Thinking about going Damascus

[Jeff Elder]

Looking at a GH #1 frame 12 gauge damascus if the barrels check safe. Any tips on shooting one or for reloading shells?

Thanks

Jeff

[Dean Romig]

There’s nothing different about shooting and caring for a Parker with Damascus barrels vs fluid-pressed steel barrels. Same precautions in every respect.

The real bonus is, you get to look at and admire the intricate and beautiful Damascus pattern whenever you hold it.





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[Mike of the Mountain]

+1 to Dean's comment.

[Drew Hause]

This might help Jeff
https://www.shotgunworld.com/threads...-shoot.366087/

Checking the barrels for safety means having the barrels evaluated by a barrel specialist with the interest, equipment (wall thickness gauge and bore scope), and expertise to properly do so. If the smith can't tell you wall thicknesses from breech to muzzle, or states "should be safe with low brass", you need another opinion.

In light of the age of the wood (not the barrels) it would be reasonable to stick with 1 oz. at 1200 fps target loads. And of course NO STEEL.

I clean my pattern welded barrels with a brass Tornado brush.
https://www.proshotproducts.com/12-G...USH_p_715.html
In the unlikely event that the standard stainless steel brush would fracture, the sharp edge will gouge a damascus barrel.

[mobirdhunter]

Jeff, less is more… or, certainly, enough. Take care of the history you’re shooting and someone down the road will thank you.

[Jeff Elder]

Thank you for all the responses

[Mills]

Go for it. And Dean is right

[Keith Doty]

Jeff, I shoot a 1901 "G" Damascus 12 on a regular basis, at the Adam's Cup last weekend as a mater of fact. I shoot 1 oz. loads tested at Precision, mild and pleasant to shoot. Will whack a pigeon or Helice, powders clays when I hit'em, great with bismuth for ducks. If the barrels are in good condition my big worry is the wood and the aged shooter! I clean with a brass brush and Hoppes, light oil patch last.
Reloading 2 1/2" Cheditte hulls with 16.8 gr. International, BP's CS12 wad with a 1/8" 20 ga. cork for filler, 1 oz. of 7 1/2 shot. Tested @ 1193 FPS and 5970 PSI. A pussycat to shoot and it WORKS!

[6pt-Sika]

I shoot probably more Damascus/twist barrels than I do fluid steel ! Damascus 8 , Damascus and twist 10’s , fluid steel 12’s and fluid steel 16’s . I’ve liquidated the 20’s and 28 .