SxS Shotguns Boxlock or sidelock

xtremsporter1969

Hi guys I need some advice. Does anyone know which is better boxlock or sidelock when shopping for a quality sxs shotgun? It's going to be my field gun but I tend to want to buy the best all around model please help.

GuvamintCheese

Better? They both are proven ways to get the spark to the gun. The boxlock is just less expensive to manufacture and own. The sidelock gun is more costly but allows for quick removal should their be a problem with one of the hammers. You can get a good boxlock for under 1k. a sidelock will start at 1k and the sky is the limit.

perry shooter

The sidelock I popular on high grade guns for one reason they give more surface to engrave and to most people are pleasing to look at . That said because of this design the stock is not as strong for more wood has to be removed to clear the lock work. Some high dollor guns are box lock with false sideplates for the engraver.

bobski

boxlock, proven design, last long time.

xtremsporter1969

Thanks to all. I will take your responses close under consideration, very good advice thanks again.

roysclockgun

All has been said in the above posts. Those who fancy LC Smith SxS guns claim that they are prettier due to the flowing lines of the sidelock, however many end up needing to restock when the oil soaked wood inletted around the sidelock breaks down. For a utilitarian SxS go with a well balanced box lock that feels good to you. For years I have hunted quail with a Ithaca Model 280 made by SKB. Very light and fast handling. There are many available to try. Shoulder them and point around the line where the walls meet the ceiling. See how quickly you can make the turns when the wall makes a 90 degree turn. Close you eyes with the shotgun at your side, shoulder the gun as if to fire and then open your eyes. Is the barrel aligned with your shooting eye? If the answer is yes, the gun fits well enough to be a good hunter. If no, try other guns until one is on alignment when you open your eyes.
Unlike rifle bores, shotgun bore wear and abuse can instantly be seen upon close inspection. Shotguns can last through several generations, so do not overlook the great values in older and/or used box lock SxS guns.

Xracer

Most of the higher end SxS shotguns are/were sidelocks. Many people feel that they have a much smoother trigger action, look nicer, and have more surface for engraving.

The boxlock is cheaper to make, quite rugged and is a fine choice for a "field gun".

Sooooo.....for show or light duty use like skeet or trap, I think I'd prefer a sidelock.

But for hunting or heavy duty woods use, IMO, a boxlock is the way to go.

Bert H.

Winchester Model 21... the best box lock SxS ever made[^]

bobski

thats been debatable for generations bert....[;)]

Bert H.

quote:Originally posted by bobski
thats been debatable for generations bert....[;)]


Not by those of us who really know the truth[;)][:D]. It is only people like Nord (a.k.a Baffoon) and laxcoach (a.k.a. Maroon) that have a hard time understanding the finer points of a quality SxS shotgun[:0][:D]

bobski

lefever has the 21 beat in design. just not too many people know it.[;)]