Zabala shotguns? Opinions and value.

[Arcli9ht]

One of the used gun stores up here has a Zabala 16 gauge side by side shotgun.
It was pretty clean, nice wood, very good finish with nice engraving.

Their asking price was $725. Not knowing the manufacturer, I didn't make an offer on it. About how much is this gun worth? NRA VG most likely. I don't know the age, but it wasn't a spring chicken.


I have a Fabrique Nationale (browning copy under patent) Auto-5 Sweet 16 which I was thinking of offering in partial trade. It's in ok shape, the bluing is fine on the receiver, but kinda rough on the barrel, the forend stock is in ok shape, but the rear had a piece break off and was fixed. It fires the 2 and 9/16 shells which are almost impossible to find commercially. How much would that be worth in trade?

Thanks

 

[Parruthead]

2 and 9/16ths??? Isnt that the same as 2 3/4??? If not please enlighten me!.

 

[Arcli9ht]

The 9/16's is a little over half an inch. Three quarters of an inch is well, three quarters of an inch.

They were two competing lengths in the same gauge, like the 2 3/4", 3" and 3 1/2" shells in 12 gauge. 9/16's just lost.

The gun could be modified to work with 3/4, it would take boring out the barrel a tad and milling out a little of the receiver which i am loathe to do on something that might have a little value and which I don't have any particular affection for.

 

[zinj]

You will regret trading that Sweet 16, you know that there are some companies manufacturing 2.5in 16 gauge shells? The price on them isn't bad either.

 

[Arcli9ht]

The only gun I ever sold I regretted terribly, so I might not do that again. I was just tossing it around as an idea to get my mits on the SxS.

Who makes the shells now? I've been unable to find them through the usual channels, and I just made my choice and invested in gun smithing tools instead of reloading, so that is out of the question for at least a year.

 

[zinj]

Search for Gamebore, they make a 2.5in loading, in either #6 or #7 shot. When I was doing some reasearch just over a year ago they ran about $8 a box (before shipping). Not exactly promo prices, but the price isn't any worse than other premium field loads.

EDIT: Here is a place selling them:

http://www.firearmservice.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/page19.html

 

[Dave McCracken]

Polywad carries 16 gauge, 2 1/2" shells. So does Ballistic Products, if memory serves.

I regard the 16 as a great upland cartridge, but reloading one's own ammo is nigh mandatory. This especially applies to the older shirt case shotguns.

 

[Arcli9ht]

Ah! finally some ammo for the auto 5. It feels almost like getting a new gun!
+case


Anyone have a value on the Zabala? I don't have a used gun guide.

 

[Oldnamvet]

I have an American Arms Brittany 12 ga sxs which was made by Zabala Hermanos in Spain. After 17 years of use for skeet, trap, and hunting, it is still tight and shoots well. Their web site shows exclusively O/U and SxS shotguns. I didn't know they were being imported here. I consider them a bargain based upon the one I have and the price I paid for it ($450 NIB).

 

[Gordon]

Sorry Zabalas are all over the board- from $500-$5000, depending on grade and which Zabala ect.. If really nice I would offer your A5 and $300 - $500 . BTW you could get the forcing cone of the FN lengthened for $80 which would allow the 2 3/4" shells.