Darne R11
Darne · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1945
Also known as: Darne R-11, Darne R Series R11
Overview
The Darne R11 is a French side-by-side double-barreled shotgun built on Régis Darne's distinctive fixed-barrel sliding breech action. Rather than a barrel that tips down to open, the R11 uses a top lever that unlocks and slides the breech block rearward to expose the chambers, a design first patented in 1897. Part of the post-war R-series (grades R10 through R17), the R11 was a mid-grade boxlock-style hammerless game gun chambered in 12 gauge, with monobloc steel barrels, twin triggers, and a hand-engraved action. It was prized by upland hunters for its light weight, low profile, and fast, smooth operation.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2680 g (94.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1145 mm (45.08") |
| Barrel Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Breech
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Sliding Breech Action, Monobloc Barrels, Double Trigger, Side By Side Barrels, Fixed Chokes, Hand Engraving
Variants
- Darne R10 - Lower Grade
- Darne R13 - Higher Grade
- Darne R15 - Higher Grade
Production
Production years: 1945-1979
Part of the Saint-Étienne Darne R-series of sliding breech shotguns produced after World War II.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Régis Darne
Discontinued: 1979
Notes
The R-series grade number indicates the level of engraving and finish; R10 to R12 carried a XX proof rating while R13 to R17 carried XXX. Individual guns were largely hand-finished, so barrel length and weight varied between examples.
Background
Régis Darne introduced his sliding breech action in Saint-Étienne in 1897, breaking with the tip-down break action that dominated double guns. The system became a French commercial success and remained in production through several generations of Darne guns, with the R-series representing the company's classic post-war line.