I have a Sauer & Son/V L & D sidelock from Ca 1901 which has vertical sears pivoted in the middle. The upper end has the sear which engages the hammer at its outer periphery, I would guess about as safe a sear as one could find.

Also, all my Lefevers also have the hammer notch on the outer periphery.


Miller/TN
I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra