Jack,
The extractor mechanism(it is not an ejector mechanism in the true sense of the word, since it makes more sense than any ejector I've ever used) is quite simple on either a Darne or a Charlin. The hook, under the breechblock, is loaded against the rim of the cartridge by the percutator (think firing pin, with a few more jobs to do) after the trigger has been pulled. If the trigger has not been pulled, the hook cannot catch and hold the rim of the cartridge. The little spring loaded plate in the barrel assembly moves the cartridges out of the chamber just a bit, so you can grab 'em, and gives the spent cartridges the same assist when the hook has them. Either design makes it easy to be polite, and not leave emptys strewn across the fruited plain.
The opening lever itself is a dandy safety, Rabbit-simply leave it up a 1/4 inch or so, with the normal (insert deadpan look here) safety in the fire position. When the birdie flies, simply close the gun. It can't fire unless closed, (try it, you will see what I mean) as it has a really keen interrupter device built into it, and that safety is as good as the other.
Thorny, a guy with a Kimber or a Beesley isn't the guy you expect to have The Wal-Mart brand optics firmly bolted down to the Kimber. The good scopes, are very good indeed, but, what most folks don't realize is how far all scopes, even the cheapies, have come in the last decade. Even the cheapies are pretty dang good, if all you are doing is rendering empty cans less than water tight, or filling the stew pot with bushy tailed varmints.
Best,
Ted
