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boxlock vs sidelock is one better?

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19K views 22 replies 21 participants last post by  A500R  
#1 ·
sidelock vs boxlock is one better?
 
#2 ·
Boxlock! Way more reliable and long lasting, usually! Much cheaper and simple to build, much stronger atatchment to the stock, yada, yada! Boxlock, is BETTER! Which is the most elegant, most money, has more surface to embslish? Not a Boxlock. If you want to just look at it of shoot it occasionaly a sidelock is fine, but if you really want to use it, boxlock!

BP
 
#4 ·
The traditional reason given for sidelocks being surperior is that they could be more easily tuned, and cleaned than boxlocks. Boxlocks seem to have fewer stock problems.

The answer as to which is better is not clear cut. I would rather have a well built boxlock than a lesser built sidelock, but if money were no object I would go with a Sidelock, out of tradition.
 
#8 ·
There are far more junk boxlocks out there than sidelocks, just because you can get lots of boxlocks for less than a grand and no sidelocks (not that all boxlocks that are less than a grand are junk). On the other hand, comparably priced sidelocks and boxlocks are of like quality, with perhaps the edge going to boxlocks.

At the high end (like Purdy), there is really no comparison, literally (at least I am not aware of any boxlocks at that price).

But if you look at Merkel boxlocks and Spanish sidelocks at $3,500 - $6,000, they look close to a toss-up to me.
 
#9 ·
Oldgunner said:
There are far more junk boxlocks out there than sidelocks, just because you can get lots of boxlocks for less than a grand and no sidelocks (not that all boxlocks that are less than a grand are junk). On the other hand, comparably priced sidelocks and boxlocks are of like quality, with perhaps the edge going to boxlocks.

At the high end (like Purdy), there is really no comparison, literally (at least I am not aware of any boxlocks at that price).

But if you look at Merkel boxlocks and Spanish sidelocks at $3,500 - $6,000, they look close to a toss-up to me.
You're saying that a Merkel side lock is not all that? I'm starting to get the side lock bug and was considering a 447SL. Would that be less than an AYA or Grulla side lock? I have a lot to learn about these double shotguns.

Thanks.
 
#11 ·
While I do prefer sidelocks, and admire the fine lines they produce, I am the first to admit that the wrist area of the stock is a little weaker because of the inletting for the sidelocks. What this means is that you just have to be a little more careful of your footing when hunting in rough country so you don't take a spill.

It's NOT that big a deal.

BUT when you buy a used one, really check out the wrist area of the stock for cracks, repairs, etc.

BobK
 
#12 ·
Can anyone expound on the springs? I see Merkel uses flat springs that are more up and down as opposed to the flat springs that are lengthwise on other sidelocks. I've been told that the lengthwise springs produce a faster lock time and are better but I honestly don't know about the mechanics of a sidelock.

Thanks.
 
#14 ·
My dream shotgun would be an O/U from Boss, Holland and Holland, or James Purdey and Sons. One of the three. Don't care which.

If none of them were available I'd go with a Beretta SO6 sidelock.

Current dream boxlock is the Beretta DT-10.
 
#15 ·
"Better" is a pretty relative term. A lot of dogma surrounds this issue.

I don't agree that a box lock is more durable than a side lock. I do agree that a poorly made side lock is inferior to a box lock. And a box lock is a whole heck of a lot easier and less expensive to manufacture. Again, with rare exception, you get what you pay for. A well made English side lock is every bit as solid and durable as a box lock. Of course, you're going to pay a pretty penny for the craftsmanship that goes into such a gun.

I am as far away from being an authority on the subject as the Pope is away from being Jewish. I don't even own a side lock, though some day I will. As best I've ever heard/read this topic explained was by Michael McIntosh in his book Shotguns and Shooting. I HIGHLY recommend this read.

For what it's worth, I think a box lock is "better." Why? because it has allowed a whole heck of a lot more people to experience and enjoy double guns at a price that is affordable. Just my .02
 
#19 ·
Neither one.

They are both antiquated action types.

A modern trigger plate lock is better because it uses coil springs (mostly), has better sear-tumbler geometry, is easier to service, has no stock issues, the stock is secured with a stock bolt and not silly grip screws. V springs are quaint, but a pain to replace.

After the trigger plate come proprietary actions like the Winchester Model 21, Beretta 625/6, Parker and others which do away with the weaknesses of both boxlock and sidelock.
 
#20 ·
I have both and love both. Most people believe boxlock's are more durable than sidelock's. Try and find a trap gun that is a sidelock. You won't find many if any. Good trap guns need to shoot 100's of thousands of rounds. Yet every great gun maker's top guns will always be sidelocks, as other's have said many believe they are more beautiful.

My pheasant gun is a sidelock and is one of my favorite guns. In the end it may be a blondes vs. brunette's argument.

As someone mentioned you can get a boxlock with sideplates and sort of get the best of both worlds from a cosmetic standpoint at least.
 
#21 ·
Usually, the locking mechanism will wear out / the gun will shoot loose before the fireing mechanism will fail. I do like coil springs but the overriding considerations are the quality & handling characteristics of the individual gun. A quality gun will last a couple lifetimes. My next gun will probably be a boxlock Merkel.
 
#23 ·
EyeMissum said:
I'd have to agree with BP on the boxlock. But, them sidelocks shore are purty to look at. :D
They sure are!! I own a AyA 12ga SxS boxlock & a Emilio Rizzini 12ga O/U sidelock with very nice English scroll & leaf engraving on the locks. Is one better than the other,maybe I can not say for sure. I have read & been told you will have less stock problems with a boxlock. My O/U so far has not shown any signs of problems with the stock & it gets a good work out with sporting clays.

A500R