Its common. See all the prior threads about damascus barrels and Dale Edmonds. You'll see lots of such examples. The higher the grade, the better the damascus barrels matched. In some low grades, you'll see mismatched damascus in the same barrel.

Bruce posted this D3 barrel refinished by Dale with mismatched tube segments

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL.../385835791.jpg

Craig refinished these Charles Lancaster barrels with 3 Rod 'Oxford' right barrel, and 3 Rod 'Finest' Oxford left

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL.../385836673.jpg

Baker A grade with slightly different 4 Iron 'Oxford'

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL.../292172023.jpg

The rough forged tubes were paired in Belgium, and after the final fit and finishing, but before coloring, the pattern is almost indistinguishable.

I think I own thoes D3 barrels

Mike,

Not to worry.... The patterns match, there are no mismatched segments, etc....
The left barrel's pattern is just a little smaller that the right's. I just thought it looked neat.

The Grade 2 or "G" is the lowest grade that Parker Bros. fitted Damascus (not Twist, Stub Twist, Laminated or any of the other composite) barrels to so probably the least costly of the Damascus barrels were used on this grade with the greater possibility of mismatched patterns. This in no way compromises the integrity of the strength of the barrels.

No worry here Craig, I think it’s awesome when little secrets are uncovered such as this. :cool:
I just added your comment to keep the thread alive as you progress in the refinish of the barrels. Hope you don't mind. :)

BTW: If any of you moderators feel this thread should be moved to a different section of the forum, that’s more than fine by me. :)

I am aware that some people use damascus pattern matching as part of the selection criteria when looking at G grades. Some want consistant patterns, others want variety. Some G's have fine damascus, others coarser.

D's are more consistant, but not always.

On all the C's and above I have seen, the fine damascus pattern has been consistant in the barrel and between barrels of the set. All the Bernards I have seen have been consistant. Sometimes you can see segment weld lines, but the segments are generally consistant.

The same is true for twist. Being a lower grade barrel steel, there can be much inconsistancy.

I am an enthusiast of damascus barrels, I find them much more interesting than fluid steel, and have both in my small collection.

Barrel Update:
Got the call from Craig last evening saying the barrels are done
and ready to be picked up. :cheers:
Friday evening can’t come soon enough. :)
I will post pictures this weekend as time permit's.

3 pictures Craig sent me of the finished product. :)

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l3...S/DSC_0891.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l3...S/DSC_0894.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l3...S/DSC_0896.jpg


ooops... Lets add a fourth one from Craig. I really like the looks of this one. ;-)

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l3...S/DSC_0914.jpg

Mike,

The pics aren't the best, but will give you an idea of what they look like.
Be sure to bring the rest of the gun when you come to pick them up! I like seeing everything back together...