thanks to Anson & Deeley), all & sundry loudly sing their praises though I have never heard any comment regarding their sidelock ejectors. Any reliable Info please.

[wymberley]

I can only answer for the XXV version and found it faultless. I currently have the boxlock and the only difference for me is a slight reduction in weight. The one hidden advantage (which hopefully you'd never need) is that most, if not all, are fitted with intercepting sears. If you want to nit pick, the boxlock actions are more resistant to the wet.

[Gunman]

I think you will find that if you look back this subject has been covered many times .

[JohnfromUK]

All sidelocks (with minor exceptions covered below) use a similar Holland and Holland 'clone' lock that is very reliable. This includes models Imperial, No 1 and variants, No 2 and variants, Models 53 and 56. All of these are well thought of and reliable and dependable. The No 2 is a very popular gun. The No 1 is almost identical, but better engraving, wood etc., and different steel for the barrels reducing weight slightly and improving balance. Nos 53 and 56 are heavier grade guns with sideclips etc. Where self opening is fitted (its an option) it is the Holland and Holland type housed in the forend. Ejectors are 'Southgate'. All have intercepting safety. Single triggers seem to have a questionable reputation.

 

The exceptions are the 'Senior' (also known as Premier) made between about 1979 and 1987 which used the self opening Beesley/Purdey 'clone'. These are very rare and were expensive new, costing many times the price of a No 1 at the time. This does not have intercepting safeties, using bolted sears instead. Ejectors also follow the Purdey design.

 

There were also a (again very very few around) Beesley type locks used in the 1960s, but without the self opening, these being lever cocked like a Holland and Holland rather than the cam arrangement of the Beesley/Purdey which gives the self opening. I suspect these were 'special order' only as AyA, like most Spanish makers would make guns to customer specifications in addition to the 'standard' models.

[JohnfromUK]

I should add that AyA also do at least 3 sidelock o/u guns, the Excelsior, Model 37 and the Augusta. I don't know anything about the Excelsior, but it doesn't seem to be based on Merkel lines.

 

Both Model 37 and Augusta are based on the (formerly East) German Merkel designs.

 

Model 37 is similar to a Merkel 303E in that it has both double underbolts and double Kersten bolts (i.e. top bolts). This is a very strong design and I have only owned the Merkel version - which is remarkably light and with nimble handling that belies the rather deep heavy looking action and are beautifully smooth and solid in operation with a real quality feel. Both AyA and Merkel versions have been made for some time - Merkel since pre WW2.

 

The Augusta retains the two underbolts and sheds the Kerstens. I've not seen one close up. Interestingly, Merkel on their slightly cheaper model (203E) chose to keep the Kerstens and loose the underbolt.

 

None of the sidelock o/u AyA designs are common in the UK (or anywhere?) - they are expensive new. Merkels are occasionally seen, but the new price is very high and second hand values much lower ..... if you can find one. The Model 37 and Augusta even follow the Merkel engraving styles, though I imagine you can have what you want to order.