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Ugartechea Shotguns

Ugartechea, formally Armas Ugartechea, is a Basque shotgun maker based in Eibar, Spain, with a heritage that reaches back to 1922 and the founding work of Ignacio Ugartechea. The firm is best known for hand-built side-by-side game guns and double rifles that follow classic English patterns inspired by makers such as Holland & Holland and Westley Richards, adapted to Spanish craft traditions. Ugartechea has produced both boxlock and sidelock doubles, built its own barrels in-house, and supplied sporting shotguns worldwide to hunters, clay shooters, and demanding clients who expect fine gun balance, style, and reliability.

Ugartechea Shotgun Balance And Accuracy

Ugartechea shotguns are designed around correct balance and natural pointing, two qualities that matter greatly in driven birds, upland hunting, and sporting clays. Side-by-side models use carefully regulated barrels and well shaped stocks so patterns print where the shooter looks, not just where the rib points. Many guns are built on proven boxlock or sidelock actions with crisp triggers and positive ejectors, which helps maintain consistent timing and target focus from shot to shot.

Upland And Sporting Clays Versatility

Armas Ugartechea builds guns for real field and range use, from lighter upland models to heavier pigeon and driven-game guns. The company produces multiple models and grades in gauges such as 12, 16, 20, and smaller bores, giving shooters options that match their game, terrain, and shooting style. Features such as choke selection, barrel length choices, and stock dimensions make these shotguns at home on clays courses and in classic European driven shoots.

Heirloom-Grade Spanish Shotgun Durability

Ugartechea builds its doubles with forged steel actions, properly struck barrels, and walnut stocked to withstand long service in varied climates. The company is one of the few makers in its segment that historically produced its own barrels, a point often cited when discussing strength and long-term safety. Traditional hand fitting, combined with modern machining and proofing at the Eibar proof house, results in guns that can be maintained, restocked, and passed down for future generations.

Product Focus

Over/Under Shotguns

Although Ugartechea is most closely associated today with side-by-side doubles, the company also made a mark in the over-under segment. Armas Ugartechea was the first Spanish firm to manufacture under-and-over shotguns, applying English-influenced designs to stacked-barrel game guns. These over/unders followed proven locking systems and carried the same emphasis on stock fit and barrel regulation that define the company’s side-by-side line. In later years Ugartechea shifted its focus mainly to side-by-sides and double rifles, yet existing over-under examples remain sought out by shooters and collectors who want a Spanish-built stacked gun with classic European handling. Owners value the solid lockup, elegant engraving, and characteristic Basque styling that places these guns alongside other respected continental doubles.

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Sporting & Side-by-Side Shotguns

Side-by-side shotguns are the signature Ugartechea product. The company builds boxlock and sidelock doubles based on well known English designs that have been adapted for Basque production. Models such as the 75, 40N, 110, 1040, and specialized Jabali series cover everything from light upland guns to stronger framed options suited to heavier loads. Stock shapes and weight distribution aim to give a smooth, even swing with enough forward weight for stability, yet without losing quick shouldering for close flushing birds. Double triggers, articulated front triggers on higher grades, reliable ejectors, and tasteful engraving make these guns ideal for driven partridge, pheasant, and traditional sporting clays.

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Bespoke Fitting, Appraisal And Service

Ugartechea shotguns are built to be used and kept in service for decades, so the company supports owners with evaluation and maintenance services. Factory appraisal and repair programs help owners understand the value of their guns, plan restorative work, and address wear that can accumulate over years of field use. Many guns leave the factory with tailored stock dimensions, engraving choices, and finish levels that match the buyer’s preferences and intended use. Over time, restocking, refinishing, and mechanical refreshes can return older guns to reliable service while preserving original character. This emphasis on long-term support reinforces the brand’s reputation for heirloom-quality doubles that can stay in a family for generations.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes Ugartechea shotguns stand out?

Ugartechea shotguns stand out for hand-built fit, classic English-inspired actions, in-house barrel making, and a focus on balanced handling that suits upland and driven shooting. Many shooters view them as a strong value in the traditional double gun segment.

Does Ugartechea make over/under shotguns?

Armas Ugartechea was the first Spanish company to produce over-under shotguns and has built stacked-barrel guns in the past, although its modern identity centers on side-by-side doubles.

What types of Ugartechea side-by-side models exist?

The company has produced a range of boxlock and sidelock side-by-side models, including series such as the Model 30, 40, 75, 110, 1040, and Jabali game guns. These models vary in engraving, wood grade, barrel length, and intended use, from light upland to heavier pigeon work.

Are Ugartechea shotguns suitable for clay shooting and hunting?

Yes. Ugartechea doubles were designed for sporting use and are commonly used in upland bird hunting, driven shoots, and sporting clays. Balanced barrels, reliable actions, and well judged stock dimensions support both field and range roles.

Can Ugartechea shotguns be serviced or appraised by the factory?

Ugartechea offers appraisal and repair services to help owners evaluate and maintain their guns, including work aimed at preserving condition for future generations.

Where can I find Ugartechea shotguns and parts?

Ugartechea doubles through specialists in fine sporting guns, select importers, and online marketplaces focused on side-by-side and over-under shotguns. Replacement parts and service are typically arranged through gunsmiths familiar with Spanish doubles and, when available, through Ugartechea itself or its agents.

About

Armas Ugartechea is a private Basque gunmaker in Eibar, Spain, dedicated to the craft production of fine hunting shotguns and rifles. Its doubles follow proven London and Birmingham patterns, executed with Spanish handwork and materials that keep prices below the most expensive British names while still delivering high-grade performance. The company’s customer base includes serious hunters, competitive shots, and clients who value traditional side-by-sides with elegant yet practical finishes.

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