Wow! Thats a supprise! The two of those pretty babys are mine and I did'nt even know they where exibited here!???
In fact the ten gage is'nt mine anymore since I sold it but the 12 is in my safe for sure!... Or should I go check! Lol!
Both of these ARE P17 wich are a transition model from the R to the V model. The P serie was dropped in 1950 and Darne went on with the R and V models.
Darnes were'nt always built exactly the same. They updated the construction of their guns with every patent they aquired.
The first sliding breech model came from the 1893 patent but the "long key" (P and V models) came from the 1897 patent, but only V models where produced under this patent.
The P model, came with the 1906 patent. Only two P's where produced; the P17 and the P18. Both considered to be better than there big sister the V19.
It was them slightly modified with the 1922 and 1928 patent.
Ok, I'll go check my safe now!... Lol...
Max
