WOW!! Sure doesn’t look like Damascus to me ??

[Mike Stahle]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=203055759

[Richard Flanders]

Impressive. That looks like a serious obstruction issue...!

[Mike Stahle]

Sure would like to know the details on that one.
Wish all the pictures would show up.

[Bruce Day]

Also see Brad Bachelder's post under Damascus Barrels A Testiment to Damascus, where he describes a damascus gun that withstood years of ultra heavy and steel shot loads without difficulty.

I know I've shot some heavy loads up to the max rated for the gun through mine, and if that qualifies me for the M club, so be it.

[Mike Stahle]

Also see Brad Bachelder's post under Damascus Barrels A Testiment to Damascus, where he describes a damascus gun that withstood years of ultra heavy and steel shot loads without difficulty.

I know I've shot some heavy loads up to the max rated for the gun through mine, and if that qualifies me for the M club, so be it.

Thanks Bruce, I did indeed see that post the other day.
As you know I am a big fan of those beautiful old Damascus barrels.
Though I hate to see a blown-out barrel on any gun. I must admit I’m
thankful this was not pictures of a blown Damascus barrel.
No doubt, would have been fuel for the unwarranted fire.

[Gregory Miller]

?Handloads that don't and fire only the primer can leave the wad about that position. Seems like I see it more in winter league shoots. If gun goes poof rather than bang need to check those barrels. A shame. I am very fond of 16s. Will bring a PH16 with 30" twist on a 1 frame to waldron. Wonderful little gun.

[Austin W Hogan]

I would expect that barrel failed due to mud or snow in the muzzle. However, we should not bury our heads in the sand; the straight longitudinal tear may be the result of a couple of extra strokes in shaping the barrel plus years of use. It is a good idea to measure thickness at many points, and to frequently inspect for waviness or deformation of barrels.

Happy New Year

Austin

[Richard Flanders]

I suspect you're correct Austin. He mentions 'the muzzles', not just one as it would more likely be be with a stuck wad, which generally would not cause that major a failure. That looks like someone stuck it 8" into water and let her go.