Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Zachow
My damascus GH 12 was made in 1927 and carries the Parker Bros overload proof stamp on the barrel flats. Yep, they can easily handle smokeless powder.
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I'll add a caveat to this statement.
Yes Damascus barrels can handle smokeless/nitro powders: As long as the barrels are in good shape with good wall thickness and the pressures of the ammunition being used are within the guide lines of the era the barrels were made.
There are many of us here who shoot our Damascus Parkers on a regular basis. I'm sure almost all of us have inspected our barrels to make sure they are safe to shoot. I'm currently working up some non-toxic loads to use in my twist barreled Parker short 10. These will be used this fall in Colorado & Oklahoma on sandhill cranes. Hunting with these old Damascus barreled guns just adds extra flavor to the overall experience.
Have a competent gunsmith who knows Damascus barrels inspect them, then buy some ammo from RST and enjoy shooting your gun.