I was offered one marked "The London" in mint condition at the 2021 Game Fair. Strangely its barrels actually measured nearer 24 inch than 25, and it appeared to be in in unfired condition (not shortened, chokes were all there). Its price was £1000 but the said they would entertain an offer as they specialised in O/U and did not normally sell SXS. If it had actually been a longer barrel model, I would definitely have bought it, and if asked, for double that. When we removed the sidelocks, they still had the original grease on them. I cannot remember what the retailers were called but they may respond to this post and come forward. Meanwhile I will do some detective work my end and report back if I can figure their identity out.
I've had the top gun dealer look at it, & this is what I've found out; I'm told it's a "Spanish copy of a Churchill Imperial, sidelock ejector. It has a Holland-style hand-detachable lockplate". I knew when I bought it, it was classic Churchill 25" barrels & a sloping Churchill rib, it took me a long time to get any more information, until I went to Oxford.
A lovely gun David. As a casual observation the barrel walls look quite full (quite thick) is that a design feature to balance a shorter (25 inch) barrel length?
Were all five guns the same built to the same speck and choke. I looked at a paid of AYA Churchill’s a couple of years ago (25” barrels), which were also tightly choked which is why I didn’t buy (too tight for steel). Is the tight choke due to the barrel length? Lovely gun by the way.
I’ve a 25” aya no4 in 20 bore with Churchill rib etc. It was tightly choked 3/4 & full, I think they are made like that, my 12g Yeoman & No 3 were the same. Tight chokes can be opened out to your preference, I think that’s why they come like that.
Tight chokes aren’t due to barrel length, that was what was in fashion back then. It’s worth buying a old gun nowadays and just getting the chokes reamed out if you want, I got it done last year to an old AYA from 1/2 and full to 1/4 and 3/8, patterns really nicely now for walked up game and can now safely shoot standard steel!
Off the peg AYAs came tightly choked so that you could have them bored to your preferred choking. They were not intended to be used, unless you particularly wanted to, so tightly bored. I see that David still conceals the timing and strength of the ejectors by concealing them in his hand.
@@nickhorten97 you seem to really know your stuff Nick, I recognise your name from the gun shop with John maybe? I still opt for non ejector in all my guns, hate having to pick up cartridges/ catch them in your hand upon opening.
Great video. Interesting to see such a rare gun, especially back on its home ground. How is your father these days. We have not seen him for a while.
I was offered one marked "The London" in mint condition at the 2021 Game Fair. Strangely its barrels actually measured nearer 24 inch than 25, and it appeared to be in in unfired condition (not shortened, chokes were all there). Its price was £1000 but the said they would entertain an offer as they specialised in O/U and did not normally sell SXS. If it had actually been a longer barrel model, I would definitely have bought it, and if asked, for double that. When we removed the sidelocks, they still had the original grease on them. I cannot remember what the retailers were called but they may respond to this post and come forward. Meanwhile I will do some detective work my end and report back if I can figure their identity out.
I've had the top gun dealer look at it, & this is what I've found out;
I'm told it's a "Spanish copy of a Churchill Imperial, sidelock ejector.
It has a Holland-style hand-detachable lockplate".
I knew when I bought it, it was classic Churchill 25" barrels & a sloping Churchill rib, it took me a long time to get any more information, until I went to Oxford.
That “Traditional English Leather Recoil Pad” is absolutely ‘rubbery’ 😉 Nice gun though, but causing you to flinch quite badly with “no kick at all”.
"lol"
A lovely gun David. As a casual observation the barrel walls look quite full (quite thick) is that a design feature to balance a shorter (25 inch) barrel length?
Great video, l am very fond of side by side shotguns ❤
I noticed when you mounted this gun the stock did not look like it was in your shoulder but lower down , or is it me .
That was the preferred barrel length, from the Gunmaker Churchill.
what is the barrel length?
Beautiful gun, hope the owner would do a deal with your dad to get it back in the family.
Were all five guns the same built to the same speck and choke. I looked at a paid of AYA Churchill’s a couple of years ago (25” barrels), which were also tightly choked which is why I didn’t buy (too tight for steel). Is the tight choke due to the barrel length? Lovely gun by the way.
I’ve a 25” aya no4 in 20 bore with Churchill rib etc. It was tightly choked 3/4 & full, I think they are made like that, my 12g Yeoman & No 3 were the same. Tight chokes can be opened out to your preference, I think that’s why they come like that.
Tight chokes aren’t due to barrel length, that was what was in fashion back then. It’s worth buying a old gun nowadays and just getting the chokes reamed out if you want, I got it done last year to an old AYA from 1/2 and full to 1/4 and 3/8, patterns really nicely now for walked up game and can now safely shoot standard steel!
Off the peg AYAs came tightly choked so that you could have them bored to your preferred choking. They were not intended to be used, unless you particularly wanted to, so tightly bored. I see that David still conceals the timing and strength of the ejectors by concealing them in his hand.
@@nickhorten97 you seem to really know your stuff Nick, I recognise your name from the gun shop with John maybe? I still opt for non ejector in all my guns, hate having to pick up cartridges/ catch them in your hand upon opening.
@@beeboop1726I agree wholeheartedly. But if you've got them, it's nice to see that the actually work.
Doug is clearly a man of many talents. Any chance of having a go with it if we pop up?
You will have to call Doug on 01844 238 308 as this gun is not ours and he would have to ask if you call him he can ask.
aya is spanish, Basque, remains Aguirre y aranzabal
Sir AYA are also spain made.
AYA are spanish Aguirre Y aranzabal
Looks like a model 25 not a number 2
Putting London on the action is just misleading
I have model 25 sidelock made in 1971
Identical barring London
Very rare.
There are only 3 Parker invincables
Really
Stop all your sponsor ads
man I feel so sorry for UK, they can't have fraction of the fun we have, sorry guys!
Can you use a punt gun in America? I can in the UK.
@@nickhorten97 Chuckle , lol.