My only side plated gun is my FAIR Verona LX 692 Gold Sporting 28/.410 two barreled set. I restocked it a few years ago to get more drop and get rid off the ugly target buttstock it came with. The side plates were no problem to remove and replace numerous times as I inlet them.

They look nice, with the extra room for engraving, as mentioned by SJ. But, as far as utility, I know of nothing about them that makes them more useful in any other way.

SRH

May God bless America and those who defend her.