Any info on an Armas Garbi 51-A

NaDunta1

Hi Folks,

I have recebtly bought an Armas Garbi mobel 51-A 12 bore SbS in a fairly run down state from my local dealer.
Does anybody have any experience or info on this make and model.
I know they are made in the north of Spain.
I mailed Armas garbi with the serial number. It seems the gun was manufactured on the 27th June 1975 and sold to Garnetts & Keegans Ltd. in Dublin on 10th December 1975.
I have never heard of this make before but they seem to be a high end gun.
I may have stumbled onto something here since I only paid 200 Euro for it with the intentions of dropping a few pigeons.

Any feed back would be greatly appreciated

fish slapped

Know bugger all about shotty's but looks like you got a deal, judging by this site:

http://www.gunsinternational.com/listings.cfm?cat_id=762

pedroeibar1

Buy the gun, not the name.

Mate of mine has a Model 51 Garbi, loves it, I checked it out for him before. The model 51 is a double trigger boxlock with extractors, 2 ¾ chambers with 28 inch barrels choked modified and full. Most were stocked to customer specifications. It was sold in the US market at about $500. At 200 euro it is OK value if it is as you describe – depends on how run down and whether the condition is mechanically run down or just cosmetic. If it fits you, is shootable and can be cleaned up a bit it is very good value.
Garbi is now one of the best gunmakers in the Basque country, at Eibar.

Founded in 1959, it makes guns of all qualities, now concentrating on ‘best’ guns. They built sturdy guns designed for live bird shooting. The name is an acronym of the founders names. Garbi never joined DIARM, never built more than 800 or so guns every year (all by hand) and make only top quality sidelocks now – about 100 a year I think.

Their best guns are up there with Arrizabalagas, King Juan Carlos shoots a trio of Garbis and is a big fan.
Enjoy them!
Rs,
P.

fish slapped

Guess I just got a little bit of education Thank Pedroeibar1

pedroeibar1

fish slapped wrote: »

Guess I just got a little bit of education Thank Pedroeibar1

I had on the laptop - don't carry that amount of stuff (in full) in my head!

It really proves that the old addage "buy the gun, not the name" is very good advice.;)
Rs
P.

fish slapped

Just thought you really loved your shotties

Double Barrel

Armas Garbi stopped making the model 51 maybe 30 - 35 years ago and as Pedro wrote they now specialise in high end handmade SLE's.
A gun that has not being maintained needs to be stripped down and inspected by a smith. Then you can make an informed decision. Judge the gun.

Double Barrel

NaDunta
FYI
In 1985 a Garbi 51A SRP* was £500.00. +-
In 1985 a Garbi 100 SRP was £2000.0 +-
............a Garbi 103 .... was £3000.0 +-

............a AyA No. 2 .... was £2300.00 +-

*Suggested Retail Price Your milage may vary.:rolleyes:

NaDunta1

Many thanks for the input folks.This gun comes to the shoulder really well and target accquisition is cool, (must have been made for a middle aged overweight guy!)I'm a fitter by trade so stripping and re assambly was not an issue and no issues were found.I am currently re blueing the metal work and refinishing the wood work as a bit of a project.It's a neat and light little gun so I may just hang onto it!Thanks again folks

pedroeibar1

NaDunta1 wrote: »

I am currently re blueing the metal work and refinishing the wood work as a bit of a project.It's a neat and light little gun so I may just hang onto it!Thanks again folks

Do take a few before / after photos... Are you doing a hot or cold reblue?
Rs
P.

NaDunta1

I sould have taken a few before pics but never thought of it.
I used the "Birchwood Casey" cold blueing kit. I have used it before a few times in the past and the results are quite good if you are carefull.
I used Birchwood Casey's stock finishing kit as well although all you really need is the Tru-oil which can be bought seperatley.
All in all it turned out well