how to tell the difference between boxlock and sidelock

The sidelocks actually “float”, surrounded by wood. To explain the difference between the two the “Lock” of a gun must first be considered. Stocks can also crack. Actions of this type are more refined than conventional boxlocks and invariably have excellent trigger pulls. That includes the firing pin, etc.

The mechanism is pure boxlock. Noun (boxes) A space; a container, usually with a hinged lid. The sidelock has enumerable patents upon it and many, many alterations. Boxlocks aren’t really THAT much cheaper to make than sidelocks, but the tradition is that a “best” gun is a sidelock, so there it is. A side-plated gun is not a sidelock. Better a well-made boxlock than a cheap sidelock.

Basically, a sidelock is a hammer gun only with the hammers inside. Here is a quick explanation of the differences. If I buiy, it'll start with a used 1187. A British "best" like Purdy, Boss, or H&H with start at someone like $50,000. The only sidelock I know of that is ever used in clay shooting is the Beretta SO series. This cannot be done any other way, and it still produces a safe and reliable gun for a budget price. for their lower priced gun. This removes about 0.008". These are set into the receiver and, although they may have cross bolts joining them, can be easily removed for cleaning, adjustment or repair.The sidelock design allows a very precise geometry for the engagement and disengagement of sears and bents, providing some of the most exquisite trigger pulls to be found on any shotgun.

The Sidelock has more solid steel across the action as the Locks are further back which offers additional strength.The geometry of a Sidelock generally gives a crisper trigger pull and the mechanism normally houses an interceptor sear which is a safety device in the event of a component malfunction or the gun receiving a severe blow for example being dropped (both of which are extremely rare).Irrespective of being a Sidelock or Boxlock the Hammer (or tumbler) axis is in line with the striker and therefore the energy of the "blow" is transferred most effectively to the cartridge.

I wonder who's stock turning machine he used?

Instead of a set of parts housed within a framework (or ‘box’) at the rear of the receiver, sidelock guns have two complete and quite separate actions, one on each side of the receiver body. Sidelocks often follow the London seven-pin or nine-pin designs, but the gunsmiths’ ingenuity means there are other derivative designs to be found too.Taking these two action types – which also exist in over-and-under guns – there are features that make them differ in performance and price. This removes about 0.002". "Wonderful to read, though I don't have the knowledge of experience needed to nod one way or the other.That is magnificent wood/metal fit. Virtually all clay target guns are boxlocks because the setup is so much stronger. If done well, this can add strength to the stock where it joins the receiver. A long and heavy trigger release, with too much drag, can be ruinous because it makes it impossible to time your shots as you should. Speaking of firearms as objets d'art, George Hoenig's elegant rifle actions are the most beautiful I've ever seen. The back action locks permit the maximum amount of steel to resist the force firing. The main cause of cracks is either shrinkage of the wood if you are in a dry area (remember to tighten the wood/metal interface), or an even worse event, one uses too much oil and the wood/metal interface becomes saturated which softens (weakens) the wood.

The materials used will usually differ too. The sidelock presents a large area for engraving and some makers (particularly Beretta) like to tart up less expensive boxlock actions with false sideplates that add thousands to the price.

There was a comment about differences between sidelock vs boxlock double barreled shotguns (or rifles). "The Boxlock has a more compact action where the major works are contained "literally in the box of the action".

It is worse if the gun fails proof.

I am thinking waterfowl, and I don't intend to invest too much. Come the lottery win, I will consult further; I am quite content with the idea of firearm as objec d' art. The essential guide to boxlocks, sidelocks and sideplateshile many shooters aspire to own a ‘better’ gun than they started clay shooting with – probably one with an established brand name and a cult following – it is common to start with something less exotic and, more importantly, less expensive.So what is it that separates the budget guns from those perceived to be better? In a heartbeat. 2. If I buiy, it'll start with a used 1187.