Thanks Bruce. This is something I have wondered about as well. My theory is there is little or no difference between grades of Parker's fluid steel barrel composition. The designation Trojan, Vulcan, Titanic, etc. was a carry over during Parker Bros transition from damascus steel to fluid steel. Higher and finer grades of damascus are readily apparent and easily seen. A gun with a Plain Twist bbl wouldn't be expected to command the price of a gun with Bernard bbls. So when Parker Bros decided they would offer fluid steel bbls, Sales and Marketing types realized that from a value added standpoint it would be easier to justify the price of higher grade guns if they were fitted with what appeared to be higher grades of fluid steel. Customers just looking at the fluid steel bbls could see no difference between grades like they could with the damascus bbls. Even today we have to read the rib to know what the barrels were designated. So, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it: little to no difference in bbl composition. Fluid steel was simply a cost cutting measure over damascus steel and had to be justified. If someone did the actual research and testing and wrote it up I'm sure it would be published in Parker Pages as well as the DGJ. If, someone wants to send me samples and the PGCA agreed to pay for the tests there is a company near where I live that could lay the matter to rest.
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