AYA no 53 side by side side lock shotgun
- Thread starter Whitetail Junkie
- Start date
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
The 53 is AYA's base gun and a lot of their other models including the box locks are variations of it. It was built to be a gun capable of handling stout loads with side clips and a third bite but with relatively light weight while it's brother, the #56 is a competition gun with a heavier frame. The #1 and #2 were built on the #53 frame but as lighter game guns without the side clips and third bite. At least that's my interpretation of things and if I'm wrong then I'm sure someone will correct me. I've never owned a 53 but I do have a #2 round action in 28 and it's pretty nice if your into that sort of gun.
As far as quality goes, one is probably not any better than the other but the 53 might last longer with heavy use due to it weight. #1's and #2's are generally lighter than #53's and sometimes not as fancy so it depends on what you want. The prices of these can really be all over the place but I would expect a used 53 to bring a slight premium over a used #2 if all other things are equal. The usual double gun advice also applies to these in that you should buy the gun and not the name.
As far as quality goes, one is probably not any better than the other but the 53 might last longer with heavy use due to it weight. #1's and #2's are generally lighter than #53's and sometimes not as fancy so it depends on what you want. The prices of these can really be all over the place but I would expect a used 53 to bring a slight premium over a used #2 if all other things are equal. The usual double gun advice also applies to these in that you should buy the gun and not the name.
Interesting...thanks!
Thanks again...After some research looks like the 53 was a 1/2 pound heavier than a No2 in the same gauge...also says the 53 has gold washed lock parts which is pretty decent...Any idea on what value you would put a used model 53 at?
I don’t have a lot of shotguns but I do have one Spanish gun it’s a Ugartechea side lock in 20 gauge.
Forums at pigeon watch.uk have lots of info on the aya. Seems the different models sell from 75 pounds to several thousand.
I would think it all depends on condition on the gun. From what I have read on here one has to be careful purchasing them.
Very pretty shotguns.
I think there are two 53's in the upcoming Edmonton auction. They aren't marked as 53, but they have the right engraving and side clips.
I would think it all depends on condition on the gun. From what I have read on here one has to be careful purchasing them.
Very pretty shotguns.
I think there are two 53's in the upcoming Edmonton auction. They aren't marked as 53, but they have the right engraving and side clips.
I would rank a Model 53 less desirable than a Number 2 because of the extra weight. The 53 is hand engraved, while the No. 2 is roll engraved, as I understand it..
It is interesting to note that, in AyA current guns, the Model 53 and the Number 2 are listed at identical weight - 6 3/4 pounds in 12 gauge.
12 gauge double shotguns are not selling well these days.
Small bore shotguns are more desirable, and therefore more money.
A close evaluation of condition is necessary to place a value. There aren't many comparisons in Canada. It certainly would be substantially less in Canada, than in the US.
It is interesting to note that, in AyA current guns, the Model 53 and the Number 2 are listed at identical weight - 6 3/4 pounds in 12 gauge.
12 gauge double shotguns are not selling well these days.
Small bore shotguns are more desirable, and therefore more money.
A close evaluation of condition is necessary to place a value. There aren't many comparisons in Canada. It certainly would be substantially less in Canada, than in the US.
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That’s a pretty wide spread...lol...The one I know of is in average shape with round count unknown so who knows...lol
I see...and yes I couldn’t really find anything to compare it to price wise...I already have a SxS 12 gauge and am starting to think maybe I should pass on it...
Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I have always regarded the 53 as a "beefed up #2 and, if I had my choice, I'd take the 53. I did a fair amount of research several years back while looking for a Spanish 20ga SxS and thought the extra strength in the 53 was a bonus. I ultimately settled on importing a Ugartechea grade IV from Lion Country Supply, only because the value at the time was better.
OK, here are the pages from my 2008 American issue AYA catalogue. The prices are in US dollars, current Canadian prices would be about 2 1/2 times greater. There are other boxlock models priced lower and higher grade sidelocks priced higher but this puts the dicussed models in context. The ones in the auction have Model 53 engraving. J.
I don't think Prophet River price on new AyA shotguns is anything like 2 1/2 times US price.
I cannot see the price info on Number 2 guns in your catalogue, but Prophet River has some new small bore No. 2 guns just under $9 k.
Not that I'm likely to buy an AyA gun in this price range.
I also think that a Bournebrook boxlock at $6K US plus extras, is no bargain.
I cannot see the price info on Number 2 guns in your catalogue, but Prophet River has some new small bore No. 2 guns just under $9 k.
Not that I'm likely to buy an AyA gun in this price range.
I also think that a Bournebrook boxlock at $6K US plus extras, is no bargain.
You misunderstood me saskbooknut. I referred to the price in Canadian dollars today being probably 2 1/2 times the price in American dollars in this catalogue. As mentioned this is a 2008 catalogue, these are 2008 American prices. The price then for the #2 was $4800 and for the #2 Round Action which had just been introduced was $5200. I thought some people would be interested in comparing specs of the different models as compared to price.
I handled them all at the time, the #53 is basically the same as the #2 but with the addition of side clips and a concealed third bite for an additional $1100, maybe worth it to a high volume shooter. The # 56 is a different kettle of fish, it's intended for live pigeon shooters and flyer competition. It's a gorgeous heavy duty heavy weight target gun and it cost about $1000 more than even the # 1 which is about as high as most people would consider on an AYA. There are very few of these guns in North America but they are popular on the European competition circuit.
I handled them all at the time, the #53 is basically the same as the #2 but with the addition of side clips and a concealed third bite for an additional $1100, maybe worth it to a high volume shooter. The # 56 is a different kettle of fish, it's intended for live pigeon shooters and flyer competition. It's a gorgeous heavy duty heavy weight target gun and it cost about $1000 more than even the # 1 which is about as high as most people would consider on an AYA. There are very few of these guns in North America but they are popular on the European competition circuit.
Makes me a bit nervous with auctions, can't return it if it is a lemon. At least at a dealer most of the time I think they would take a return if something was faulty or the customer wasn't satisfied.
For those that buy firearms at auctions do you allow yourself some room below what a dealer price would be?
Apologies to the original poster as this is a bit off topic.
Thanks guys
For those that buy firearms at auctions do you allow yourself some room below what a dealer price would be?
Apologies to the original poster as this is a bit off topic.
Thanks guys
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nice theory but soon goes out the window if you get caught in the auction bidder frenzy which generally happens on most guns. Don't expect bargains if participating in an auction. Might happen but if it does there are likely other reasons why people didn't bid on an item.
I agree. I have found a couple good firearms at good prices at estate sales, haven't participated in a gun auction before . I have found CGN sponsors and member transactions go well. The dealer description is accurate and they have been nothing but honest in their dealings with me.
Still good fun to watch the auction prices though! Between the pandemic and bad weather it gives something to look forward to.
