Sidelock, Boxlock And Trigger Plate - Shotgun Actions

Published on April 21, 2020
Duration: 32:24

This video provides an expert-level breakdown of three primary shotgun action types: sidelock, boxlock, and trigger plate. It details their historical evolution, internal mechanics, component functions, and structural implications. The speaker, demonstrating deep gunsmithing knowledge, highlights the pros and cons of each design, including accessibility for repair, stock integrity, manufacturing complexity, and performance characteristics, offering valuable insights for firearm enthusiasts and technicians.

Quick Summary

Sidelock shotgun actions feature lock mechanisms on external side plates, historically evolving from flintlocks. Boxlock actions house mechanisms internally within the receiver 'box', offering robustness and affordability. Trigger plate actions mount the entire mechanism on the bottom trigger plate, common in modern over-and-unders for easier maintenance and potentially better trigger pulls.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Shotgun Actions
  2. 00:25Sidelock History and Mechanics
  3. 02:21The Swivel Mechanism Explained
  4. 03:13Sidelock Components: Bridle and Sears
  5. 05:13Sidelock Cocking and Accessibility
  6. 06:19Sidelock Inletting and Stock Integrity
  7. 09:03Boxlock Actions (Anson & Deeley)
  8. 12:13Boxlock Components and Operation
  9. 14:05Advantages of the Boxlock
  10. 19:46Trigger Plate Actions Overview
  11. 24:23Beretta Trigger Plate Design Details
  12. 26:22Trigger Plate Benefits
  13. 30:58Summary of Shotgun Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between sidelock, boxlock, and trigger plate shotgun actions?

Sidelock actions have mechanisms on external side plates, offering aesthetic appeal and gunsmith access. Boxlock actions house mechanisms internally within the receiver, providing robustness and affordability. Trigger plate actions mount the mechanism on the bottom plate, common in modern over-and-unders for easier maintenance and potentially better trigger pulls.

What are the advantages of a boxlock shotgun action?

Boxlock actions are generally more robust, easier and cheaper to manufacture, and allow for stronger stock integrity because less wood needs to be removed during inletting compared to sidelock designs.

How does a sidelock action differ from a boxlock in terms of repair?

Sidelock actions are typically easier for a gunsmith to diagnose and repair when removed from the gun, as the components are externally accessible on the side plates. Boxlock actions, with their internal mechanisms, can be more complex to access for repair.

What is the primary benefit of a trigger plate action in modern shotguns?

Trigger plate actions, often found in over-and-under shotguns, can allow for superior trigger pulls and feature detachable trigger groups in high-end models, simplifying field maintenance and cleaning.

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