Arrieta Bespoke Round Body SLE 28-gauge – 29” BARRELS, 6LBS. 1OZ.

This is an exceptionally attractive bespoke Arrieta 28 gauge, built as a round-body sidelock ejector and combining the qualities that make the best Spanish game guns so appealing: traditional hand workmanship, elegant lines, beautiful engraving and a wonderfully lively smallbore configuration.

The rounded action is beautifully proportioned and extensively engraved in a fine floral scroll pattern, retaining excellent color and showing the graceful transition from action to its straight-hand stock. The walnut is particularly impressive, with strong figure and color while remaining entirely appropriate for a traditional game gun. A splinter forend, double triggers and checkered butt complete the classic presentation.

Where this Arrieta really separates itself is in its dimensions. The 29” barrels give the gun a purposeful, modern smallbore feel while it still weighs only 6 lbs. 1 oz. Equally noteworthy is the 15-1/8” length of pull—an unusually generous amount of stock in a used European 28 gauge and a significant advantage for the shooter looking for something that has not been cut short over the years. Choked Improved Cylinder and Modified, it is configured perfectly for upland birds and general field use.

The barrels are marked for New England Arms Co. of Kittery Point, Maine, a longtime importer of some of Arrieta’s finest guns into the United States. This example has the appearance and specifications of a gun commissioned with considerable thought rather than a standard-production smallbore.

Condition is excellent throughout, with attractive original-looking finishes, sharp engraving and checkering, beautiful wood, and excellent overall presentation. The combination of a round-body sidelock action, 29” barrels, long stock and just-over-six-pound weight makes this a particularly difficult configuration to duplicate on today’s secondary market.

For the shooter who appreciates the feel and craftsmanship of a traditional best-style gun but wants the versatility and enjoyment of a 28 gauge, this is an unusually compelling example.