S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums10
Topics38,374
Posts544,009
Members14,391
|
Most Online1,131 Jan 21st, 2024
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 288 Likes: 53
Sidelock
|
OP
Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 288 Likes: 53 |
I don't know anything about English doubles with side levers. Can you experts give me the pros and cons?
Thank you
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,522 Likes: 167
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,522 Likes: 167 |
They are fun, condition is everything
USAF RET 1971-95
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,960 Likes: 89 |
Have never had one myself but reports are its more ergonomic than top levers. And the top tang is more streamlined. Usually the side lever is on the right side but occasionally on the left. Odd that more werent made on the left side since one doesnt need to release the grip to thumb open the lever. Once again, just stuff Ive heard.
When an old man dies a library burns to the ground. (Old African proverb)
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 227
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 227 |
I have a favorite Stephen Grant with Boss barrels. 12 bore.
Last edited by Condor; 12/01/18 11:19 PM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743 |
Not really up on who all made them, but of what I have seen most of the Better grade guns had the lever on the right while some lower grade ones put it on the left. I have a W Richards with the left lever. This gun is Birmingham proofed but is neither a Westley nor William, most likely built by Clabrough. As skeettx said, "Condition is Everything". Unfortunately, mine is in no condition to use.
Just from handling it, I feel I would like it, & also feel I would much prefer the left lever. I have not tried a right lever for comparison though. I do not feel it would have a significant advantage over the top lever, nor a significant disadvantage either. I "Think" I would prefer either the left or top lever over a right lever, but again have not tried the right one.
Miller/TN I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 764 Likes: 19
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 764 Likes: 19 |
They are more ergonomic and the top tang is as Joe said streamlined. I have both a right and left, and much prefer the left as your thumb is on the left side. Catching ejected hulls with a right lever is challenging; a lot easier with a left, if i want to reload. I think side levers were fashionable in the UK for a time. You tend to see more Grants with side levers than the other London brands, but who knows. Have fun if you find one.
Last edited by susjwp; 12/02/18 09:15 AM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1128
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,127 Likes: 1128 |
I've got one sidelever doublegun, and for the life of me I cannot see how it is more ergonomic than a toplever. If someone feels it is for them, that's fine, but not for me. I catch my empties out of top lever ejector guns and don't believe I drop one in one-thousand.
The above reference to which side is more beneficial to catching ejected hulls has me wondering, what percentage of side-lever shotguns are ejector guns? I've never even seen one, but readily admit my universe has been somewhat limited regarding side-lever guns.
SRH
Last edited by Stan; 12/02/18 09:31 AM.
May God bless America and those who defend her.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 369 Likes: 2
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 369 Likes: 2 |
I have a side lever Holland (right side) and it's not super ergonomic for me. Not bad by any means, but it's not my favorite. I do like the uniqueness of it as opposed to the ubiquitous top lever!
NRA Patron Life Member
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,619 Likes: 72
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,619 Likes: 72 |
They are very sexy! A friend on mine just picked up a 1901 Henry Atkin with a sidelever.
Mike Proctor
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,089 Likes: 13
Sidelock
|
Sidelock
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,089 Likes: 13 |
Nobody has brought up that dreaded disease older guys get, Arthritis. I would think a side lever would allow you to use a gun for for longer than a top lever.
I had a discussion with Toby Barclay at the Vintagers in Rhode Island one year and he said left side levers worked better for right handed guys.
I have never used a side lever gun and have never bought one. They are relatively rare to find in good condition, especially left sided ones.
So many guns, so little time!
|
|
|
|
|