IN THE FIELD Old retainers

Tom Sykes explains why he still loves his old side-by-side, and why they are worth considering in a world of over-and-unders and semi-autos

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Despite having a somewhat extensive family gun collection when I was young and first getting into shooting, I never had any access to a side-by-side shotgun. I was always led to believe that these old muskets were relics and not as superior as their over and-under or semi-automatic counterparts.

This view was reinforced by the fact that most of the people I encountered with a side-by-side were older gentlemen. They were also typically rather lacking in the skills department when it came to bagging a pheasant on a driven day or a duck on the foreshore.

I was influenced to stay away from these types of guns for fear that I wouldn’t be able to hit the proverbial barn door.

I recall seeing an old AYA thrown into a sporting auction at our wildfowling club annual hotpot supper evening. I believe the starting bid was as low as £5 and not a single hand was raised. The gun remained with its owner, probably until reaching the inevitable scrap bin in the local gunshop. I was keen to raise my hand and buy it, if only to save it from its impending doom, but I was advised to stay clear.

The AYAs handle beautifully and are a pleasure to shoot

Rare and cheap