AYA Shotguns.

Many years ago I was a member of a small clique of about a dozen blokes and we formed a small clay pigeon shooting club right in the middle of the Marlborough downs and we used to shoot Sunday Mornings and Wednesday evenings and a jolly good time was had by all. Unfortunately the club just died one year and my main shotguns have just lied dormant in the gun cabinet.

I have decided to restart the hobby and I have a Miroku O/U Sporter so I am ready to go. However I would like to try shooting clays with a side by side and although I have a 1910ish hammer gun in good nick I think it best to allow it to retire with good grace.

I have nearly always used English side by sides in the past but I now fancy something a bit more modern and AYA shotguns seem to be good sellers and have a good reputation for quality. Also I have been told that their Comb is quite high which makes it similar to a O/U for shooting purposes.

So I am hoping someone here who has shot with a AYA has a view as to whether it is worth going with them or not or should I go for an English gun again.

I would go for either a AYA No2 or a No4. I am not too concerned with budget and just want a good reliable shooter.

Comments appreciated.

I use my aya 2 regularly for clay days Mick, don't find it any different to using my silver pigeon, if you ever get to sussex you are welcome to borrow it.

Mike

Much like Rizzini’s there are AYAs and AYAs.
I learned to shoot with an AYA over and under, a very good robust gun, it lacked niceties like ejectors or multi choke but all in all it was a good first 12 bore for an 11 year old. It lasted years and I basically shot it out, it was not worth repairing.
I have no experience with more modern AYAs but I would counter that I dislike shooting clays with a side by side.
1. As you say a high Comb is preferable.
2. The fore stock tends to be shorter, which is not comfortable for me as a bigger bloke. (I like a long barrel and keep a straight arm)
3. They heat up much more quickly, as such it’s fun for a bit but no good for a decent session. I have found this a bigger issue than you would think. The inability to hold the thing is a real pain - literally.

I have a late 30s early 40s Webley side by side (ex RAF gunner training gun) and it’s fun for a bit but not really great for an entire morning making noise.

I would stick with the Miroku in your position.
I do shoot clays / rough less than I used to having moved on to full bore rifle, but I still like a clay day 5/6 days a year.

I have my grandfather’s no2 which he purchased new in the early/mid 60’s I believe. It’s a cracking gun.

I also have a Yeoman multi which has done me well for years.


Pitch

Thanks for the replies. Just for the avoidance of doubt, the Miroku would be the beater so to speak and the side by side just for the occasional shoot.

I notice that two of you use the AYA No 2 which is, of course, a sidelock. Out of curiosity do you find them reliable?.

I have an 20 bore AYA no 2. Lovely little gun far easier to carry for the day with just as much stopping power.


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Originally Posted by Mick P

Thanks for the replies. Just for the avoidance of doubt, the Miroku would be the beater so to speak and the side by side just for the occasional shoot.

I notice that two of you use the AYA No 2 which is, of course, a sidelock. Out of curiosity do you find them reliable?.

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Yes, also easy to work on, I needed a new firing pin in mine and it was a straightforward job b.

Would you prefer a double or single trigger? I shot an O/U for years & then, a few years ago, fancied a SbS much the same as yourself - I had a go of a few double trigger guns but just couldn't get on with them after being used to my single trigger O/U.
I then tracked down a Fabarm O/U with a single trigger which worked [for myself anyways] much better.
Never use the thing at all now tho... (shrugs shoulders)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gmt 16750

Would you prefer a double or single trigger? I shot an O/U for years & then, a few years ago, fancied a SbS much the same as yourself - I had a go of a few double trigger guns but just couldn't get on with them after being used to my single trigger O/U.
I then tracked down a Fabarm O/U with a single trigger which worked [for myself anyways] much better.
Never use the thing at all now tho... (shrugs shoulders)

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I shot S/S with double triggers for years and got on well with them. The single trigger on O/U guns certainly makes life easier but fortunately I can get on with both.

The main choice/decision for me is whether to buy an English gun or an AYA. The AYAs seem to be the obvious choice due to their perceived reliability and standard spares system. If something goes wrong with an English gun it is often a case of a long winded and bespoke repair process. Also there seems to be a train of thought that AYAs with their high comb are more akin to an O/U and that, if true, would be a major bonus.

Despite the large amount of AYAs on the market, I have never seen one and hence my query.

I also shoot a No. 2 sidelock.

I have had it maybe 25 years and it has been faultless.

For years I used it predominantly for game but haven't done a driven day for some time. I now use it for occasional clay shoots only. I find it fine and usually get better scores that others with their specialist trap guns.

Nice looking gun too.

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To add. Not sure where you are OP but you'd be welcome to try mine. I am based in North Wilts.

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Originally Posted by Hocuspocus

To add. Not sure where you are OP but you'd be welcome to try mine. I am based in North Wilts.

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Hi - I am back in the UK in early July and I will contact you on my return. I will bring my S/S hammer gun which is a locally made one. Thanks for the offer.

Have PM'd you

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Have been thinking about a SXS for clays myself and came across this unique offering from Fausti …… trying to find one for a test without traveling across to the factory may be challenging though. Not as handsome or refined as the higher AYA offerings I guess, but interesting in a function over form type of way.

https://shootingsportsman.com/fausti-dea-sport/

The AYA No 4 is a very reliable boxlock and due to S/Ss being well out of fashion can be purchased very cheap. You get a lot of reliable gun for your money.