[Jeff Mayhew]

Did some searching through FAQs and damascus websites, and probably am missing this information already recorded somewhere. If so, I apologize.

Can somebody explain the difference between "twist" and "plain twist?" I ask specifically in the context of Parker guns. At first I made the assumption that "plain twist" was a subset of "twist," but this cannot be true if, as the PCGA home page indicates, Parker made 5,122 "twist" barreled guns and 49,317 "plain twist" units.

Is there a difference in construction? The quality of the steel used? Both? Is it just a naming convention that changed (i.e. a distinction based on the words inscribed in the top rib)? Sounds like "twist" came first; is it inferior to "plain twist?"

Thanks in advance! And a general thank-you to all of the experts who contribute their expertise to this forum so generously.