How to: Disassemble a Sidelock Shotgun

AdamBragg

Active Member
A quick step-by-step guide on disassembling a sidelock shotgun, should you wish to give your gun a thorough, deep clean before/after the season.

The gun used in this example is an AYA No.2 Sidelock Ejector. The steps below can be used on most sidelocks, however some may vary slightly.

Please note: this is a beginner's guide. Any experts/gunsmiths won't learn anything here!

AYA-SD-1.jpg


The first step is to remove the locks. This gun has hand-detachable locks which are simply removed by a thumb screw. (others require a screwdriver) A firm tap on the bench should dislodge the locks from the action.

The trigger guard can then be removed by unscrewing the two wood screws and then rotating the entire guard anticlockwise.

AYA-SD-2.jpg

Once the trigger guard has been removed, you can unscrew the trigger plate screws and long hand pin that holds the back end of the receiver together.

After that, the top lever is held open and you can unscrew and remove the breech pin. Please note: these screws will be tight, so a good quality, well fitting screwdriver should be used to prevent damage to the screw heads.

AYA-SD-3.jpg


The trigger plate can then be dropped out the bottom of the gun and the stock gently wiggled off the action. Take care when sliding the stock off, the horns around the locks are delicate and can be broken easily.
Some guns have a loose pin inside the head of the stock, this can easily fall out and get lost.

AYA-SD-4.jpg

The next step is to take the forend apart. Holding the push rod in a vice, unscrew it until it clicks. You can then continue unscrew it with your fingers. Be careful when removing it as the spring can fly across your bench.
There is a small screw under the rod which goes into the forend tip. Remove this, along with the screw that goes into the diamond in the middle of the forend. The woodwork should now lift away from the metal.

20200624_112239-(Medium).jpg

The end result should look something like this. You can now clean and lightly oil the workings of your gun.
Too much oil stains the wood and makes it much weaker, resulting in cracks and breakages. A very light film is all you need!
I'd suggest keeping each screw in it's corresponding place so as not to get confused. (using masking tape to keep them in place)
Reassembly is exactly the same just in reverse. If you're not confident, please take your gun to an expert and they should be more than happy to help.


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I can be trusted to disassemble my shotguns just enough to "break open the barrels" and drop in a couple of shells.

If I were to do what you have suggested...dear God...it makes me sick to my stomach to even think of it.
Before you ask, yes I have all the correct tools - I bought them for this exact purpose.



I am gullible not stupid....oh actually...
 
At no stage in my post did I say that I had a sidelock.
I said I had, 'all the correct tools for the job' - which I had purchased for that exact purpose. I think it was you who called me a "gadget monster".

I also carry an optimist's condom in my wallet.

That's not getting used anytime soon either...
So the op gives a demonstration of how to take apart a side lock and you say you have all the tools necessary to do this job. For what do you intend to use those tools?
 
So the op gives a demonstration of how to take apart a side lock and you say you have all the tools necessary to do this job. For what do you intend to use those tools?

For the very reason they were manufactured. To dismantle a side-by-side sidelock shotgun.



Exactly the same reason as my condom...for when I am lucky enough to get it...
 
For the very reason they were manufactured. To dismantle a side-by-side sidelock shotgun.



Exactly the same reason as my condom...for when I am lucky enough to get it...

Not sure why you would buy a set of tools to dismantle a gun you haven't got a clue about. Wire a plug maybe, i can see you doing that....just.
 
Thanks for that, I have a Spanish sidelock I would like to refinish the stock on, might just give it a go now
 
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