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

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

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

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.

wad
 

?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.

Failed Barrel
 

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

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.