Bill,Parker damascus barrels were reserved for guns Grade 2 and higher.Any of the Twist barrels were used on lower grade guns. Laminated steel barrels were also used by Parker on grade 1 and some grade 2 guns and were considered better than twist. As far as strength we believe they were comparatively equal but bear in mind that these barrels are at least 90 years old.Pitting,dents and especially bulges detract from their usefullness.I would have the barrel wall thickness checked and have a good smith that has experience in Parkers give them a thorough going over.
Remember when we are buying these old guns in essence we are buying the barrels.
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"Much care is bestowed to make it what the Sportsman needs-a good gun"-Charles Parker
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