What is Boxlock and Sidelock?

[Kestrel]

Reading some info on Merkel SxS shotguns, I see they have some actions called Boxlock and some called Sidelock. What are these? How do they compare? What are the pros and cons of them?

Thanks for any help,
Steve

 

[PJR]

Most shotgun actions are boxlock or trigger plate guns. In a boxlock the hammers are fixed on the bottom of the action or trigger plate.

Sidelocks are much less common and have the locks on the side of the action and are most often more expensive than boxlocks.

The boxlock versus sidelock debate has raged for over a century and IMHO they are equally good if built by a quality maker. The top tier English makers only make sidelocks but that is more affectation and meeting the demands of very elite customers.

I own both and don't have sidelock mania. If buying a Merkel I'd just as soon have a boxlock and spend the money I saved taking it hunting.

For a description of both action types go here:

http://www.hallowellco.com/boxlock.htm

Paul

 

[Hal]

Is my ignorance showing yet :embarresed:
here I always though sidelocks were how you properly referred to external hammers

learn something new everyday

 

[PJR]

Hal

Actually you aren't wrong. External hammer double guns use a sidelock action. It's just that the that the hammer is on the outside. To refer to them as sidelocks is quite accurate.

I'm not aware of a boxlock double gun that uses external hammers but I wouldn't be surprised to learn there's one out their somewhere.

Paul

 

[mete]

Side locks are easy to remove for cleaning or repair......There are also boxlocks that look like side locks ,the side plates there give you more area to engrave !!