Boxlock vs Sidelock

[the spank]

That's a great looking gun Frank!
I only see one pin, so I cannot comment whether or not it is a side plate box lock or a true side lock.
Cat

Thanks Cat. I bought it off the internet from a dealers site and his pictures he sent me weren't the greatest. I took a chance. They were selling it pretty cheap so figured I could always get my $ back if it wasn't to my liking. I have to say I was very pleased at what arrived.

 

[Melvin]

Side locks are great until one of the hand detachable locks falls off into a creek to be gone forever. I have a best gun I inherited that is now a wall hanger that my father in law did just that with. No chance of getting it replaced either.

 

[Melvin]

Box locks aren’t as hard to strip and clean as some think. How many of us use a shotgun enough that it needs to be stripped and cleaned more than once in a decade unless it has been out in the rain.

 

[Silverado]

One thing about side l9cks is their tendency to be weaker in the wrist area than box locks, due to the amount of wood that is removed .
L.C. Smiths can be particularly troublesome that way.
However, sidelocks are still very popular omong some shooters. Even though they are not as advanced a system compared to a box lock.
I do find side locks easier to clean and tune than box locks however.

Side plated box locks are nice, but no better than a normal box lock , of course.
The best thing about a side lock? Easier to put the hammers on it than a box lock! LOL
That is just my opinion however ......
Cat

Did you ever handle one of those walnut side-plated Ruger Red Labels? Or Gold Labels either...

 

[Londonshooter]

I have had a couple Lefevers and they were well made interesting guns. The lockworks are mostly attached to the bar. Stole this from the internet:

 

[iron cat]

Did you ever handle one of those walnut side-plated Ruger Red Labels? Or Gold Labels either...

Never did that I can remember, no. As far as the Gold Labels go, I have always wanted to try one but have never ran into one in person.
They have always intrigued me, being a bit of a Ruger rifle ad SxS shotgun nut!
Cat

 

[saskbooknut]

My observations on the Gold Label - it is very light for a 12 gauge.
Rounded edges in polishing made the one example that I saw, a total fail. The quality of finish work didn't match the price.

 

[canvasback]

My observations on the Gold Label - it is very light for a 12 gauge.
Rounded edges in polishing made the one example that I saw, a total fail. The quality of finish work didn't match the price.

Good idea, poor execution. Too bad.

 

[Mike Webb]

Box locks are the way to go in shotguns from a practical standpoint imo. But a well executed side lock is king of the hill for lines and pure beauty to me. Has those two big billboards for engraving.