AYA Matador II 20ga w/two gun socks!
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AYA Matador II 20ga w/two gun socks!
AYA Matador II 20ga w/two gun socks!
🛠️ Overview & History
Manufactured by Aguirre y Aranzabal (AyA) in Eibar, Spain, circa 1955–1963
Boxlock, side-by-side design with single selective trigger and automatic ejectors
Generally considered a solid, hunting shotgun — less costly than AyA No. 1/Imperial but mechanically similar
🔧 Technical Specs
Gauge & Chambers: 20 ga, typically chambered for 2¾″ shells; some later examples support 3″ shells
Barrel Length: Commonly 26–28″ vent-rib barrels; barrels engraved or blued
Chokes: Mixed (Modified/Full or Improved Cylinder/Modified), depending on barrel sets
Weight: Around 6–7 lb — light and ideal for upland game
Stock: Quality walnut, often straight-hand or semi-pistol grip, with length of pull ~14¼″–14¾″
Finish: Blued barrels and furniture, beautiful case-hardened receiver—standard AyA styling
⚙️ Operation & Handling
Selective Single/Double Trigger: Single selective trigger governs barrel selection
Automatic Ejectors: Eject empty shells reliably upon opening. Enthusiasts note them as "powerful" .
Action Quality: Solid boxlock build; tight fit with case-hardening adds character and durability
Proof Marks: European proof marks confirm strength; use caution with steel shot unless proofed for it
🎯 Field Performance
Light & Nimble: Weighing only 6–7 lb, it’s agile for field sports like upland and dove hunting
Reliable Shooter: Owners report dependable cycling across various loads; a UK hunter noted “I’ve loved it… wonderful wood,” calling it effortless to swing .
Aesthetic & Feel: Sought-after for its tasteful engraving, ribbing, and tactile walnut stocks
Classic side-by-side aesthetics with elegant engraving and walnut.
Solid mechanical design with reliable ejectors and tight action.
Light weight makes it ideal for walking hunts.
🎯 Ideal For
Upland hunters seeking a lightweight, elegant workhorse shotgun.
Collectors or shooters who value Spanish guns with English-style craftsmanship for a mid-range price.
Users appreciating selective triggers and automatic ejectors in a refined side-by-side platform.
Summary
The AYA Matador II 20 ga is a dependable, lightweight Spanish side-by-side shotgun—classic in form, built with solid mechanics, and fair in price. It offers excellent balance and charm for field use, though its collector-grade polish may vary. Verify steel-shot proofing and chokes appropriate to your needs, and you’ve got a fine shotgun that members on both sides of the Atlantic enjoy.
🧰 Technical Specifications
Feature | Spec |
---|---|
Gauge & Chambering | 20 ga, 2¾″ chambers |
Barrel Length | 28″ |
Chokes | Modified/Full |
Weight | ~6 lb 11 oz (6.7 lb) |
Bore Diameter | ~.620″ (right barrel), .619″ (left); bore restriction ~.010″ |
Action Type | Boxlock (Anson & Deeley), disc strikers, with automatic ejectors and automatic safety |
Trigger | Single selective trigger |
Stock | Checkered walnut, pistol grip style; length of pull ~14½″ |
Forend | Slim, checkered beavertail style with Deeley latch |
Receiver Finish | Case-hardened; barrels and trigger guard blued |
Rib | Ventilated top rib (matted), steel front bead front sight |
Make
AYA
Model
Matador II
Caliber
20ga
Action
Boxlock
Capacity
2
Barrel length
28"
Overall length
na
Length of pull
14.5"
Gun weight
6.7lbs