I have several Darne guns...I like them all! However, only two of them fit me well.
I shoot the 28 bore V19 as well as I've ever shot any gun on the skeet range. In addition; I have hunted with both the 28 and a late model 12 bore R15 and shot as many birds as with any hinge gun I have. (Keep inmind I'm not a olympic level shooter...;-)
I like to hunt with the R15 as it has a non-traditional push through (cross bolt) safe on the sliding breach. I can live with the sliding side safe on the V series guns but my older guns have the swinging safe and you must be very thoughtful when manipulating them.
The best looking Darne I have is an early 1900's R-13....fab engraving and very nice wood 2-1/2" 12 bore and it does not fit well but it is fun to try to hit clays with it!
The only Darne I have that I rarely shoot is a 20 bore R-10 Case colored gun. Again a very pretty gun, leather pad nice wood but short on the fit side...If I tag on a slip on leather pad and wear heavy clothes it almost makes it useable.
