I bought one I had located in a gunshow last year. They were calling it a Darne and even though I had never seen a Charlin I knew what it was but they were asking far too much. I got on internet and researched as best I could, and knowing the young man working the tables that day, tracked him down and found the guy who acutally was holding the gun on consingment. After a bit of dealing I stated that the asking was simpley far too much so the price came down by 50% and I bought it. I probably paid too much but he personally delivered it, about 50 miles one way.
Mine has the French pistol grip, and some engraving like the Hallowell gun, wood is darker and my checkering looks like it was in far better shape. An afternoon with a fine riffler file and the checkering is almost as new. A little steam removed most dents, then repaired splits in laminated horn buttplate.
The stock is hollow, and it appears to be a factory job. The gun shoots well, but is so light in 16ga it really kicks. For fun I much prefer the little 28Ga Darne, but really love the smoothness of the Charlin's action.
