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I've been looking around at different hammer guns. Would someone please explain the advantages or disadvantages between a hammer gun with Island type locks and one with standard sidelocks.
Thanks in advance, terc

Terc:
I was reading much about this same question years ago. Most of the experts seem to prefer classic side locks. I forgot exactly why but in my view this is unimportant, or a matter of execution and of course your taste. I like them both and what matters to me is mostly two other things. First, can I cock the hammers easily enough, preferably simultanously. And second, can I open the action with hammers cocked. In practice, my prefered hammer double happens to be a Famars, which is a side lock.

With kind regards,
Jani

Are you talking about the difference between bar action locks compared to back action locks? FYI, not all back action locks are Island style. Island style locks are surrounded by wood, not touching the receiver....kinda like an.....Island! :-).

My personal opinion is that back action locks are just a bit more aesthetically pleasing to my eye than bar action. I'm weird though, I think the 2nd pattern Purdey thumb opener is uber sexy and I love the graceful and stout Jones underlever, Powell lifter actions get me all giddy too.
Some say back action is stronger as well because all of the works are behind the action, making for a solid bar. Whether or not the locks on a hammer gun are rebounding or not is significant to most people. Rebounding locks are much more convenient. Non-rebounding are just a little more work and training to work safely.

Island locks are surroiunded totally by the stock wood, ie they have no metal to metal connection with the action body.

Peninsula locks are attached to the action body. Both island and peninsua are back action locks, the main spring is in the back of the lock.

There are also the conventionally shaped back and bar action locks fyully attached to the action body.

Bar action locks have the spring forward, housed in a recess in the action bar. There are people who assert that they can tell a difference in trigger feel between bar and back action locks.

The two things I would insist for safety on a hammer gun more than spring location is that is should open with hammers cocked and it should have rebounding locks. Rebounding locks do not let a gun fire unless the trigger is pressed. In the event of an acciental hammer fall the tumbler is trapped by the safety notch built into the rebounding system.

Did anyone except Purdey use the Island lock?

I should have been more specific. I was comparing locks on Italian guns made by S.I.A.C.E. One has the standard sidelock configuration. The other has was I called the Island type. The lock is not completely isolated from the front part of the action. There is a small area, 1/4", touching the front half.
Thanks for the info so far,
and hvala vam Jani

If it is as you describe, the lock is not an island type. Many call the more common touching locks "peninsula" locks, for obvious reason.

Island locks most commonly are found on Purdey guns and rifles, such as this one.



Here is what would be called a peninsula lock on this Alex. Henry.



Both of the above are back action locks because the mainspring is behind the hammer.

This Charles Daly is an example of a bar action lock, with the mainspring located in front of the hammer and nestled in the bar.



I hope this helps.

Curl

Some SIACE hammer doubles photogrphed by Jani at IWA Nurnberg a few years
ago:


JC

I think the one important point should be noted about British Victorian/Edwardian hammer guns is the locks in a lot of cases where not manufactured by the maker whose name appears on the gun.
The hammer guns in the pictures are from my collection and span from a first line London maker Purdey thumb opener, Robert Adams with a Jones under leaver opening a sound London maker though quite a way from the top line of makers to C.W. Ebrall a good quality provincial maker with locks having a half cock/safe position with under leaver opening.
Now they all have one thing in common the locks on each of the guns are made by �Brazier� one of thee top trade manufactures from Wolverhampton in fact the Adams action was manufactured by Brazier and possibly they completed the gun.
The Ebrall pin fire hammers have always looked rather to large for the gun but there may be a reason but it escapes me. Also the barrels which are Damascus have the remnants of a browning method known as �Russet Browning� that was popular with wildfowlers on the west coast of England the surface rusted finish is rather thick and obliterates the light dark pattern, the rust was then treated with a mixture of Tallow and Goose fat.


Purdey

Adams

Ebrall

Some beautiful photos have been posted showing both types of locks. Does anyone have an opinion as to which is better, functionally, pros and cons of each.
Thanks, terc