A sidelock does not have to be a "BEST" to still be a reliable gun. I do not know what its BV or OQ is, but it is a bottom of the line "Field" grade J P Clabrough & Bro's which one essentially identical to it, lists for $50.00 in an 1895-96 Clabrough & Golcher & Co catalog. It has Damascus barrels. It has pit free barrels & is in sound mechanical condition, though little remaining finish.
In the same catalog, the lowest priced Boxlock Greener listed was $95.00 with the lowest priced w&C Scott sidelock @ $150.00. On the American scene, the Lefever G grade sold for $45.0 with the Baker grade B @ $50.00.
This Clabrough is a well-made gun, even though not an expensive one & is certainly better finished & engraved than either of the American guns listed at about the same price. It is however over 120 years old & remains tight & on the face even though it has no built-in wear compensation. It is double under bolted with a non-bolted Doll's Head rib extension. Both bolts, as well as their seats, are cut parallel to the bore axis with the to lever always stopping at center upon closing.
I have shot a good number of quail, woodcock & cottontails with it. I shoot it better than any gun I have ever owned, including my beloved Lefevers. I have always shot it with 1 oz of shot @around 1150 FPS @ about 8k PSI.
My only exception to ALWAYS preferring a sidelock is the ""Semi-Sidelock" Lefever.
