AyA 56E ?
 

Any opinions on this shotgun or AyAs in general? I bought a 20 gauge, straight grip, BT forend, 26" IC/Mod. AyA has been around for a long time and make everything from lower to higher end SxSs. I remember when the better versions could be bought very inexpensively. Never considered on par with English or Italian SxSs but used specimens seem like reasonable value to me, especially for a fully engraved sidelock. Anticipating its arrival.

IMHO, AyA sidelocks are wonderful guns with great handling qualities and can represent a great value--particularly when bought used.

If you haven't yet seen this AyA factory tour youtube video, you'll probably enjoy watching it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTD9AMtOnxU

very nive shotguns.

The 56 is often made as a pigeon gun. In a short barrel 20 gauge it is just a nicer and stronger gun than the #2. It differs from the #2 in that the #56 has side clips, third fastener, and a dedicated larger frame than the other models.

I received this yesterday and am generally pleased. It is no Purdey but is pretty nice for the money ($3500). Is late 60s vintage, wood not as nice then as now, about my only complaint, lightweight despite heavier frame size, balances & handles great.

http://i41.tinypic.com/2eg67f8.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/5pnb42.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2wqslle.jpg

That is definitely more than a $3500 gun, considering the side clips and third fastener and great engraving. The single trigger is a tossup depending on whether it gives you any problem or not. I would love to own that gun. By the way, let's see the wood.

Thanks Bill, I prefer double triggers too. The wood is fairly plain European walnut, has a dark oil stain like earlier British shotguns. Inletting & checkering is good but not great for a sidelock shotgun. Today's AYAs seem to have nicer wood figure, a glossier finish, and overall better fit & finish, but are much more expensive. IMO the engraving today is not quite as fine and may be done with a machine except on higher grades, but I'm no expert on these.

http://i43.tinypic.com/2il07yq.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2n7pnxg.jpg

That is not a bad piece of walnut. A reoil would do wonders.