Doug, to the casual observer, the Darne and Charlin would appear to be the same "type" of action (sliding breech) just as the great majority of doubleguns would appear to the layman to be of the hinging barrel or breakopen type. Ted has explained previously that despite the bird's eye similarlities, the standing breech of the Darne is mechanically locked when closed; the Charlin is not "locked" but has an over-center cam in the toggle lever which makes it progressively resistant to opening under pressure of firing. There are bearing balls embedded in the "ways" upon which the sliding breech of the Charlin slides; omitted on the Darnes.
Anyone know who built/builds guns for Henry Huret, sporting goods retailer in Lille? Anyone know anything about Pirlot?
jack
