AYA Matador 12ga

M

matthewpauls

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winnipeg
Got the double bug, actually really not even a shotgun guy just been crazy about finer rifles until now. Figured I'd 'eeze' my way in with an AYA Matador. Found this one, looked in descent shape, it's a selectable barrel single trigger gun, 26" barrels, ejector, auto safety if any of that's important. Love how it feels! Problem is it's not always switching over after first shot is fired, so basically the trigger goes dead. I have to #### it a couple times and then restart. Usually I switch the barrel selector and then it goes away for a bit. Haven't shot it too much just a few rounds through on the yard but am I doing something 'wrong' or is this typical for a gun like this? If it's broken, is this fixable? Thanks for the help gents
 
I believe some of these guns with the single selective trigger were known to have trigger problems. Don't remember what the cause was. But, perhaps it needs a good internal cleaning?


Found the below info on the net:
The selector spring on the Matador series is a thin straight piece of spring wire that moves the selector rocker to whatever side is selected. Brownell's has a selection of spring wire that may allow someone to fashion a new spring. These guns are approaching 50 years old and going down to the AYA Matador store for a new thingy probably ain't going to work.

Cheers fellas, I fixed the problem myself by fashioning a rod from a paperclip and the gun now fires correctly and the barrel select even works now. Ran 50 cartridges through it and it didn't skip a beat, though it's probably best to order a replacement spring for when my paperclip eventually degrades.
 
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Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but Spanish shotguns of all grades have a reputation for poor single triggers, this is frequently the only flaw in an otherwise excellent gun. Your Matador was probably made in the sixties or seventies when American and Canadian buyers demanded single triggers and the Spanish makers had to supply them if they wanted to sell their products. Most of them worked fine when new ( although they can be sensitive to operator's technique changes) but after 50-60 years the grease hardens, grunge and maybe corrosion accumulates and this delicate and complex little assembly simply gums up. Frequently all that's needed is a professional cleaning. Note I said professional, as in a good full time knowledgeable gunsmith. Your Matador is good quality basic gun by a reputable maker, it's worth a professional strip and clean.
 
Thanks for the info guys! It was manufactured in 1971, but sounds like that's a non issue, it's just more of an issue of a complex piece being made at an 'affordable' price. This isn't terrible news to me and have no problem sending it in and paying a few bucks for this little beauty. Since I'm new to these guns and you guys are so knowledgable and helpful maybe I'll throw a couple more questions out there!

Guys talk about actions and lock up being tight. With the forearm off, if I torque the barrel sideways I can feel an ever so slight amount of play at the action. Big deal? What does this affect? Can I get this rendered?

Next I know guys say when the lever is left of centre, the gun has been shot a lot. So mine is left of centre, I'm assuming this also somewhat affects the lock up? I've read this can be rendered, but is it a big job? Anyone know a good shotgun guy?

I'd be willing to put some money into this gun and have a nice basic shooting double, that to me, is a little nicer than your average stoeger. Course I don't want to be into it for 1500 either.

Thanks again guys!
 
I believe side to side play usually signifies some play in the hinge pin. It could coincide with the opening lever being left of center. Or you may also have some play/wear in the closing lugs. The proper way to fix play in the hinge pin is to replace it which is not a small undertaking in many guns. Another method is to have the barrel lump welded and dressed down to fit the pin. You have to have a welder who knows what he is doing as well as the know how to fit it to the pin. Another temporary cheap fix is to solder or stick a shim to the barrel lump. Or easier yet, just put a piece of tape on the lump and replace when needed. It will not take much.
 
Ok thanks guys! Yeah forearm on, everything is tight. Shot the gun some more and the triggers haven't malfunctioned again. Im guessing it had just been sitting for a while and needed to work a little. I will probably just leave as is now and enjoy it!
 
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