Or not? I have a 12ga side by side that has seen some use. Late 60s gun. Not high dollar collector but well made. I can see some decent wood character underneath. What say you? Worth it?



In my opinion guns should be both functional and good looking. I dont own any safe queens. I enjoy admiring them as well as shooting. My only regret with this one is losing the original factor since you can never go back.

If there’s no collector value do it.

Sure.

There's a fragile outer layer that comes off with fingernail. What is this? Old varnish? Wax? One of my bigger concers is reassembly. You know, some screws better left unturned. Worried about refit.

Options to buff off the outer layer and shine it up without disassembly?

Sounds like worn out varnish to me.I would redo it.

Probably old varnish or lacquer.

Use good screwdrivers... Chemical strippers and a new finish that’ll give you the look you want would be my plan if it’s chipping off. Careful with that beautiful checkering.

If you decide to refinish it, don't plan on using it for weeks if you do it properly!. It's a laborious process to do it right.

Just a oil finish really looks nice and brings out the wood character.

That's at least a halfway decent gun, I can tell by the forearm clip. Maker?

Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil mixed with a couple drops of Turpentine will seal the woods pores. Like I said, it's a long process.

AYA. i didnt want to give that away in the original post. My research turned up late 60s, contract gun likely with Sears. But it doesn't have a formal model name indicated. Fit is decent but not what they're known for. I have an email to AYA to help figure it out.

Thought it would be a nice winter project with Tru Oil. I need basically all the tools so also an excuse to buy stuff.

AYA is a very decent maker, Spanish if I remember right. The only thing wrong with that gun is the beavertail forearm. My buddy has one on his and we argue about it all the time. Nothing personal.

AYA Field Grade. Yes AYA made some very fine guns.

As a word of caution from someone who has done it, if you don't have any experience working with doubles, don't take that stock off. Not unless you know of a gunsmith who is knowledgeable in doubles who can reassemble it for you.

See that's my concern as well. Im meeting gunsmith tomorrow for a different project gun. Ill inquire on his experiences with doubles. The gun was a gift, entrusted to me, and i dont want to ruin it. May just leave as is.

It's a gift entrusted to you. Leave it stay originally as it was given to you for sentimental and nostalgic reasons then.

I'd leave the battle scars

Not sentimental nor nostalgic. It was in my buddy's family. He ran out of room in gun safe. Thought it would fit better in mine. The fact that he gave it to me means that i would never sell it. He thinks gussying it up a bit would be fine.

Then go for it :-) . . .