doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Modern sidelock recommendation

Hi all,

I would like to move from a boxlock to sidelocks for all my wing shooting. I want to run modern ammo through it and not worry about anything. Also want to use/abuse it and not worry about fancy wood or engraving.

Any recommendation for a modern sidelock shotgun? I'm open to O/O or SXS.

Thanks

Whats the price range? I would recommend spanish doubles especially aya and/or sarasqueta sidelocks for a budget and if you can afford more Browning BSS sidelock seems a fine option.

Hi, how much is in your budget and new or used? A SL can run the gambit, guess we need some more info.

Best,

Greg

Budget is probably below $8K. Prefer used. Just something built like a tank, so I don't have to worry about having to baby it or things breaking. Want to use heavy nitro loads in it and the ability to use 3" shells.

Okay, so what gauge? Can make a difference with 3" chambers.

Best,

Greg

I can only speak from a UK market point of view but ....... what you are describing is a heavy duty boxlock.

Sidelocks were (being more expensive and arguably inherently more delicate) used on lighter and more upmarket game guns. The stock around the lock inletting can be a failure point in heavy use. AyA's No 1 and No 2 are copies of the typical English sidelock, but are not heavy duty guns. Models 53 and 56 are heavier grade guns, but model 56 is not cheap, and uncommon in the UK. I don't think either of these has 3" chambers (at least UK versions don't).

The vast majority of heavy duty rough service guns were boxlocks .....strong, reliable and long lasting.

Sidelock o/u guns are uncommon overall, and and very much towards the 'top' of the market. Again, they would be rather more delicate than boxlocks.

I don't think what you are looking for will be easy to find.

Connecticut shotguns's A-10 would fit the bill.

Would like 20ga or 28ga

Okay, than 3" chambers won't be that much of a challenge. I would suggest you go with a 20ga (I'll be stepping on some toes here!) They make 28ga 3" loads with a max payload of 1 1/16oz of shot. A 20ga 3" payload will be 1 1/4oz. So if you want a heavier payload, 20 is the way to go. Remember you can shoot 2 3/4" loads in a 3" chamber with no problems.

You should have no problem finding a good O/U with 3" chambers and in a SxS some of the top tier Spanish makers have 20ga guns with 3" chambers. If you want one built like a tank as you said, then have a look at the older Merkel models. Such as:

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-f...un_id=100922167

Your best bet is to go on GI and look thru the various makers, you should be able to find something that tickles your fancy.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns-for-sale.cfm?gid=6

and specific 20ga SL guns

https://www.gunsinternational.com/search-results.cfm?cdn_bp=1&search_term=20ga,Side,Lock&qs_cat=Shotguns&page=1

Half the fun is looking! If you find one, let us know and we can be more help in making a recommendation.

Best of luck to you!

Greg

Look at Beretta SO series guns on the used market. A SO3 is within your budget.

About a year ago I bought a used Garbi 101 12 bore. It has 29 1/2" barrels and I had Briley choke tubes installed.
It's a heavier gun than most Spanish gameguns.
I shoot sporting clays and doves with this gun. Winter doves can be challenging so I can shoot some stout loads through it.
I found it as a deal and with the Briley chokes it finished out around 4K.
I don't worry about what I put in it to shoot.

Unfortunately the SO does not come in a 20 gauge in the $8K range. I think Greg has given you a great recommendation to look at Merkels. If you must have a sidelock, then you can find the Merkels in an O/U or a SxS. I'd stay away from the single trigger guns.

Also, not sure why you want a 3" chamber.

Ken

One of the best values is the Dickinson. Google Dickinson USA.

Merkel is fine choice. Don't know where you live but take a peek at Holts Lot 5538. Not sure how much folks at the outfit know about shotguns but imp. cyl and 1/4 choke is basically the same. I would think left barrel would be 1/2 choke. I know O/Us from this maker are more popular over there so I don't now what the hammer price on this will be, but based on low estimate it's worth a look. This would be a good candidate for all around gun and shooting #6 or #7 steel game loads should not be a problem. In America box of them shells at Warmart is only $5.97.

bss side lock is a good choice...but, not sure they made it in a 20 ga...28 ga, most likely not...

post ww2 english gun from one of the better makers, would also be worth looking into...

stay away from spanish guns...although some are fine, some not so fine, regardless of brand...they all suffer from the spanish curse, come resale time...

BSS sidelocks were indeed produced in 20ga. But not 28ga that I'm aware of.

I've handled Renato Gamba (London model)guns and found them to have great fit and finish. The ones Ive seen were in 12 and 20 ga and fit your budget. Check GI or WLM sites.

+1 .....from a happy Dickinson owner

Look here, 7-pin, hand detachable sidelock, steel safe, five choke tubes, lifetime warranty to original owner

http://www.pacificsportingarms.com/produ...SLE-20GA-30-713

SRH

I just purchased an AYA 217 problem child.
Now to get her up and running
20 gauge, hand detachable sidelocks
Mike

I do not like the geometry employed on SL O/U guns - unless one of the hammers is upside down. Had a Beretta SL O/U 12 gauge that gave me a lot of problems.

I had, for quite a while, a Browning BSS sidelock in 20 gauge - an excellent gun. I would recommend that you look for one of these.

My only current SLE is a 6 lb. 3 oz. Henry Atkin 2-1/2" 12 gauge... very nice, a self opener with no third fastener and a please to operate and shoot.