Darnes Odd Actions

Published on March 18, 2020
Duration: 5:28

This video explores Darnes shotguns, a French gunmaker renowned for their unique fixed breech designs, specifically the sliding breech and rotary actions. While acknowledging their minimal practical application and slow operation, the presenter highlights their aesthetic appeal, intricate craftsmanship, and surprising value, with some models fetching under £2,000 at auction despite extensive hand engraving and finishing. The video contrasts these with more conventional hinge-pin shotguns, suggesting Darnes offers a distinct alternative for collectors and enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

Darnes shotguns are French sporting firearms famous for their unique fixed breech designs, including sliding breech and rotary actions. While not known for speed, they are praised for their aesthetic appeal, intricate hand craftsmanship, and surprising value, with some models available for under £2,000 at auction.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Darnes Shotguns
  2. 00:45History and Origin of Darnes
  3. 01:13The Sliding Breech Action Explained
  4. 02:25Controls and Features of Sliding Breech
  5. 03:14The Darnes Rotary Action
  6. 03:34Comparison to Traditional Actions
  7. 04:15Downsides and Maintenance of Darnes Actions
  8. 04:34Craftsmanship and Value of Darnes Guns
  9. 05:05Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Darnes shotguns known for?

Darnes shotguns are primarily known for their unique fixed breech sporting shotgun designs, specifically the sliding breech and rotary actions. They are also recognized for their intricate craftsmanship, hand engraving, and aesthetic appeal, often representing good value for collectors.

How do Darnes sliding breech shotguns operate?

The sliding breech action of a Darnes shotgun features a large top lever. Pulling this lever upwards opens the breech without any rotation or hinge joint on the barrels. The action also includes a plunger extractor that ejects cartridges when fully cycled.

What are the main drawbacks of Darnes shotgun actions?

The primary drawbacks of Darnes shotgun actions include their minimal practical application in terms of speed and efficiency compared to conventional designs. Additionally, finding skilled gunsmiths capable of working on these unique mechanisms can be very difficult.

Are Darnes shotguns expensive?

Darnes shotguns are generally considered to be good value for money, especially given the handcraft and engineering involved. While higher-grade, hand-engraved models can fetch under £2,000 at auction, entry-level examples can be found starting around £500.

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