The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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    Re: The big three, which one Archived Message

    Posted by jos Simeone on November 1, 2007, 3:24 pm, in reply to "Re: The big three, which one"

    Mkt hunter,
    The big game hunters, names like John Taylor,W.D.M. Bell, and other Brits, used sidelocks over box locks simply because the mechanical system in sidelocks is a much simpler and a more positive action. And of course, the dependablity of an independent spring for each firing pin was most necessary in big game hunting. Also, removal of sidelocks are usually by a single screw, though some of the very costly English guns sometimes were made with thumb releases. These facilitated ready repairs by the gunner. Other advantages of the sidelock enabled the engraver good display areas. Later as bolt actions in big game hunting became more reliable, Bell did give up the double sidelock rifle for well engineered bolt actions. At the time sidelocks were the choice, the boxlock were being made but did not offer the dependablity of the sidelock. Why L.C. Smith and others chose the sidelock, while Parker and others chose the boxlock seems a matter of choice.
    I own an English single barrel trap gun with a sidelock on the right side and a boxlike configuration on the left side. It is a great gun. Was the maker undecided? I think not.
    js

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