4seventy,

You are absolutely correct,of course, and that was left out, unfortunelty, in my discription. However, the amount of steel removed, from the bar of the A&D Boxlock action,except in the DROP LOCK, is not as much as that of the bar action sidelock, and is the reason the bar can be shorter, and thinner, than the Barlock action. The drop lock action is similar to the Blitz action, but requires more steel be removed, where the blitz requires more wood be removed.

The back action is much stronger than the barlock action, but in My opinion, the well made box lock double rifle is stronger, over all, than any sidelock! That is converse to the origenal poster's assumption, that the barlock action was the strongest of the side locks, and much stronger than an equally well made boxlock. I simply disagree!

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against a fine sidlock double , I own several,both rifles, and shotguns, I just think a well made box lock is less prone to breakage! Either type will stay on face, and outlast it's owner, if it is cared for properly, and the cartridges loaded in it, are not over loaded! Anything can be destroyed, if enough effort is applied! I know some people who could destroy an anvil with a rubber hammer!

To add one more thing, the weakest of all, is the Blitz action. The bar is not as effected, but the stock is heavily relieved to accommodate the trigger plate locks, thus weakening the whole rifle, as a unit, considerably.