damascus type
 

can anyone help me identify the pattern and type of steel on this grade three colt 1878? why would they put twist steel on a grade three gun? does this mean they are weaker barrels?

Examples of the barrels offered on the Colt 1878 hammer gun are here Tony
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/17067005
One can only assume the Twist barrels were requested by the purchaser.

Twist barrels were indeed usually found on lower grade guns, but quality Twist performed well in the 1891 Birmingham Proof House Trial, and pattern welded barrels are best judged by the overall quality of the gun
https://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfg2hmx7_22ddqshmdq

We think these barrels are original. No signs of refinishing on rest of gun and is in similar condition. The barrels are like new. No pitting. Shiny bores. Good enuf for rst's?

After you measure the barrel wall thickness, just to be sure, RST shells are highly recommended!

In comparison I have noticed that Twist barrels generally have greater wall thickness than their Damascus counterparts. Perhaps that was sales point in promoting Twist. Twist patterns are very interesting and by contrast, stand out more than Damascus.
As for strength, I have not done the destructive testing needed to fully test these barrels for integrity. Twist barrels tend to show corrosion following the bands of iron. In the worst case this corrosion can go completely through the barrel wall, certianly creating an unsafe condition.
Good bores and massive wall thickness make for a very shootalbe set of tubes. I proof every set I work on with full house 3 1/4 dram loads.

Brad

As good as i can measure,these are .072 thick at the muzzle. Havent gotten the tubes done yet.