George Bird Evans 28 Gauge

[Alfred Houde]

Good morning, all:

I did a cursory search in the forums but could not find a thread.

I read that late in life, George Bird Evans switched to a 28 gauge. If so, what was the gun and its info, and does anyone know its current whereabouts? I know the story behind his Purdey, I'm curious about the 28 gauge.

Thank you in advance for any information, and apologies if this is an overbaked topic.

R/

[6pt-Sika]

I’m pretty sure the 28 was an AYA .

[6pt-Sika]

Seems to me he had injured his shoulder and wanted something with less recoil , hence the 28 AYA .

[Woodcock survey]

A Spanish gun if i remember correctly of his writing about it.

[James L. Martin]

I remember reading about his 28ga, a little exploring Google found that it was a AYA boxlock. I remember he wrote more info about the gun but can't remember where.

[mobirdhunter]

Craig is correct, it was an AyA, and was purchased because of a shoulder injury that kept him from shooting a heavier gun. He apparently fell for Bodio’s little 28 and got one like it. Pretty sure it was their 453 model. I have two such 28s and can attest to their quality.

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

Craig is correct, it was an AyA, and was purchased because of a shoulder injury that kept him from shooting a heavier gun. He apparently fell for Bodio’s little 28 and got one like it. Pretty sure it was their 453 model. I have two such 28s and can attest to their quality.

To the best of my knowledge I don’t think he spent a great amount of money on guns . And I think he only had four 20 Sterlingworth , 12 Sterlingworth , the Purdey and the mentioned little AYA . By no means do I consider myself an authority on the man or a great friend of his . I did however talk to him on the phone usually twice a year back in the 80’s or so . And he’d tell me about that seasons points etc . I learned early not to ask “how many did ya kill this season” . So I found it better to ask how many staunch points that season or something along those lines .

[OH Osthaus]

GBE had rotator cuff injuries in both shoulders making mounting a gun difficult

The AYA was acquired from a member of the Old Hemlock family if I recall

It had a very short length of pull that allowed him to mount it with raising his elbows much at all.

[mobirdhunter]

The varying accounts of GBE and Steven Bodio of their meeting and Evan’s’ lust for his AyA is quite the lesson in differing perspectives. Worth seeking out.

[Andy]

Catherine Harpers book on his life is a great read and well worth reading, even if you're not a huge fan of the man. Quite the life. Lots of in depth information in there.

https://www.amazon.com/George-Bird-E.../dp/0967464609