Poor man's double for Francophiles

[Red Leg]

I thought perhaps at least @IvW would be interested in seeing this gun.

I have owned a number of Darne shotguns over the decades and have retained two. One is a svelte little 28 bore that retains its European choking (read tight and tighter) that is perfect for swatting high flying white wings out back, and the other is this purpose built slug gun.

The factory barrels are just under 24" (60 CM length) and chambered for 70mm shells. They are quite heavy compared to normal shotgun barrels and were factory equipped with rifle front and quarter rib. The first owner had telescopic ring attachments very professionally inlayed into the quarter rib, and they, in turn, fit dismountable lever rings holding a period Burris 2 3/4 power long eye relief scope.

I am sad to say that I have yet to use it on game, but it easily puts four brenneke type slugs into 3 - 4 inches at fifty yards. It would be terrific on feral hogs here, and I suspect one would not feel unarmed rolling warthog or stopping a leopard in Africa.

It likely won't make it to Africa, but it is about time I dealt with a pig or two with it.

 

[Aaron N]

Interesting shotgun! Does it eject?

 

[375er]

I always thought those were cool guns!

 

[R.M.C.]

Better shoot some pigs or something with that. They're awesome guns!!

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Absolutely beautiful piece. I believe that the French originally regulated these Darne shotguns for the old Helix slug design. Therefore, felt wad based Brenneke slugs should be very acceptable in terms of accuracy for hunting driven boars.

 

[Red Leg]

Absolutely beautiful piece. I believe that the French originally regulated these Darne shotguns for the old Helix slug design. Therefore, felt wad based Brenneke slugs should be very acceptable in terms of accuracy for hunting driven boars.

Yes. This was clearly a driven boar gun, and I would suspect late sixties manufacture.

 

[Inline6]

Nice! You have a very nice collection for sure!

 

[ZG47]

I thought perhaps at least @IvW would be interested in seeing this gun.

I have owned a number of Darne shotguns over the decades and have retained two. One is a svelte little 28 bore that retains its European choking (read tight and tighter) that is perfect for swatting high flying white wings out back, and the other is this purpose built slug gun.

The factory barrels are just under 24" (60 CM length) and chambered for 70mm shells. They are quite heavy compared to normal shotgun barrels and were factory equipped with rifle front and quarter rib. The first owner had telescopic ring attachments very professionally inlayed into the quarter rib, and they, in turn, fit dismountable lever rings holding a period Burris 2 3/4 power long eye relief scope.

I am sad to say that I have yet to use it on game, but it easily puts four brenneke type slugs into 3 - 4 inches at fifty yards. It would be terrific on feral hogs here, and I suspect one would not feel unarmed rolling warthog or stopping a leopard in Africa.

It likely won't make it to Africa, but it is about time I dealt with a pig or two with it.
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I just knew that it was going to be a Darne! Very nice gun.

 

[Red Leg]

Interesting shotgun! Does it eject?

Not traditionally. They pop out and roll off to either side.

 

[VertigoBE]

Very nice gun @Red Leg , these darnes pop up quite often here and always been tempted by one.

Would you consider this action type to have any advantages in sturdiness over a more traditional break open gun?

 

[IvW]

Wow!! Very interesting action...
Not sure how fast one can load it though.

I would love a double barrel rifled shotgun or paradox.....

 

[Red Leg]

Very nice gun @Red Leg , these darnes pop up quite often here and always been tempted by one.

Would you consider this action type to have any advantages in sturdiness over a more traditional break open gun?

With no hinge joint, it is an incredibly strong action. It will never ever go off face. However, they are slower to reload than a traditional top lever because the right hand has to completely release the wrist in order to work the action lever rearward. They also have a very small safety lever on the side of the action that requires a bit of getting accustomed to using. All that said, the net result is a very elegant design.

As I noted above, this 12 would really shine hunting driven boar.

 

[Scrumbag]

I like that a lot!

 

[Aaron N]

Not traditionally. They pop out and roll off to either side.

Interesting. I’ve never seen such a contraption in my limited travels

 

[PARA45]

Here is to you @Red Leg, you do have an exquisite taste for fine firearms.

The most interesting man in AH.

 

[SAFARIKIDD]

Well I'll be Darne!
That's a sweet rig there!

 

[Longwalker]

Nice gun! The Darnes are such a unique design. I didn't know they made a slug gun version. I had a chance to buy a 16 ga. Darne bird gun a couple years ago. Tried it out pass shooting snow geese. 3 geese with three shots made me almost reach for my wallet. They handle so well and are not only artistic but built to last. Alas, too many guns to tempt me, and me with not enough time and money! I hope you get to enjoy yours during a few good hunts.