doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Darne - stock work

Treblig and all,

Thanks for helpful comment.

Short 10 weighs 7 lbs 2 oz. I load cut down Federal 3-1/2 inch hulls with Longshot and either 1-1/8 oz of #7.5 or 1-1/4 oz of # 5 or #6 (for guinea fowl)that Tom Arbruster has tested. Recoil not a problem. Plan B is that I travel with a set of gaugemate gold 10 to 12 ga. chamber reducers so I can use 12 gauge, even the 34 gm. Rio load that southern Africans seem to love.

I'll try shaving the cheek down. How about a buttstock transplant? Would that work with the through bolt, carefully gluing it into the new buttstock? LOP is now 14-7/8 inches, the same as I've been tested for, and no cast to speak of, but drop etc. is much less...

Love the sliding breech and can reload very quickly as seen when my position turned into a hot corner with sandgrouse coming in. Missed a good few, 'tho and that caused me to look hard at the various geometry...

Best for the New Year,
Tim

Tim,
In for a penny.....

It occurs to me that you have been struggling to make this combination work, on several different levels, for a long time. A butt transplant would be a waste of time and more capital, methinks, and I only see one true solution. Show up at Geoffroy's shop, be measured, and get the damn thing restocked to fit. Pick the treatment you want on the stock, which sling, if any (I'm partial to the original Darne sling that doesn't use swivels, but, several different versions are available) and do it up.

Yes it will cost money, and take time. The question is, do you want it right, or not? I shoot a lowly R10 in 12 that I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with, before the restock. Now, well, things are different. The gun just fits.

If the answer is no, or, worse yet, 'kinda, do yourself a favor and sell it now. It won't be cheaper five years hence to do this work, and if you want a Darne, the whole key is having the gun fit. Tough to do on a used gun.

Tell us what happens. Good Luck.

Best,
Ted

Tim, I shot preserve pheasants on the Eastern Shore last week with my 6 1/4 pound Sauer ten. It is a pussycat with RST 1 1/8 ounce loads of #5.

Last time I talked to Geoffroy, the price of a Bruchet restock was around $2500 with "normal grade" wood. That included shipping to and from France. Not a bad deal to be honest with ya. I've seen two restocks on Darnes that were done here in the states. They were done by different stock makers, but it seems they both made the same mistake of making the nose on the comb just high enough for the breach block to take a jagged sliver of wood right off that spot. Ugh. I would get in contact with Geoffroy and have him send it back to the Bruchets for a new stock.

While you're on the phone with Geoffroy, ask him how much the Bruchets charge to tighten a Darne thats loose and off the face, I have a friend who claims to have seen many loose and broke down Darnes and he might like to know how much the Bruchets are charging....the Darne guy here in the states (Kirk Merrington) doesnt list that kind of work on his price list, Hmmm. I wonder why?

LeFusil, I'm interested to know where your friend saw all these "loose and broke down'' Darnes, The nearest I ever came to that was one where when the action was open I could detect a very slight shake to the barrels (easily fixed) and I've looked at a lot of Darnes. There is a component in the action that can be replaced in the unlikely event of wear. It's just a small block behind the toggle lever. Any competent machinist could make a new one. I don't know your friend but I would wonder about what kind of stuff he's been smoking, he needs to get the more expensive bud.
nial

Nial....he's not really my friend, if you followed some earlier post/threads, specifically one along the lines of "the strongest action", you'll understand why I'm laying the sarcasm on pretty thick here.

Dustin and Nial,
I had a V20 grade gun, years ago, that had been restocked here in the states. I got the gun from Chaddick. The wood was an excellent match to the front wood, but, close examination revealed American walnut on the butt and dark French on the front. It was a MAGNIFICENT restock, and Hervé noted he was glad the guy didn't live in France, as he didn't need the competition. The gun ended up as a cased, two barrel set, in 12 gauge with the Darne sling. I had a hand in the case and the second set of pipes.
I'm still waiting to hear how come they get away with building rifles in hard hitting smokeless calibers in Darne actions, since the Russians manage to destroy every one they see.
I still think it's the Indian, and not the arrow, in that case.
Best,
Ted

Ted, you have to be a bit more clear in your accusations. Do the Bruchets make bad rifles or are the Russions idiots? Your last sentence doesn't go very far to clarify your weird statement. When I posted this, Ted had not edited his post.

Eightbore, keep reading, and consider the context of Dustin's statement-I have faith you will "get it" before the Christmas holiday, or, New Year's, anyway. I'm not 'gonna edit, anything.
Best,
Ted

Thanks Ted,

Excellent idea. I'll give Geoffroy a call. If he sends it off to France, I'll get the new tubes Kirk Merrington put in proofed at St. Etienne as well.

Best for the New Year,
Tim