The Grulla 216 RB | 5 Reasons I Chose This Side-By-Side Shotgun

[@k.w.2510]

I’m an English gun owner… but I’ve owned the Spanish Best guns and have read the book. Excellent presentation and content - the SXS is a classic and refined in its utility. My favorite gun weighs 5lbs 9ozs in 20ga proofed to 1 oz loads in double trigger straight grip - your assessment of the Spanish guns was honest and true. If a man gets fitted for a handmade shotgun, regardless of whether from one of London’s Finest or one from Spain, he’ll be a better shooter for it in the end. Cheers and Bravo!

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks! Appreciate the comment!

[@airbhidhmacpharlain]

An outstanding video, thank you. The American writer, Stephen Bodio once remarked "why kill a beautiful bird with an ugly gun?" I'm seventy years old and after reading that forty years ago I sold my ubiquitous over/under and pump guns and purchased my first Basque 20 bore double modeled after an English best. Since that time I've built a collection of gameguns, some of them English, and loved them all. None of us will live forever so, in recent years I've reduced my collection to just one,: a bespoke, fitted 6 lb. 20 bore AyA Bournbrook #4 rounded action boxlock ejector game gun, balanced at the hinge pin, 28" tubes, swamped rib, double triggers with front hinged, exhibition Turkish wood, and nicely executed full coverage hand engraving over coin finish. Former Holland & Holland stocker and gunsmith, Paul Hodgins installed a black leather covered 'Old English' recoil pad, and that gun is a lovely thing to behold, carry, and shoot. After all this time and shooting birds in the UK and North America, today I 'specialize' in the pursuit of one species only, the reputed 'king of American gamebirds' (a well-deserved title), the Ruffed Grouse. I no longer care about number of birds harvested, only enjoying the distilled experience of a lovely bird gun, and watching my handsome chestnut/white Llewellin setter find and point ruffs. To this old man, bird, dog, and gun coordinate nicely, and nothing could be sweeter.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Very well put! You communicated exactly how I feel😉. I've never heard that quote...but now I'll never forget it😁. Appreciate the comment!

[@airbhidhmacpharlain]

@@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast Before downsizing my collection, I owned two bespoke Grulla game guns, both of which I commissioned and purchased new:, a 16 bore Grulla #2, and a 16 bore Grulla 217, and both were lovely pieces. Gunmaker Bud Duncan in San Diego performed a minor modification on the #2 for me, and remarked "this is a very well-made gun - REALLY, this is a VERY WELL MADE GUN!'" I was impressed by his emphasis because Bud didn't make remarks like that about guns too terribly often (he recall he once criticized aspects of the workmanship on a new Purdey that came into his shop). Thanks again for your video, I thoroughly enjoy it.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

That's pretty neat! I'm hoping someday I can go to Spain and visit the Basque region.

[@craigguilmet6282]

You made an excellent choice, the Grulla is a very well made shotgun. There's just something about having a nice gun that makes bird hunting special. I know you will enjoy it for years to come.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks Craig! Can’t wait to try it out this fall!

[@craigguilmet6282]

@@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast I don't often hear people from Maine that get very enthusiastic about side x sides or gun fitting. Nice video excellent choice of gun. My very first gun that I purchased was a 410 Spanish sxs, had a lot of fun with it even though it didn't fit and was a bit on the lower end of Spanish guns. I'll look for your video out hunting this fall. Good luck!

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks Craig. I agree, not many people in Maine are not into sxs for one reason or another. Who made your 410? I’m sure it’s a fun gun to shoot.

[@craigguilmet6282]

@@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast kasnar I believe although I doubt there in business any longer. I sold it years ago, after a few years I regretted doing so as I shot my first two birds on the wing and will always remember that. Should have kept it for the memories as a wall hanger. I'm a bit addicted to finely made guns and have purchased many makes over the years. Just watched your hunting video at Chandler lake camps very nice place. I build and repair log cabins and have been working at King and Bartlett and Kibby Kamps for the past eight years now it's the best combination of work and being in nature.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

I know what you mean. I have a few guns that aren’t worth much monetarily speaking, but they are personally very special. I love hand built rustic log cabins. I would love to build one someday…it’s on my bucket list😉

[@YakMotley]

Great video! I have a CZ Bobwhite! SxSs are so cool!

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks! I love doubles!

[@SavageShooters]

Purchased very lightly used a Grulla 216 with both .28ga and .410 bore barrel sets about a year ago and absolutely love it. Extremely nice guns that most American's have never even heard of. And yes, Terry Wieland's "Spanish Best" book is probably the best reference for those wanting to learn about Spanish shotguns and gun makers. Just reading about the whole history of the Eibar region and how it became so highly regarded for it's gun making is well worth the cost of the book. The similarities between the Eibar region of Spain and the Brescia Valley in Italy as centuries old gun making communities is hard to ignore.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Nice! Glad you are enjoying the new gun! Terry's book is such a good read. Makes me want to visit the Eibar region someday...absolutely fascinating.

[@jkoysza1]

Now retired, I also subscribe to "sometimes the old ways are best". Cane poles and silk line, natural material flies and waxed cotton vests. In that same vein, shooting 16 ga. doubles. Agree that the British best guns have become absurdly expensive even on the secondary market. The better Spanish guns are now very appealing as they have overcome their barrel splitting quality problems of the 1970s. A pair of Grullas would be perfect for me and to pass on to the grandkids.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

I agree with everything you said…sounds just like me😁!

[@wholeNwon]

Well done. It's good to see a young(er) man learning to appreciate side-by-sides. I think that Purdey has been eclipsed by Fabbri, though there are many who believe that Boss and Co. cannot be improved upon, though their single trigger mechanism is odd. There are several Italian makers, beside Fabbri, who produce superb weapons. Among them are Bossis and Rizzini. The latter has made advances in boxlock design that are really noteworthy. Returning to Britain, the round-bodied trigger plate actions are truly elegant. We should all remember that the need to deal with steel shot is increasingly important in choosing a gun. Some of my light weight English field guns are not suitable for use with steel, so the increased cost of bismuth is borne.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks! I appreciate the history and the stories behind doubles. You make a very good point about the use of steal shot. Something to consider for sure. There is an increasing push to prevent the use of lead shot which could complicate matters. Thanks for watching!

[@tripg.4690]

Thank you for making this video! Terrific insight and information! I'm a newbie to the world of SxS too and there is definitely something special about them. Took the leap of faith and pulled the trigger on an AyA #4 20ga couple of yrs ago having NO experience of ever even shooting a SxS and absolutely LOVE it.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

My pleasure, glad you liked it👍. AyA was on my list😉. Good choice!

[@jamesfairmind2247]

Brilliant video, a great analysis of the various aspects of SxS. I live in the UK and shoot both a straight grip double trigger (1911 Holland and Holland Royal 20 re-barreled by H&H in 2009) and a new single trigger pistol grip Beretta 486 20 bore. I can transition between them easily and appreciate both types. I am about to order a matched pair of William Evans double trigger straight grip Pall Mall model 20 bores which are made for them by Grulla who, as you also believe, are in my opinion are the best Spanish makers.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks James! A Holland and Holland would be a dream as would a William Evans. Here in the states, I think we fail to appreciate the features that make a great SxS great. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesfairmind2247]

@@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast You didn't actually touch on the brilliant self-opening mechanisms typical of all top English guns like Holland and William Evans? Once you have experienced an self or assisted-opener you never want anything else! The Holland design is the best and is therefore the mechanism copied by Grulla, AYA and all the top Spanish makes. The Purdy is a true "self-opener" (defined by if it opens whilst upside down) but is stiff to close whereas the Holland 'assisted opener" is not stiff to close and yet does the same job being "assisted" rather than truly "self-opening".

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

That’s a good point, I didn’t. Thanks for the info! I’ll have to mention it at some point in time.

[@gino_jihai]

Thanks for the interesting contents! In Italy, we still have the chance to go in person to some side-by-side factories, such as "F. lli Pioli", "F. Piotti", "R.F.M. Armi", and have a custom one made. The quality is pretty good and prices are way more affordable than Spanish ones (such as AYA) because the passion for hunting and guns is currently ever-decreasing here.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Very cool! My wife is dying to visit Italy...maybe it would be worth the trip!

[@gino_jihai]

@@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast Yes, it's worth visiting! And interestingly, almost all of the gun makers, Beretta, Perazzi, Fausti, Rizzini, Pioli, Piotti, R.F.M., Bettinsoli, Marocchi-Breda, ... are all located in the same city of Brescia (except Benelli-Franchi that are in Urbino). Hope you come over soon!

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Wow, thanks for the info! We will definitely check it out!

[@ROE1300]

👍 Nice overview. I recently went through the same process and came to many of the same conclusions. I agree fit is crucial in a shotgun we will be happy with. I bought 2 guns; a used 12 gauge AyA Yeoman a new 20 gauge CZ Bobwhite G2. Thus far I am pleased with both.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks! I’m a big fan of AYA. Definitely on my list for a future purchase 😁

[@nh603]

Great video, very good topic and information. Excellent 👍👍

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks Keith!

[@robclarke7602]

Superb video! I'm a double gun (SxS) fan. Sidelocks are prettier for sure, especially with some nice engraving. English/Straight grips and dual triggers is a must! I like my LC Smiths, but I also split the difference and have several Weatherby Athena D'Italia (Fausti) sideplated boxlocks. They handle extremely well, very reliable, and they didn't break the bank. Thanks for nicely done video.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks! Glad you liked it👍

[@jamesrichie5082]

50yrs ago I purchased a new 20ga. Savage fox that was a beautiful firearm.on the first dove hunt both firing pins broke.after a gun smith repaired it ,the gun would not close after firing. Beautiful junk also to me was light weight.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

That’s a bummer. Do you still have it? My father has had tremendous luck with his and shoots it well. He’s shot a lot of grouse with it! Thanks for watching Rich!

[@punisher7292]

I bought the same gun but in a 12 guage, that was 48 years ago. I carried it every season except 5 seasons. Those 5 were when I was in the service. I can't say enough good things about it. My only problem was the weight, it was a little heavy. I plan on retire ring it this year. I hope to buy my heirloom gun next, I have a budget of 4k .

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

That’s great to hear! I love guns with a story…that have meaning. Thanks for sharing!

[@bpetey5970]

This is awesome content. I love your focus on tradition. Sometimes the old ways are best. (Said by an old side by side wielding Scotsman in Skyfall) This is the video on side by sides I needed. I wish I had the money for a Holland & Holland. But these Spanish ones look like a good option

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks! I love tradition😉. I think (in my opinion) the Spanish are the best bang for the buck. Thanks for watching!

[@schutendohkji548]

Yes, i've bought that Spanish Best by Wieland at eBay/amazon. It's the most comprehensive history of Basque shotgun making as the author weave thru factories, talking to the gunsmith, modern transition from hand making guns to CAD/CAM tech. Very good n entertaining phrases about the Spanish Civil War, much better written than Ernest Hemingway. It's a kind of a book that u look forward to snuggle n read in bed B4 sleeping!!! Thx u 4 ur excellent dissertation on the SxS shotguns we love. Unlike the O/U, the SxS looks sleek, beautiful.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Glad you enjoyed it👍. Incredibly informative read. I was going to Spain after reading that book 😂. Makes you want to go check things out for yourself. Thanks for watching!

[@victorstephens3604]

Paul, nice looking guns in general. I have always liked side by side's and over/unders. For the most part I hunt with a pump 20 gauge full chock, but I have an old h&r 12 gauge that I absolutely love. It's just the thought of the money for actually return I would receive. Been meaning to asked have you ever read the book ( The greatest hunting stories ever told) if not I believe your family would enjoy the stories.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Nice! I haven’t read that book…I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!

[@mirzaadil6955]

Another great video abt side by side shotguns. The US people are mad abt semi-auto but you like side by side very much. Please make more videos abt side by side. Thanks.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks! I plan on it!

[@sergeypanfilov3397]

Sidelock round body (round action) shotgun is absolutely beautiful! 😍

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

My favorite!

[@tovo1949]

Crisp trigger pull also very important !

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

So true Thomas! Thanks for watching!

[@josephholland2250]

Who did you buy the gun from? How would you rate the service?

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Hey Joe. I bought it from a dealer in Wisconsin. The owners name was Mark. I believe his website is Mark’s Born Again Bird Guns. He specializes in selling double guns and repairs. He was great to work with. He shipped it to my local dealer…it arrived the next day and I had a 3 day inspection period to look it over and commit to the purchase. I’d buy another from him in a heartbeat. Thanks for watching!

[@JohnSmith-ru5ps]

Pau, thanks for this informative video. I am presently looking for a 20 ga side-by-side and really like the look of the Spanish one you show. Can you give me an idea on the price of it?

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Hey John! There is a pretty wide price range. New production side-by-sides can be had for anywhere from 1500$ to sky is the limit.

[@JesseRiley-gm7om]

Genuine question.. When you say you feel like the Spanish guns are the best quality for money, what are you referring to? Specifically in reference to Italian guns.. did you see better wood/metal fit? Better engravings? I’m considering buying a Rizzini but want to make an informed purchase. Loved the video. Beautiful Grulla!

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Yes, excellent question👍. I am referring to every aspect of the gun...the wood, the engraving, the barrels, how it all comes together, the fit, the finish, the locks...etc. In the realm of fine side-by-side shotguns, you can spend in excess of $200,000 for a premium, handmade shotgun. Gun making in the Basque region of Spain runs deep. High quality, hand made, custom built shotguns are still produced there and can be bought for a fraction of the cost of an English best. It all depends on what you're looking for. This video is specific to custom, hand made, side-by-side shotguns. If that's what you're in the market for...definitely research some of the Spanish gun manufacturers. What you get for the price is unmatched in my opinion. Good luck!

[@tomhman6441]

Every time I see this video I wish I could afford this gun.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Tom, I almost didn't post this video because my intent was not to make people feel bad. On the flip side, I wanted to inspire people to think more deeply about their gun purchases and if they want something bad enough, they can make it happen. I spent a lot of time researching side by sides, trying to figure out the best gun for me and what would be the best bang for my buck...I wanted to share that. I appreciate you watching👍

[@iankelley7574]

Acquiring a used English Best side-by-side from HOLTS isn't any more expensive than a used or new Grulla.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Interesting, I haven’t found that to be true when comparing apples to apples. But, I’m sure there are some deals if one looks hard enough. Thanks for watching!

[@AvadhutKhanolkar-b1r]

Can you give some information about J&W Tolly Shot Gun.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

I am not that familiar or have looked much into those shotguns. The ones I have come across are large bore, hammer guns. Thanks for watching!

[@sands7811]

What barrel length did you get

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

27 inches

[@subdawg1331]

awesome and thanks

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

My pleasure 😁

[@Stang1534]

I love my AYA but they have all gotten very pricey putting my second No 1 or No 2 in question just for a second gun for the pride of ownership

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Beautiful guns! I went back and forth for a while and almost went with an AYA…maybe someday 😁. Thanks for watching!

[@peterc8021]

Can we buy these in the states?

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Yes, there are dealers in the United States that import these shotguns.

[@calebcrilow7505]

Someday I will be able to afford one, but not today.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Someday! Dream big😉

[@timtopcat]

Great video. Next time brighter room or wear a light color shirt. It will help to highlight the guns.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Thanks Tim!

[@TanksalotGB]

I would love a partner in the states to sell best quality English sidelocks not Italian copies. Purdey, Holland and boss an a few other top names Prices for beautiful examples the may be 80 years old buy the same traditional designs looking like new in original cases are making so little money at this moment in time.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

That would be pretty cool! I just couldn’t hunt with a gun that was the price of some people’s homes😁 Thanks for watching!

[@MegaRiffraff]

👍🏻

[@indysandmanas]

Connecticut Shotgun can fit you. I'm to far away.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

We are pretty limited up here in northern Maine. Thanks for watching!

[@llano19fly]

Look at Russian & Turkish side by side.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

👍

[@ronbloomberg]

"Grulla" is pronounced Groo-ya.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

That is correct. However, most Americans don’t pronounce it that way.

[@bunkerman99]

savage fox was not a very good gun and would never stand up to com petitive trapshooting. The days of using a SxS at trap AND WINNING ended before 1950

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Hey Bradford! You’re right it’s not a trap gun. The point is, many sxs intended for field use (particularly on American made sxs) have features that have bled over from competitive shooting guns making them less than ideal for use as a field gun. Considering the price point, I don’t think the Savage/Fox is necessarily bad. It will get the job done! Thanks for watching!

[@bunkerman99]

@@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast I qualified for some Olympic Trials in Trapshooting beginning in 1980. I used to shoot with Billy Perdew and Homer Clark and Billy loved SxS. He shot Purdeys for decades but switched to Fabbris bc they had a reliable single trigger. Homer won his 2 World titles in '49 and '51 with an Ithaca SxS. Perdew's favorite Dove Gun was a 30 inch Purdey Pigeon Gun with Full and Full chokes that shot flat. He shot at no birds closer than 40 yards. My favorite was a GH Parker on a big 2 Frame with Full and Full, straight stock/double trigger and I used it out to 55 yards at Dove. My quail gun was an old Belgian Browning skeet gun. I don't like light guns; it's just personal preferences.

[@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast]

Nice! That’s quite the feat! You make a good point about reliable selective single triggers…for instance from what I understand, the Spanish doubles with a single trigger aren’t too reliable. I’ve always loved the look of Purdey. But man, they are expensive! Gun preferences are definitely variable from one person to the next! Appreciate the comment!

[@bunkerman99]

@@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast No they were terrible triggers but so were Purdey Single Triggers. The only reliable Single Trigger was the Boss until fabbri finally perfected it. I dont care what they say The model 21 was a bad trigger. A Purdey was 900 hours of handwork...and up. A fine set of Barrels was had on a Fox HE grade or a Parker with the initials "JG" which meant they were bored by Jim Geary; so long as some Genius did not change the master's chokes.

[@bunkerman99]

@@MaineOutdoorEnthusiast True Story about the legendary Billy Perdew. All American in both Skeet and Trap he was an Army Officer stationed at one point in WW2 London. Paying anywhere from $25 to maybe $150 he bought 200n London Guns. Purdeys, hollands, Jefferys, Matched Pairs, Hammer and Hammerless. He had a magificent William Evans Single Barrel 31 inch field gun with an outside Hammer and a Full Choke with a nice high stock because the sportsman felt it was unsporting and bad form to shoot 2x at the same bird. If I miss he deserves to live an other day. Extra finish engraving. Cased in Oak & Leather with all accessories and it shot a killing 60 yard pattern. Billy gave $75 for it. OMG I wanted that gun. It weighed 7.5 pounds with a solid rib; you had to see it to believe it. 3rd fastener with clips, the works.