French guns are revered in southern Europe. In places where people hunt on foot rather than shoot driven game. Ideals and Darnes are ranked at least equal to Purdeys and prices reflect this appreciation, confirming the "tool for the job" adage. Admittedly the French understood the needs of these hunters and came out with woodcock specials, which the English never offered.

Guyot and Granger are ranked even higher than Ideal and Darne, but seldom seen.