Spanish Shotgun Information

[DJZoutman]

I am looking for information on a spanish side by side shotgun i inherited from my grandfather, it is a Julian Arana “La Sorda” but i am unable to find any more information on it or the markings. I would like to know if this is safe to use with modern shells and the age if possible before i shoot it.

[No1Mk3]

Your gun is Nitro proofed for 2 3/4" 12g shells. The post-1931 Proof Mark was for 12,090 psi Proof.

[DJZoutman]

Thank you, didn't want to risk damaging it. Any idea where i could find more information regarding year of manufacture, more about the maker, etc?

[No1Mk3]

Thank you, didn't want to risk damaging it. Any idea where i could find more information regarding year of manufacture, more about the maker, etc?

The year of Proof code is probably stamped on the barrel flats, or just in front on the barrel itself. The Arana Family have been involved in the gun trade in and around Eibar for many years, with a Francisco Arana listed as a gunmaker in 1798, and Esteban listed in the gun trade in 1887 with his brother Victor awarded a pistol patent in 1895. Julian started making shotguns in 1923, son Javier becoming Director in 1972. The name "La Sorda" translates as "The Snipe", a common game bird in that part of Spain.

[DJZoutman]

I am assuming you mean the P1 on this photo? I believe that means it was proofed in 1971?

IMG_6927.jpeg (213.38 KiB) Viewed 9228 times

[No1Mk3]

Yes, 1971 Proof.

[DJZoutman]

Thank you for all your help

[Swagman]

Hi DJZoutman,
i just read your post, very interesting. I am also looking to purchase a Julian Arana La Sorda and where your "P1" stamp is, this gun has a "U1"
Would you have a clue how old this is and where did you find the info about that please?
Thanks a lot.

[No1Mk3]

Hi DJZoutman,
i just read your post, very interesting. I am also looking to purchase a Julian Arana La Sorda and where your "P1" stamp is, this gun has a "U1"
Would you have a clue how old this is and where did you find the info about that please?
Thanks a lot.

G'day Swagman, U1 would have passed Proof in 1976, Cheers.

[Swagman]

Thank you, i found a website with the whole listing.
Please disregard any following posts of me, i have sent you another request this morning with the same questions, looks like its not through yet.
But all good, i got all the info i needed.
Cheers

[Rob_K]

I have the exact same Shotgun and have questions about the rifling at the end of the barrel? is it a fixed choke and is it safe to shoot factory ammunition? I picked mine up off an auction site so I have not been able to get much information on this particular firearm

[No1Mk3]

I have the exact same Shotgun and have questions about the rifling at the end of the barrel? is it a fixed choke and is it safe to shoot factory ammunition? I picked mine up off an auction site so I have not been able to get much information on this particular firearm

Rifling? As in actual rifling like a rifle barrel? It would mean someone has gone to the great expense of fitting a Paradox Barrel which would still shoot shot but as an unchoked Cylinder bore. If you mean as in a screw thread then someone has had the barrel modified to take choke inserts. Can you post a photo of the muzzles?

[Oldbloke]

I am looking for information on a spanish side by side shotgun i inherited from my grandfather, it is a Julian Arana “La Sorda” but i am unable to find any more information on it or the markings. I would like to know if this is safe to use with modern shells and the age if possible before i shoot it.

Cherish the memories and the gun.

[Rob_K]

I have the exact same Shotgun and have questions about the rifling at the end of the barrel? is it a fixed choke and is it safe to shoot factory ammunition? I picked mine up off an auction site so I have not been able to get much information on this particular firearm

Rifling? As in actual rifling like a rifle barrel? It would mean someone has gone to the great expense of fitting a Paradox Barrel which would still shoot shot but as an unchoked Cylinder bore. If you mean as in a screw thread then someone has had the barrel modified to take choke inserts. Can you post a photo of the muzzles?

Attached are the best pictures I can take on my phone while holding it as i dont have a bench rest or work stand for it atm. There is rifling for about inch and a half or so in length and it is not a screw in choke. It is not the full length of the barrel, i acquired it at an online auction and have not shot it due to not knowing what ammo to use. I am moving overseas and looking to sell it to a friend so i want to know what is the best ammunition for it to ensure it is safe to use

[No1Mk3]

Paradox barrels! Magnificent, but look like tube inserts in the original barrel then sights fitted to the gun. A good looking job. Alas it is unlikely to still be 12g, you will need to have the barrels and chambers measured by a gunsmith, not overly expensive and for what you have certainly worth doing. I feel faint, think I'll have a Bex and a good lie down! Jealousy attack imminent!

[No1Mk3]

This gun will shoot shot, slugs and lead ball with good accuracy, though some feel spinning the shot cup seriously shortens the shot range due to increasing the pattern size, but shoot and see I think. I would really be interested to hear what gauge it is now once it is confirmed by a smith.

[Rob_K]

I purchased it as a 12Guage at auction but i can get it looked at on monday. I am looking to offload it as Im moving to America to study gunsmithing funny enough. What would an approximate value be for this?

[Rob_K]

Paradox barrels! Magnificent, but look like tube inserts in the original barrel then sights fitted to the gun. A good looking job. Alas it is unlikely to still be 12g, you will need to have the barrels and chambers measured by a gunsmith, not overly expensive and for what you have certainly worth doing. I feel faint, think I'll have a Bex and a good lie down! Jealousy attack imminent!

I put a post up in the hunting pages on facebook and it looks like from the replies that it is a 20g from the markings not a 12 guage. but ill still get it looked at. I am still unsure of the value. I have seen the same shotgun without the paradox barrel go for 500 and there is a 20guage up for sale for 500 but no information if it is a paradox or not. And this forum is the only place I have been able to find any information the the "La Sorda" everything online is H&H and about how it was invented and patented

[Rob_K]

20 guage confirmed

[Rob_K]

Paradox barrels! Magnificent, but look like tube inserts in the original barrel then sights fitted to the gun. A good looking job. Alas it is unlikely to still be 12g, you will need to have the barrels and chambers measured by a gunsmith, not overly expensive and for what you have certainly worth doing. I feel faint, think I'll have a Bex and a good lie down! Jealousy attack imminent!

are you interested?? it is up for sale atm. confimred 20guage and paradox

[gunderson]

speaking of Spanish made, I have one of these, its great u/o shotty

https://www.ssaa.org.au/stories/shotgun ... rting.html

[bigpete]

Paradox barrels! Magnificent, but look like tube inserts in the original barrel then sights fitted to the gun. A good looking job. Alas it is unlikely to still be 12g, you will need to have the barrels and chambers measured by a gunsmith, not overly expensive and for what you have certainly worth doing. I feel faint, think I'll have a Bex and a good lie down! Jealousy attack imminent!

are you interested?? it is up for sale atm. confimred 20guage and paradox

s**t if he's not i am !

[Rob_K]

Paradox barrels! Magnificent, but look like tube inserts in the original barrel then sights fitted to the gun. A good looking job. Alas it is unlikely to still be 12g, you will need to have the barrels and chambers measured by a gunsmith, not overly expensive and for what you have certainly worth doing. I feel faint, think I'll have a Bex and a good lie down! Jealousy attack imminent!

are you interested?? it is up for sale atm. confimred 20guage and paradox

s**t if he's not i am !

if only i had seen this yesterday. Looks like a bloke is interested tho money hasn't changed hands what would you offer?

[bigpete]

Paradox barrels! Magnificent, but look like tube inserts in the original barrel then sights fitted to the gun. A good looking job. Alas it is unlikely to still be 12g, you will need to have the barrels and chambers measured by a gunsmith, not overly expensive and for what you have certainly worth doing. I feel faint, think I'll have a Bex and a good lie down! Jealousy attack imminent!

are you interested?? it is up for sale atm. confimred 20guage and paradox

s**t if he's not i am !

if only i had seen this yesterday. Looks like a bloke is interested tho money hasn't changed hands what would you offer?

What are you wanting ?

[Rob_K]

are you interested?? it is up for sale atm. confimred 20guage and paradox[/quote]

s**t if he's not i am ![/quote]



if only i had seen this yesterday. Looks like a bloke is interested tho money hasn't changed hands what would you offer?[/quote]

What are you wanting ?[/quote]



Sorry mate it sold the next morning i forgot to log in here, I unfortunatly got less then i wanted but I had to sell it as im moving on all my firearms before moving to the US

[bigpete]

Bugger