I was recently on the B.Searcy website. Under the "Double Rifles" section I saw what they titled "Sidelock" and "Boxlock." What is the difference between the sidelock and the boxlock?

From Hallowell & Co. (follow the link for pictures):

Boxlock - A type of action (receiver) for a break-open gun where the lockwork is contained within a box-shaped housing. (see also: Sidelock). A boxlock is superior to a sidelock because although more metal needs to be removed from the action body, less wood needs be removed from the head of the stock---and wood is generally more vulnerable than metal. The Anson & Deeley boxlock, patented in 1875, the simplest, most reliable and most successful action design, is identified by two pins spanning the width of the action, one at the bottom rear and one slightly forward and higher, upon which the sears and hammers, respectively, rotate.

Sidelock - A type of action on a break-open gun where the lockwork (hammer, sear, mainspring etc) is mounted to the back side (inside) of a plate (or pair of plates for a double gun). A sidelock is superior to a boxlock because: 1. Less steel needs be removed from the bar of the action; the action is therefore stronger. 2. The lock plates provide a larger canvas for the engraver's art. 3. Sidelocks have generally been considered a more aesthetically pleasing form. 4. They are often made with secondary, or intercepting, safety sears. 5. Trigger pulls theoretically may be adjusted more precisely. 6. Because of all the above, most makers building a range of guns have usually reserved the sidelock action for their better grades of guns; this last being the most relevant reason why sidelocks are generally considered superior to boxlocks.

C.Wathen:

Welcome to AR! Northern Virginian here...taking posession of a Searcy .577 sometime early next year!

Charles_Helm,
Thanks for clearing that up for me. I've been scratching my head for a while now trying to figure that out.

577NitroExpress,
Thanks for welcoming me to AR. I hope you like that .577 when you get it. I'm still saving up for my first double. But I have more then enough time since im only 16. But when it comes to other guns(military surplus, hunting guns, BP, etc.) I already have a good collection. Just need to get that elusive double rifle. Then go to Africa and get me a ele, and a couple cape buff's

Back action SLs are "cat's meaw" when it comes to big bore doubles.

C.Wathen,

Enjoy your dreams and work hard so that you could own many guns when you have the money to buy them. Get your friends interested in guns as well and have a great time.

Best wishes and good hunting!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mehulkamdar:
C.Wathen,
Get your friends interested in guns as well and have a great time.QUOTE]

One step ahead of you. I've already done that. Last month I took my best friend to the farm. She did good for her first time shooting. She is some what of a small girl but she had no problem handling my .45ACP, .357 Mag, or any of the rifles and shotguns I brought

C. Wathen

Welcome to AR. You will find a wealth of information from an endless number of extremely well informed people.

Hold on to your dreams, and stay in touch with Butch. It wont be long before it all starts coming together.

Best wishes.

Brad