Boxlock vs Sidelock
- Thread starter the spank
- Start date
Londonshooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
If by better do you mean simpler, more robust, more reliable, and easier to manufacture?Well this should get interesting
Box locks are simpler, with about 1/3 the number of moving parts compared to a side lock.
It's easier to remove the locks on a side lock. Box locks require a special tool to strip and clean.
The buttstock on a boxlock tends to be a little stronger, as less wood needs to be removed to head it up. Side locks are theoretically stronger through the action, though in practical terms it probably doesn't matter.
You'll get better value for your money buying a used box lock.
There are arguments about side locks being better balanced, regarding handling qualities, but I don't think it amounts to much.
It's easier to remove the locks on a side lock. Box locks require a special tool to strip and clean.
The buttstock on a boxlock tends to be a little stronger, as less wood needs to be removed to head it up. Side locks are theoretically stronger through the action, though in practical terms it probably doesn't matter.
You'll get better value for your money buying a used box lock.
There are arguments about side locks being better balanced, regarding handling qualities, but I don't think it amounts to much.
Hunting in inclement weather (pouring rain, etc) I fret about fully drying out my box lock actions and wish for a sidelock, because they're easier to open up and be sure. However a side lock is likely going to be so pricy that no one is going choose one to take one out in the rain over a box lock. Also, a side lock carries more owner prestige, sort of like whitewall tires used to.
The major advantage of a sidelock gun is greater area for engraving.
A good quality boxlock with two triggers is as reliable as any sidelock.
Ultimately, it's all about marketing luxury goods by establishing a distinction from the more economical options.
A good quality boxlock with two triggers is as reliable as any sidelock.
Ultimately, it's all about marketing luxury goods by establishing a distinction from the more economical options.
The sidelock can be removed and cleaned; boxlock, the rear stock has to be removed to clean the interior mechanism. Sidelocks are more expensive and suscptible to wood cracking; the opposite for boxlocks. I own three types: sidelock, boxlock and sideplates.
One thing about side locks 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 among 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
L.C. Smiths can be particularly troublesome that way.
However, sidelocks are still very popular among 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
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- Location
- Planet Earth Wearing My Tinfoil Hat
Very informative. Thanks for posting that.
sillymike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
That's more of a single-trigger VS double-triggers kind of thing.
Eventually, I'd like to get sidelock... But to be honest, the only reason would be that is offers more engraving surface... And I'm a sucker for nicely engraved stuff
- Location
- Planet Earth Wearing My Tinfoil Hat
So is it safe to assume the 1912-13 Lefever H grade I purchased a couple months ago would be a sidelock and not a sideplate? I don't want to open it up to look and see. I'd rather leave that for the pro's. As you fellows and that video pointed out the stock is definitely narrower in the wrist area. It is very slim. Can it be glass bedded? I am loading low pressure ammo for it, 1oz loads at 5400 psi but it might be worthwhile to glass bed the head of the stock as extra insurance.
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I have some sidelocks. I have some boxlocks. Neither design is why I bought the gun. The only action design I think really makes a meaningful difference is a true round action.
Other factors are so much more important.
Now, if I planned to hunt dangerous game in Africa using a vintage SxS rifle, then the only choices would be a classic sidelock or a WR drop lock. So I could easily access and replace a malfunctioning lock. Of course that would require spare locks to be packed. Pretty obvious I won’t be hunting dangerous game in Africa.
Other factors are so much more important.
Now, if I planned to hunt dangerous game in Africa using a vintage SxS rifle, then the only choices would be a classic sidelock or a WR drop lock. So I could easily access and replace a malfunctioning lock. Of course that would require spare locks to be packed. Pretty obvious I won’t be hunting dangerous game in Africa.
I was going to say, if you can afford an African hunt with a vintage side lock, you can afford a few spare parts! LOLI have some sidelocks. I have some boxlocks. Neither design is why I bought the gun. The only action design I think really makes a meaningful difference is a true round action.
Other factors are so much more important.
Now, if I planned to hunt dangerous game in Africa using a vintage SxS rifle, then the only choices would be a classic sidelock or a WR drop lock. So I could easily access and replace a malfunctioning lock. Of course that would require spare locks to be packed. Pretty obvious I won’t be hunting dangerous game in Africa.
It would however, be an epic adventure
Cat
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
Personally I'd be more worried about a broken stock than a broken lock. The chances of both locks breaking is slim. If one breaks you still have the other lock and barrel. A broken stock and you just have an over priced clubI have some sidelocks. I have some boxlocks. Neither design is why I bought the gun. The only action design I think really makes a meaningful difference is a true round action.
Other factors are so much more important.
Now, if I planned to hunt dangerous game in Africa using a vintage SxS rifle, then the only choices would be a classic sidelock or a WR drop lock. So I could easily access and replace a malfunctioning lock. Of course that would require spare locks to be packed. Pretty obvious I won’t be hunting dangerous game in Africa.
The sidelock does allow more area for case coloring and I'm a sucker for case colors as you know
The round body action I agree is the best.
Leaves the most amount of wood so stronger stock where it counts.
Has the most amount of metal in the strongest shape, so strongest action for weight and size.
Most comfortable to carry.
They are nice and light overall as well!
Cat
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The Dickson Round action is a trigger plate design, allowing a theoretical stronger head of the stock.
Dickson uses that advantage to make their stock very slender.
It's a beautiful design that feels very graceful, but I have my doubts about it's net strength advantage over many good boxlocks. Fortunately, nobody is likely to try and prove the strength advantage.
Dickson uses that advantage to make their stock very slender.
It's a beautiful design that feels very graceful, but I have my doubts about it's net strength advantage over many good boxlocks. Fortunately, nobody is likely to try and prove the strength advantage.
