Relative strength of damascus barrels

[Harry Collins]

Buddy, the act of shooting a type of barrel that "everyone" considers sheer scuicide and bordering on lunicy takes some convincing. It took years for me to work into it. I shot black powder and they were wimpy. Ross Seyfried published an aritcle on shooting Damascus with low pressure loads (5,000 psi) with IMR 7625 powder twentyfive or more years ago. I tried it and haven't looked back. The Double Gun Journal was published and in some of the first issues John Brindle (SP) wrote some Nitro for Black articles. The short and long of it was to keep pressures below 8,000 psi and you will be fine. I have not had any of my Twist or Damascus guns checked by a gunsmith for shootability. Most don't want the liability and will poo poo the idea. If the gun appears to be "not messed with" I will shoot it. I don't like pitted barrels however they come from a time of mercury primers and hydroscopic powder residue and pitts are almost expected to be found. Very light pitts are an indicator the barrels have not been reamed or skim bored therefor not messed with. I shoot sporting clays with a 12 gauge 1881 Lifter Parker with Twist barrels. I use a 1 oz load and WST powder for pressures in the 7,400 psi range. This load mirrors Winchesters Xtra Lite load at about 1180 fps. I shoot a 10 gauge Lifter Parker Twist with IMR 4756 powder. My advice is load up with RST shells and enjoy your Parkers.