doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Looking for info on Charlin

Check out this foto. To me it is apparent that the "thumbhole" or tip of comb is offset to the right more than is the butt. No way you can achieve this by bending a stock which has comb sides parallel to the plan centerline.



jack

Rabbit, your "grove of palms" is triple French proof, which as Ted says is relatively rare on guns other than Darnes. (I had a sideplated Drevet 16ga with triple proof, which is very seldom seen on break-open guns.)

I know, I know, Larry. Thad Scott (RIP) just about gave it away on GunBroker after I'd watched it on his site for a yr. Had a chance to buy another in Smyrna DE several yrs. ago. That one had a greyed action and some scratching and I'd say I was sorry I didn't at the price but it didn't feel as natural as this one and I'm still fighting a battle with the revulsion I feel at the sight of vestigial pistol grips, which that one had.


jack

I have discovered that I don't feel as comfortable with those little pistol grip thingys, either. I don't know why, but, straight grips work out better for me, on a Darne. Rabbit's wood removal cast system is the only one I've seen like that, and while I have no doubt it wooks, the image sticks a bit in my own craw.

I can't say I feel revulsion at the sight of those semi-pistol bumps, however. I just notice that my specs become ever more deeply etched into stone as time goes by. Might be an attitude thing. But, more likely an age related issue.
Best,
Ted

Ted: Based on appearance of wood and finish in both cases, I have no reason to think that the shaping on either the Charlin or the Merkel is other than "factory original". I've put this bit about built-in cast in play previously (including fotos) and have not been greeted by resounding Hosannahs of instant recognition. No reference by Mr. T to a practise of shaving the comb off the centerline or sweeping it in a curve that I've heard. Perhaps M. Gournet should be queried about this! Either a lot of folks are too busy to notice this OR I don't know from s--- from apple butter?

jack

I have no reason to doubt it is factory original, either. It just leaves me a bit cold. Being a southpaw, that is expected, you know.

Looking for recognition on things firearms related of French origin mostly leads to, at best, blank stares or, worse, stupid comments, 'ala jOe the hOmeless guys spew.

It's mostly better that way. The Guyots and Grangers, Darnes and Charlins remain elusive enough, no need to add expensive to the list.

Best,
Ted

Those little round knobs on many French doubles . . . they seem to have been about the only ones to take minimalism in pistol grips that far, without eliminating the "bump" entirely.