Adoncyp: I was quite surprised to find a post referencing a Francisco Sarriugarte Shotgun.

A few months ago I purchased one in 99% plus condition, via the internet. It was on consignment by a private party at a gun shop. I am absolutely delighted w/ the gun. Before I bought it, I did extensive research on it. Here is what I have found out:
(a) Francisco Sarriugarte and two sons (maybe a few other craftsmen were in the shop also - I don't know), produced high quality O&U shotguns from about the mid 1950's to 1986 under their name & had them marketed in the U.S. by American Arms Co. North Kansas City, MO. These O&U's were basically all "hand-crafted at the bench". Their facility was located in Eibar, Spain. In late 1986 they decided to join about 19 other Spanish gun makers in a Gov't backed operation known as "DIARM". For a variety of reasons this operation only lasted about two years and then fell apart - completely !!! Very few (realitively speaking) guns were produced under the DIARM
name.

At that point, Francisco either retired or just simply got out of the gun making business. (He was a renowned craftsman in producing "Side Lock Actions" and at some point did this for AYA and other noteable Spanish gun makers of high regard.)
In 1990 his two sons either started or were part of the beginning of the "KEMEN" line of shotguns - which are VERY high priced guns.

(If you are truly interested in the background info on Sarriugarte guns and other Spanish Best guns, I strongly suggest you acquire a copy on: "Spanish Best - The fine shotguns of Spain" 2nd Edition, authored by Terry Wieland.

I got my copy from Amazon.com and was delighted to find my shotgun pictured on Page 70! The gun I acquired was "One of 100" produced on special order for the "State of Texas - Ducks Unlimited Organization". The workmanship (side-lock components; wood to metal fit; full engraving; gold inlays; etc) is of the highest quality. The gun came w/ (5) choke tubes, factory papers and a beautiful hand made fitted take-down case. As I said before I am completely happy with the gun. It fits me perfectly and shoots where I'm looking!!

I hope this info helps. "grizzly"

 

Hi friend,

I just wanted to see if other owners have the same conclusions as mine.

I have this gun for 12 years and it remains like brand new.= and I haven't had any problems with it.

The engravings are also unique and is very well balanced.

Kemen guns must not be too different from these guns........!

 

I buy a shotgun Francisco Sarriugarte recently top-gamma and placed some HELP in Espanholes forums some of which with the addresses that below I indicate and without he has obtained the information on this craftsman with the depth that would like in:
http://www.canana.com/foros/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14934
http://www.decaza.com/modules.php?name= ... pic&t=3776

After very looking for in web, I found in your forum this article that allowed to spoon the information that liked and that therefore since already I want to congratulate its author - dtberkley.

They can appreciate this shotgun in my address - www.armasfinas.blogs.sapo.pt it is really a done by hand with one high grade and very pretty work of art.

Thanks
Luistc