Tim,
Done:


It is an R10, with the triple scary proof. 18,000PSI was the number, I think.

I got into the gun on my bench tonight. God it was a filthy mess. The main spring is sitting just in front of the sliding breech. If you break that part, the gun is useless. Also, notice the fine hair spring for the trigger return? I lost that one. Since I used to import the guns, I have a small supply of them, and went into the house and got a new one.

This is about as far as you need to get into a Darne for the every 50-100 year maintenance.



Here is a picture of the new trigger spring that I fitted. I like mine better, anyway.



Back together, perhaps 2 hours later, would have been sooner, but, Alexandra interrupted me for a big plate of Colombian red rice with veggies and shrimp, and a nice cold beer. I still have to rub a little linseed oil on the stock. The gun is in really nice, but, not perfect shape.




PJ,
I am simply guessing it was ordered. Notice the front wood-it is shaped the same as the wood on a graded R model Darne, which, this is not. That costs more money, as the new guys can shape the typical R10 grade splinter, that looks like the front wood on Stan's Sterlingworth-very simple. This style of front wood requires more talent, which costs more money, so, you wouldn't get it unless you paid for it, after asking for it. Also, the butt is not hollowed on this one-most are. You would typically have to ask for that. Somebody wanted a heavier Darne, based on the weight of the barrels, and the solid stock. Every one I ever imported was hollowed.

Stan,
Even being as good a shot as you are, I would kick your ass, on any range, at any time, with this Darne, versus you, and a picture of a Sterlingworth. Any picture of a Sterlingworth.
The only person I know who is in love with the Darne semi-pistol grip is Steve Bodio, who was also a very good shot back in the day. Works for somebody, I guess.
I've been making them work for a few years. I prefer the Darne straight grip, prefer most straight grips, but, the gun was a gift to me, and I wasn't about to turn it down based on the grip.

Best,
Ted