Make: Aguirre y Aranzabal
Model: 30
Serial Number: 153449
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1960-1965
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4" Shells
Action Type: Over/Under Boxlock Shotgun with Dual Triggers and Individual Ejectors
Barrel Length: Both barrel sets are 28 1/2" with Vent Rib
Choke: Barrel 1 is choked Modified over Modified, barrel 2 is Full over Improved Modified, both fixed.
Sights / Optics: Each barrel set has a silver-colored bead at the front of the rib. The top of each rib is matted for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 4 oz., consistent with each barrel set.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered wood with a splinter forend, straight grip, straight comb and black rubber Decelerator buttpad. Each barrel set has two-piece wood side panels. The stocks have even light handling wear with some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a thin crack at the rear of the top tang. The checkering is well defined. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8", drop at heel 2", consistent across barrel sets. The LOP measures 14 5/8" and 13 5/8" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad, 14 1/8" and 13 1/8" to the back of the wood. The pad shows light wear, mostly around the edges and around the screw holes. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bores but there is a little stubborn fouling, more in barrel set 1 than 2. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. Each barrel set's rib has scattered surface erosion and pitting. Barrel 1 has a notable dent in the rib on the second vent from the rear. There is light handling wear in the guard. There are infrequent scattered spots of minor oxidation. Otherwise, the gun shows light handling marks and operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots, most are properly timed. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the additional barrel set as described.
Our Assessment: The Eibar region of Spain has long been a center of arms manufacture in the region. While there has been a large range in quality, since the 1950s Aguirre y Aranzabal has been recognized as the best of the "Best" in Spanish shotguns, rivaling even the British "Best" gun makers. The Model 30 is one of their over-under models with a boxlock action.
This example is a beauty, featuring blue and case color finish, full coverage engraving on the receiver with deer scenes on each side and AYA's lion logo on the bottom. It has two barrel sets, both numbered to the receiver, and with gold "1" and "2" marked at the rear of their ribs. It is a fairly trim gun, coming in at just over seven pounds with a straight english stock. The barrel sets are both 28.5" with one choked Full/IM and the other choked Modified on both barrels. This configuration will make for a versatile gun for hunting and will turn some heads on the range, too. This is a beautiful shotgun made by one of the finest gunmakers in the world and will take a prized place in any hunter's collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
