Boxlock or Sidelock????

[Toka 10]

Hi...just wondering regarding shotguns what is the better system, if one can be classed as better.

 

Are there any pros or cons regarding either or is it a cost thing????

 

Any advice or information welcome....thanks

[SNAP SHOT 194]

There are two types of side by side actions, boxlocks and sidelocks. Sidelocks are the oldest of the two and are a carryover from the days of flint and percussion muzzleloaders. In the late 1700s, Joseph Manton built a side-by-side flintlock muzzloader that gave final form to the double gun, all that remained was the evolution of breechloading and bringing the hammers inside. As breechloaders took the helm the external hammers remained, and finally as hammerless shotguns overtook hammer guns, the sidelock design remained. The difference between a sidelock and boxlock action is that the sidelock carries the hammers, springs and sears on the two sideplates. The boxlock hinges the tumblers or hammers, sears and their springs within the action, and the back of the exterior of the action is square to the stock.

 

Sidelocks are said to have better trigger pulls, but since a shotgun.s trigger is slapped or stroked, variations in trigger pull between the two actions are moot. In all but the worst of doubles, the triggers are far better than those found on many semi-autos and pumps. The sidelock does have one decided advantage, interceptor, intercepting of second sears. In the event the gun is dropped and the impact causes the primary sear to release the hammer, the intercepting sear will grab the tumbler and not allow it to drop and strike the firing pin. Only when the trigger is consciously pulled does the intercepting sear allow the hammer to completely fall. Unfortunately, the sole American-made sidelock, the classic L. C. Smith, does not have an intercepting sear, but instead a very simple, unrefined sidelock. The other aspect of the sidelock is its exterior and the broad canvas it presents to the engraver. Boxloxks are often outfitted with false sideplates for engraving, but should not confused with a true sidelock. In all but one or two extremely expensive sidelock shotguns that have concealed pins, the ends of the screws or pins, as the British call them, that hold the internals parts and pivoting members of the locks can be seen on the exterior of the sidelock. False sideplates do not display the pin ends.

 

 

I'm not big up on shotguns but i understand the difference in the two so i got this of the net for you i hope it helps.

 

snap.

[Toka 10]

Thanks for that....i asked the question as the shotgun i have just put a deposit on has a sidelock action and i dont know much about them...thanks....

[SportingShooter 0]

Out of preference I like the aesthetics of a Sidelock

 

But there is nothing better than the other about their reliability or strength

[danebrewer10 6]

side locks look nicer and are more expensive as others have said, I think the hammer& spring mechanism are attached to the side plates whereas with a box lock, the lock work is attached to the top and bottom tang.... (am i right on this?)