If the barrels are sound it's more shootable with modern smokeless powder than you might think and definitely more than some would tell you. There has been recent testing that showed that damascus barrels in good shape can take quite a beating pressure wise without failing. MANY of us on this forum shoot damascus guns by preference and shoot low pressure smokeless powder loads. I just now finished loading up a box of 10ga loads with bismuth shot for a duck hunt tomorrow. I shoot an 1886 grade 3 damascus Parker hammer gun. The key before you shoot anything through it is to have a competent gunsmith check the barrels for flaws, get the dents taken out and most of all to come onto this forum for advice on loads and such. You will get all the help you need here. Someone can likely tell you of a gunsmith close to you who knows Parkers and is not afraid of damascus bbls.
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