Arrieta shotgun: Spanish craftsmanship for elite hunters
Reviewed by the Corsini Hunts team, with over 45 years of experience in small game hunting in Spain. Choosing the right shotgun is a decisive detail in every shoot, and Spanish artisan tradition is particularly valued at La Flamenca Estate.
Last updated: August 2025
The Arrieta shotgun stands as one of Spain’s finest gunmaking traditions: fully handcrafted, meticulously balanced, and comparable to the greatest English best guns, yet with a unique Spanish soul. Founded in 1919 by Avelino Arrieta, the company established itself first in Eibar and later in Elgoibar (Gipuzkoa), where it continues to craft bespoke shotguns for hunters and collectors worldwide.
Each gun is crafted according to the shooters wishes with the artisanal expertise, hand engraving, customfitted stocks and forend, and a
precise mechanical assembly which guarantees reliability and sturdiness throughout its long life. The emphasis on reliability and shooterfriendly abilities is always present.
An Arrieta or a Pedro Arrizabalaga is not just a firearm, it is a heritage passed down through generations.
Craftsmanship, customization and models
What makes this shotgun truly distinctive is its 100% handcrafted process. From the choice of steel and walnut to the final barrel fitting, every step is performed by skilled artisans. Stocks are tailored to the shooter’s measurements, ensuring a perfect mount and natural alignment. Hand engraving turns each shotgun into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, with options ranging from fine scrolls to detailed hunting scenes.
The range includes side-by-side sidelocks, high-grade over-unders, and even express rifles for those seeking a complete hunting battery. This allows hunters to select according to their preferred style, upland walked-up, partridge hunting or pheasant, or sporting clays. Each Arrieta blends elegance, ergonomics, and flawless field performance.
International reputation and prestige
Beyond Spain, these arms have earned widespread acclaim in the United Kingdom and the United States, often praised in leading sporting publications for their outstanding value in the best-gun segment. They deliver the quality and refinement of classic British patterns with the added authenticity of Basque craftsmanship. Owning one of these shotgun means belonging to an exclusive circle where tradition, artistry and hunting passion meet, whether in the grouse moors of Scotland or the red-legged partridge drives of Spain.
What do the experts think about Arrieta & Arrizabalaga shotguns?
And then there is the Sidelock, which is our flagship. It features a newly designed ejector system –patent pending– and has all the best balance and performance. As with the traditional side by sides. There are real differences between even very fine guns and “best” guns, some readily visible, others quite subtle. Fine guns must always be made of high-quality materials, be soundly designed and reliable possess excellent weight distribution and good balance and be stocked in quality walnut with a layout that provides not only beauty but also structural strength. A best gun, by contrast must possess the same utilitarian attributes yet also elegant, harmonious proportions -a certain purity of lines, in other words -and be finished perfectly inside and out.
If you want to read more expert reviews, feel free to visit their Expert Opinion & Media section.
The hunter’s experience and support
Arrieta & Arrizabalaga maintains a shooting ground in Méntrida (Toledo) for fine-tuning and pattern testing, along with its Elgoibar workshop and a Madrid office for international clients. This structure ensures hunters can commission, test and maintain their shotguns in Spain with ease. The philosophy is simple: no gun leaves the bench until it mounts naturally and inspires absolute confidence. As a result, every Arrieta or Pedro Arrizabalaga becomes more than a firearm, it becomes a trusted companion in the field.
Why with Corsini Hunts?
A shotgun of this calibre deserves to be enjoyed in a setting worthy of its prestige. At Corsini Hunts we provide premium driven partridge shoots, designed especially for professional hunters seeking exclusivity. Here, this shotgun finds its perfect stage: carefully organised drives, flawless hospitality, and a century-old Spanish hunting tradition. Choosing Corsini Hunts means living the most authentic upland experience in Spain with the gun that best represents its essence.
