[RPKESQ]

A Darne is a superb design that allows for a very light weight gun. I have seen several 12 bores that weigh 5 to 5.3 lbs. Most people would think the recoil would be high, but the action (if properly setup and adjusted) compresses the brass cases when camming closed. This in turn reduces head-space to about zero.

With out a head-space gap there is no cartridge setback on firing and the end result is lower recoil.

For those who doubt this, remember the original Colt Ace .22 1911. It used a "floating chamber" to increase the recoil of a .22 LR to reproduce the recoil of a .45 ACP round. Also think of the gas operated pistons that move a very short distance (and do not weigh much) to operate the bolt (uncamming, extraction and ejection) sequence.

This is not to say that heavy loads are going to be pleasant in a Darne, but that is not what it is made for. As a upland bird gun for fast breaking quail, chukkar, grouse, woodcock, snipe and such, it is magic with 1 oz. or 1 1/8 oz. loads.

Most Darnes were made with swamped top ribs and no bottom rib. Most are extractor, but I have a high grade with ejectors. Most have double triggers, but I have seen single trigger guns (I prefer double trigger). Most will have approx. 27 1/2" barrels (since they are made to a metric length). Stocking these is very interesting, as the action has extremely large bearing surfaces.

A wonderful gun!