doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Darne 16 gauge

The guns with no name on the opening lever can be fine guns indeed, but, one has to appraise the individual gun. They were often built by outworkers, for a retailer, or a manufacturer, who would catalog and supply sliding breech guns. Most are 1894 patent R models, with brazed barrels, the earlier version that was replaced at the Darne factory by the 1909 R patent gun. The older patent was available for a few years at the Darne factory alongside the new version, but, sold to other builders as a proofed and in-the-white barreled action, out the back door, so to speak, for decades. I’ve not seen a “clone”, unmarked V model, and I doubt they exist, but, it is possible, I suppose.
It is very much easier to buy a Darne, then to sell one. Avoid project Darne guns.

Best,
Ted

Thanks, this one has issues, the biggest being it binds on closing. You can’t just push forward on the lever, you have to close it by using the web of your thumb-hand low to get leverage, feels like you’re going to pinch your hand every time.

That said, what a wonderful gun to hold and shoulder. I was always intrigued after reading about them in Bodio’s book, but never saw one till yesterday.

And, just like that, down the rabbit hole we go....

An R model Darne is locked closed by a rather fearsome main spring, that is pinned into the lower metal, and actually sprung into the opposite bend of what it is when it is at rest. There is a fair amount of resistance getting the little guy closed, always. The opening lever gives you enough mechanical advantage to get that task done. A Charlin sliding breech gun opens and closes without any resistance, assuming the gun hasn’t been fired-if it has, you are cocking the gun on opening, and meet that resistance.

A Darne R model isn’t like that. As you already noted, keep any of your skin out of the closing operation, as it is always painful and bloody if you try to close the gun with your hide in the workings.

I’m going to go out on a limb, and speculate there was nothing wrong with the Darne clone you saw, or, at least nothing wrong with opening and closing, other mentioned issues I haven’t reviewed.

It was just unfamiliar to you.

Best,
Ted

Hope it’s not too late to add in. I acquired a 16ga Halifax Darne today, and it does not have the grade markings mentioned. It has “No 4” on the flats, and. “B” in a circle on the barrel hook. Serial number 31653. Would appreciate others insight. First personal experience with one of these.

B., probably best to start a new line about a new gun. Ted knows Darnes. But, here's my $.02. 31653 is an early Darne....1903-04?

Ted will tell you that this chart is riddled with errors but for the moment it's all we got. By the way..photos really of the proof marks etc really do help.

The Halifax marked guns seem to have a different numbering sequence then the graded monobloc guns referenced in the chart, above. The biggest problem with the chart above is that it was specific to guns sold in France. Exports were numbered differently.
The capital letter B on the guns barrel lug seems to indicate a gun with brazed, non monobloc barrels (tip of the hat to Dustin on that one). The most important clue on this gun is the “No 4” you see on the flats.
The Halifax existed because there were economic times that didn’t allow for people to part with the money for a graded Darne, which, was always an expensive gun. When times were really tough, there were several grades of Halifax gun. Your No 4 was produced in a window from about 1930 to sometime in the late 1930s. A number 4 was the most expensive of the Halifax guns.
A 16 gauge Darne is a pretty sweet spot to be in for a gun you can comfortably carry all day without growing weary of same. It isn’t a high volume clays gun, but, you already knew that. If you search the forum you should be able to come up with tips I posted here about a million times on how to keep your gun healthy, and you happy with using it, otherwise, ask again.

Good hunting. That is what it is for.

Best,
Ted