Grulla Armas Sidelock 410

[ForrestArmstrong]

I've been wanting a fine 410 SxS but the really nice ones are out of my budget. This might work altho still at upper end of budget:

http://www.gunsinternational.com/GRULLA-410-SIDELOCK-EJECT-MOD-216RL-28-CHOPPER-LUMP-Bbls-EXC-ROSE-SCROLL-ENGRAVING-NICE-WOOD.cfm?gun_id=100442210

[Bill Murphy]

It would depend on how much a new one retails for. This is a pretty good looking gun. Another thing to consider is how long Champlin has had this gun on the market.

[Rick Losey]

It would depend on how much a new one retails for. .

About 11K - but Lion Country is sold out of 410s

http://www.doubleshotguns.com/grullaarmas.html

[ForrestArmstrong]

I guess if Champlins would take $6K it would be a pretty good buy. It does seem to be an above-average specimen, extra-nice wood, crisp engraving, 28" barrels, etc. I've noticed at auctions Spanish doubles don't bring much, might be a better place to get one.

[John Campbell]

It is sometimes wise to be circumspect of Spanish guns. it is up for sale for a reason.

[Rich Anderson]

I had wanted a 410 SXS for a very long time also. A Parker was out of the financial reach but I got a good deal of a Fox (CSM) FE. It's a nice gun but in reality I really don't shoot it much.

[Bob Hardison]

It is sometimes wise to be circumspect of Spanish guns. it is up for sale for a reason.
Just curious. Why? I have a Grulla 16ga 209HL SxS that shoots well for me without any problems. Other than assisted opening it has all options that I am aware of for a SxS. Not an expert by any means but fit, finish, engraving and wood looks very good for the price. I may have lucked up and got a good one. Thanks in advance for the input. Bob

[John Dallas]

My understanding is that there was a period of time (70's?) when many Spanish guns' parts were poorly heat treated, with resulting soft metal and high wear. That being said I would have no idea about how to decide if a gun was carrying those parts.

[Kenny Graft]

Most of the positive press for the Spanish makers is in the relm of BEST guns, quality copies of English best! I do not know ware this model ranks in quality. Is this one of the ones that are considered a best gun? Its add states mnf 2005 It will be of good quality steel. This gun looks to be of hi quality workmanship...all engraving is clear and crisp and properly executed. I like it.....As the buyer you should research new cost of same or like model. (All but the BEST guns) will sell well below current replacement cost in most cases....this is good for the buyer. The dealer is making money at the price asked so the owner is getting considerable less or has sold it for less to the dealer. In the short run you may loose a little or about 1/5 , the 20% of fair dealer mark up. This seller knows the market. In a week market or down turn you may not be able to sell it as the pool of buyers is less for 410 gauge guns of any make. Like the crash of 2008 losses were across the board of most SXS guns. I had bought several Parker reproductions prior to 2008 and they still have not fully recovered the values they had peaked at if I wanted to sell them today. Im sure it would be at some loss to me but not on all..??? The good news is they are close to the pre 08 prices so long as things don't go bad again anytime soon. I would recommend you read Spanish Best before buying a Spanish gun. Its a world of wealth if you plan to buy a Spanish gun. Good luck on your 410 quest.....(-: SXS ohio

[ForrestArmstrong]

Thanks fellows for the helpful replies! I think it is a very fine piece, probably worth around $6K based on replacement cost and prices of other similar Grullas on the net, perhaps not a "best" grade gun but still pretty nice. But I'm gonna pass just the same, $6K is still alot of dough, I can use it to pay on my Geoffroy Gournet account!

[ForrestArmstrong]

This one is nice too, a 28:
http://www.gunsinternational.com/Grulla-28-Gauge-Model-215K.cfm?gun_id=100458749

[Rich Anderson]

Grulla makes a fine gun. I disagree with the seller on this one as you can't have to many Grouse guns:)

[ForrestArmstrong]

Late 1960s, when I was in college, the "used rack" at Oshman's Sporting Goods in Houston had a VH 410 with a Bishop stock, $69.95, or maybe it was a DH. Alas, I couldn't afford $69.95 then, but I suppose we all have stories like that.

[Bob Hayes]

Porbably open a can of worms but here goes.
I received as a gift a CZ 410 ringneck,28" barrels,mod and imp clyd,pistol grip.The gun is a absolute blast to shoot.I had several spanish 410's over the years and shot them til feii apart.Recently, last few years, I have acquired several guns each astep up from those spanish guns.Started with a Stevens 20ga then L.C Smith and recently a Parker Che 20ga.Have not shot the Parker,its killing me but I am being patient.
The little ringneck is blast to shoot as I said.We shoot quail and alot of snipe here and for snipe that 410 is great.
Now after having the Parker in my hands I see the differences but it is nice handling gun.
I wondered how it would hold up though.I can say this after about 2000 rounds,various shooters and loads its just fine.
We hunt every week from Oct. through Feb. down here for doves,quail,snipe and even a few ducks(teal) over decoys with the classic double loads.
This gun has taken everything I have thrown at it.

[ForrestArmstrong]

My brother still shoots his Stevens 311 410 which he has had for over 50 years. Not a thing wrong with it.

[Bob Hayes]

I have actually broken the stevens twice.Nothing major,firing pin and ejector lug I think its called.Numrich had both and was back in action.That was two years ago.It gets way more action than any gun I own.I bought it to have a side by side to lend to clients. I don't have to worry about so much.Most look at me with that look that says I want a third shot or more if you let me.But once they start shooting and hitting birds.Patience and pick your shots usual wins.

[Michael Murphy]

That is a really nice gun and having been made in 2005, its way beyond the questionable period for Spanish guns. I agree with the above,; at $6,000, that would be a nice gun to have.

[charlie cleveland]

i like the stevens 311 double 410 also..charlie

[Rich Anderson]

I hadn't shot my .410 in quite a while and thought about trading it off for something more usable but the two guns I was interested in were consignment guns and the dealer really couldn't trade. I took the 410 to the sporting clays range and shot a 33, pretty good for me esp with the 410. I'll hold on to it for a while, maybe I'll catch a Woodcock flight:)

[ForrestArmstrong]

Rich, by the way, Robt Strosin is recovering from Lyme Disease. I sent him an unfinished repro A-1 and am hoping to get it before too long.