On the general topic of pins. How is a pinless action classified and compared to a pinned one? The classic sidelock has visible pins, pinless guns are a later development, reputed to have been devised so as to offer more engraving room.
A "pinless" action is in name only. The maker simply controls the hole depth so as to maintain blind holes, holes that don't show on the lock plate outside. Screws, pins, axles, pivots, etc. are sized so as to fit the blind holes. More work for the maker, but it then shows an uninterrupted engraving surface. OK, technically it has more engraving area, as by the combined section area of those pins, screws, pivots, and axles, and etc.
I have a theory that it was developed to further comfound the discussion of how many pins equals what -----
DDA
